Ferrovial SE(FER) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
Ferrovial SEFerrovial SE(US:FER)2025-10-29 15:00

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the first nine months of 2025, the company reported a negative net debt of €706 million, indicating a strong cash position [3][16] - Revenue grew by 6.2%, adjusted EBITDA increased by 4.8%, and adjusted EBIT rose by 6.0% in like-for-like terms [15] - Shareholder distributions reached €426 million in the first nine months, with a second scrip dividend announced [4][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Highways revenue grew by 16.4% in like-for-like terms in the first nine months, with adjusted EBITDA up nearly 15.1% [4][5] - The 407 ETR saw traffic growth of 9.4% in the quarter and 6.2% in the first nine months, contributing to an 18.6% revenue growth in Q3 [5][6] - Airports division reported steady performance, with adjusted EBITDA growth supported by commercial upgrades despite a 1.5% decline in traffic [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The I-66 managed lane experienced exceptional traffic growth of 13.2% in Q3 and 8.5% in the first nine months [10][11] - The Dallas-Fort Worth managed lanes showed varied performance, with NTE traffic declining by 3.7% in Q3 while revenue per transaction increased by 14.2% [7][8] - The overall market dynamics in North America are favorable, driving growth in the company's assets [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational readiness for New Terminal One at JFK, with a target opening date of June 2026 [12] - There is an emphasis on demand segmentation to enhance value for users and maximize EBITDA growth [6][7] - The company plans to submit bids for several projects in North Carolina and Tennessee in the first half of 2026, indicating a proactive approach to growth opportunities [4][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strong performance of North American assets, driven by increased customer segmentation and favorable market dynamics [18] - The company is monitoring the potential impact of the U.S. government shutdown but has not seen significant effects on revenue so far [25] - Future growth is expected to be supported by a healthy construction order book and an attractive pipeline of opportunities [14][19] Other Important Information - The company has a solid cash flow position, with significant cash inflows from dividends and asset sales [3][16] - The adjusted EBIT margin for the construction division was 3.7% for the first nine months, aligning with long-term targets [13][14] - The company is committed to returning €2.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks by the end of 2026 [17][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the potential financial consequences of a delay in New Terminal One? - Delays would result in liquidated damages for the contractor and a delay in revenue perception for the company [22][23] Question: Will the U.S. government shutdown impact Q4? - No significant impact has been observed on the I-66, and bidding processes remain unaffected [25] Question: What drove the Schedule 22 provision reversal in Q3? - Increased mobility and effective promotions contributed to the reversal, with traffic trends performing better than expected [28][29] Question: What is the outlook for pricing increases on the 407 ETR? - Pricing strategies will be announced in November, with expectations for revenue and EBITDA growth [32][33] Question: How is the competitive landscape in contracting? - The market remains rational with increased activity, and there is no significant tightening in competition [38][39] Question: What is the strategy regarding data centers? - The recent acquisition adds capabilities to the construction division, but the company remains opportunistic in the data center space [56]