Ultra(UGP) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total EBITDA reached BRL2.7 billion, showing significant growth compared to last year, partially driven by the recognition of extraordinary tax credits [16] - Recurring EBITDA for the quarter totaled BRL1.648 billion, representing a 15% increase compared to the second quarter last year [17] - Net income was BRL1.151 billion in the quarter, an increase of 134% compared to the same period of the previous year [17] - Operating cash generation was BRL1.848 billion, a growth of 73% compared to the same period last year [18] - Net debt at the end of the second quarter was BRL12.635 billion, equivalent to 1.9x net debt to EBITDA, an increase from 1.7 times in the last quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ipiranga's volume sold in the second quarter was 2% lower compared to the same quarter last year, with a 3% reduction in diesel sales [19] - Ultragaz's recurring adjusted EBITDA was BRL442 million, 11% higher than the same period in 2024, reflecting better sales mix and efficiency [22] - Ultracargo's EBITDA totaled BRL141 million, which is 15% lower than the same period last year, mainly due to lower cubic meters sold [23] - Hydrovias' total volume in the quarter was 10% higher compared to the same quarter last year, with a recurring adjusted EBITDA increase of 39% [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fuel sector continues to experience illegalities, including increased regular imports of naphtha for selling as gasoline with reduced tax burden [7] - The implementation of single-phase taxation of hydrated ethanol for PIS and COFINS began in May, marking progress in the regulatory environment [7] - The volume of LPG sold by Ultragaz was 1% lower than in 2024, with a 2% decrease in the bottle segment [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to long-term value creation and disciplined capital management, focusing on operational cash flow generation [6] - The completion of the buyback program of 25 million Ultrapar shares at an average cost of BRL16.64 reflects the company's capital allocation strategy [8] - The company is preparing for potential regulatory changes in the LPG market, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and investment in the sector [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the positive effects of recent regulatory changes, although they acknowledged that the single-phase taxation initially deteriorates margins [33] - The company expects seasonally stronger volumes in the third quarter, with a trend towards normalization of inventories in the industry [20] - Management expressed optimism about the future performance of Hydrovias, expecting continued strong results and significant increases in recurring EBITDA [25] Other Important Information - The company raised BRL1 billion at Epidanga at an average cost equivalent to 106% of the CDI, below the current average cost of debt [8] - The company will pay BRL326 million in interim dividends, equivalent to $0.30 per share in August [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of informal practices on margins - Management acknowledged improvements in the industry but noted that it is too early to assess the full impact on margins [30][34] Question: Competition from Petrobras in the LPG market - Management indicated that Petrobras could support regulatory consolidation but emphasized the need for careful monitoring of market dynamics [38] Question: Working capital and draft discount related to IOF - Management confirmed that the discussion around IOF was a trigger for managing working capital effectively [40] Question: Consolidation of Hydrovias and cost reduction initiatives - Management expects improvements in management and operations to positively impact EBITDA in the second half of the year [54] Question: Long-term perspective for Ultracargo and expansion projects - Management confirmed ongoing investments in expansion projects, with expectations of reaching EBITDA per cubic meter similar to other terminals by 2026 [61] Question: Capital allocation and leverage targets - Management indicated that once leverage reaches a comfortable level, they will consider both investments and increasing dividend payouts [62]