Estée Lauder(US:EL)2025-09-01 14:02Financial Performance - The consolidated net profit for the first half of 2025 is over RON 420 million, four times higher than the previous year, with EBITDA exceeding RON 1 billion for the first time [1][11] - The EBITDA margin improved significantly, with a RON 1 billion EBITDA representing a RON 400 million increase compared to the first half of 2024 [10][13] - The net result for the first half of 2025 is RON 319 million higher than the same period in 2024, driven by improved energy margins and cost control [12][19] Business Line Performance - The distribution segment saw a revenue increase of approximately RON 300 million, driven by a 12.5% increase in distribution tariffs and a 3% growth in distributed energy [8][9] - The supply segment also contributed to revenue growth, with an increase in volumes delivered and higher acquisition prices impacting revenues positively [9][10] - The EBITDA for the distribution segment increased by RON 123 million, primarily due to a RON 171 million increase in energy margin [18][19] Market and Competitive Landscape - The company is focused on maintaining performance in a competitive energy market, with Fitch Ratings improving its outlook from negative to stable [2] - The company aims to leverage the liberalization of the Romanian energy market and the ongoing energy transition to enhance its competitive position [2][3] - The company ranks second in total market share among suppliers and first in terms of consumption places [26] Strategic Direction - The company launched its inaugural green bond issuance of EUR 500 million to finance strategic investments in renewable energy projects [3][4] - The company has a pipeline of approximately 307 MW of green production capacity and is actively involved in securing non-reversible funds to support its strategic objectives [4][5] - Future investments will focus on network infrastructure, digitalization, and renewable energy production [7] Management Commentary - Management expressed a positive outlook for 2025, emphasizing the importance of operational discipline and long-term vision in delivering sustainable value [7] - The management acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a subsidy scheme and indicated a cautious approach to future performance [42] - The company is committed to maintaining a robust financial position to support future growth and investment [44] Other Important Information - The company has received RON 430 million in subsidies this year and expects to collect up to RON 1 billion by the end of the year [64] - The company is focused on optimizing its internal financing structures and has successfully accessed syndicated loans to improve financial costs [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on subsidy receivables and cash collection - Management indicated that they expect to collect up to RON 1 billion in subsidies this year, with ongoing discussions with authorities [35][64] Question: Average price for network losses and expense increases - The average acquisition cost for the first half of the year is approximately RON 600 per megawatt, with increased financial expenses impacting the bottom line [36] Question: Cyclicality of Electrica's activity - Management confirmed that there is cyclicality in energy consumption, affecting both distribution and supply segments [41][43] Question: Robustness of Electrica's treasury for future loans - Management affirmed that the treasury is strong enough to contract new loans, having proven resilience through recent bond issuances [44][52] Question: Synergies from renewable energy production - The company aims to integrate renewable energy production within its ecosystem to enhance operational synergies [45][46] Question: Excess profits realization in H1 - Management stated that there are no excess profits in the supply segment that need to be returned [53] Question: Dividend policy and future distributions - Management indicated that the dividend policy will depend on recovering state subsidies and improving cash flow [58][67]