Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A.(TGS) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total net income for Q3 2025 was ARS 112 billion, up from ARS 68.8 billion in Q3 2024, primarily driven by improved performance in the liquids business and midstream segment [6][8] - EBITDA for natural gas transportation decreased to ARS 102.4 billion from nearly ARS 113 billion in Q3 2024, reflecting tariff adjustments that were insufficient to offset inflation impacts [7][8] - EBITDA for the liquids segment tripled to ARS 55.2 billion in Q3 2025, compared to ARS 18.2 billion in Q3 2024, due to increased export volumes and higher prices [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The liquids segment saw a significant increase in EBITDA, attributed to higher export volumes rising from 43,000 to 104,000 metric tons and increased ethane sales [9][10] - The midstream and other services segment's EBITDA rose to ARS 61.2 billion from ARS 46.7 billion in Q3 2024, driven by higher sales from increased natural gas volumes transported [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average transported natural gas billable volume increased from 29 million cubic meters per day in Q3 2024 to 32 million cubic meters per day in Q3 2025 [11] - The natural gas price increased from $3.1 to $3.4 per million BTU, negatively impacting EBITDA by ARS 4.3 billion [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest $560 million to expand the Perito Moreno pipeline's capacity and an additional $220 million for regulated pipelines between Saliceto and Greater Buenos Aires [4][5] - TGS is evaluating participation in a new gas pipeline project to supply gas to LNG facilities planned by CESA Southern Energy [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current production levels are extraordinary due to the richness of the gas stream from Vaca Muerta, which is expected to remain substantial in the coming years [20] - However, it was indicated that gas production typically decreases in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, which may affect overall output [20] Other Important Information - The cash position increased by 22% to ARS 875 billion, approximately $638 million at the official exchange rate [12] - The company recorded a positive variation in financial results amounting to ARS 31.1 billion, mainly due to increased income from financial assets [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Breakdown of the $780 million capex for the expansion project - The company expects to spend $150 million this year, $450 million in 2026, and the remaining $27 million in the first five months of 2027 [16] Question: Status of the insurance claim for the Complejo Cerri event - The expected recovery amount is over $50 million, with $10 million anticipated this year and the remainder in the following year [18] Question: Sustainability of current production and margins in the liquids segment - Current production levels are extraordinary, but lower gas production is expected in Q4 compared to Q3, which may affect margins [20] Question: Acceleration of cash capex deployment until year-end - Cash capex is expected to be higher than previous levels, with significant spending anticipated in the last quarter [23] Question: Expected income tax payments in the next quarter - Income tax payments in Q4 are expected to be similar to those in Q3 [27] Question: FID for the NGL fractionation facility - The company is working hard on the project, with FID expected in the first quarter of next year [28] Question: Participation in the NGL project with partners - The company aims to have partners in the liquids project, particularly in transportation and fractionation [30] Question: Further midstream segment synergy by 2027 - The company expects to benefit from increased transport capacity in the midstream business due to the expansion [31]