Auna S.A.(AUNA) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated adjusted net income reached PEN 136 million in Q4 2025, compared to PEN 36 million in the same quarter last year, with full-year adjusted net income more than tripling to PEN 336 million [9][22] - Consolidated revenue grew 6% at FX neutral in Q4, while adjusted EBITDA declined 14% FX neutral, reflecting Mexico's underperformance and an unfavorable year-over-year comparison in Colombia [10][19] - For the full year, revenue grew 4%, while EBITDA declined 3% [10][21] - Free cash flow grew 35% to PEN 582 million, and year-end cash position increased 42% to PEN 335 million [27][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mexico's revenues declined 3% in Q4, but showed stabilization with unchanged revenues from the previous quarter [11][12] - Peru's revenue increased 11% during Q4, driven by growth in high complexity services and a record low medical loss ratio [16] - Colombia's revenue increased 6% for the quarter, with a full-year revenue increase of 4%, mainly driven by higher ticket prices [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capacity utilization in healthcare services decreased 2.3 percentage points to 64%, particularly in Colombia [10] - In Mexico, out-of-pocket revenues increased to 12% of total revenues in December, reflecting early recovery stages [11] - The oncology medical loss ratio in Peru improved to a record low of 48.5% [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to recover growth levels in Mexico and expand its reach into larger segments of privately insured families [6][31] - Auna is focusing on diversifying away from intervened payers in Colombia and prioritizing cash flows through risk-sharing arrangements [31] - The company plans to continue investing in strategic growth initiatives, particularly in Mexico and Peru, with expected adjusted EBITDA growth of 12% FX neutral in 2026 [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of the business and the outlook for 2026, citing improvements in Mexico's operations and strong performance in Peru [40][41] - The main risks to guidance include the pace of volume recovery in Mexico and macroeconomic conditions in operating markets [40] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a higher mix of services and specialties to improve margins in Mexico [84] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced $825 million in debt, improving its maturity profile and lowering interest expenses [9][29] - The extension of the healthcare plan with ISSSTE León is expected to result in a double-digit price increase for 2026 [49] - The Torre Trecca project is expected to commence operations in the second semester of 2028, representing a significant opportunity for Auna [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break down guidance by region or business line? - Management indicated that Mexico is expected to drive most of the improvement, but they are not providing guidance by country at this time [35][43] Question: What are the risks to your 2026 guidance? - Management noted that external factors such as political headwinds and operational challenges in Mexico were previously concerns, but they are now confident in the stability of the business [40] Question: Can you provide updates on the Torre Trecca project? - Management confirmed that Torre Trecca will commence operations in the second semester of 2028 and is expected to represent about 25% of the business in Peru at maturity [52] Question: What is the expected CapEx for 2026 and beyond? - Management stated that CapEx for 2026 is expected to be approximately 4% of revenue, focusing on maintenance investments and technology [61] Question: How is the board prioritizing capital allocation? - Management discussed the potential for share buybacks but emphasized that growth opportunities in Mexico would take priority [78]