Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste(ASR)2024-02-27 21:59Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased nearly 5% to just over MXN 6 billion in Q4 2023, with Mexico accounting for 74% of revenues and posting a 6% increase [14] - Comparable consolidated EBITDA increased 1% to MXN 4.1 billion, with Mexico being the main driver of profitability [17] - The company ended the year with a strong cash position of nearly MXN 16 billion and a negative leverage ratio of 0.2x [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aeronautical services in Mexico increased by 5%, while non-aeronautical services rose by 7%, reflecting higher passenger traffic [14] - Commercial revenues per passenger reached MXN 119, up 6% on a consolidated basis, with significant increases in Mexico and Colombia [16] - Colombia posted a mid-single-digit top line increase, supported by a 3% growth in aeronautical revenues and an 8% increase in non-aeronautical services [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nearly 18 million passengers traveled across the airport network in Q4 2023, marking the highest level for a fourth quarter [11] - Total traffic for the year reached over 70 million passengers, with a 10% annual increase in Mexico and an 18% increase in Puerto Rico, partially offset by a nearly 10% decline in Colombia [11][12] - Domestic traffic in Mexico is experiencing initial effects from Pratt & Whitney engine problems, while traffic from the U.S. and Canada remains a key growth driver [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company approved a 2024-2028 master development plan for Mexican airports, committing MXN 28.5 billion in CapEx, with 75% allocated to Cancun Airport [4][5] - The new MDP includes efficiency factor adjustments and a reduction in the technical assistance fee from 5% to 2.5% of EBITDA generated by Mexican operations [6][7] - Sustainability efforts include the installation of solar panels and achieving Level 2 certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program [8][9] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the reduction in air traffic movements at Mexico City Airport is expected to negatively impact domestic traffic in 2024 [12] - The company anticipates a recovery in Colombian traffic starting in March 2024 as local airlines resume operations [13] - Management expressed confidence in long-term opportunities supported by ongoing investments to enhance passenger travel experiences and expand commercial offerings [18] Other Important Information - The company completed negotiations with ITA, resulting in a reduced technical assistance fee [6] - The Supreme Court of Justice rejected an appeal related to the construction permit for Bavaro International Airport, impacting future projects in the Dominican Republic [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Pratt & Whitney inspection on domestic traffic - Management indicated that domestic traffic is weaker due to Pratt & Whitney issues, with Volaris increasing load factors but resulting in fewer passengers overall [21] Question: Increase in operating expenses - The increase in expenses was primarily due to salary adjustments in Colombia, which had been deferred during the pandemic [22] Question: Details on Cancun projects - The company plans to invest MXN 21 billion in Cancun, with major projects including the expansion of Terminal 4 and reconstruction of Terminal 1 [25] Question: Update on Dominican Republic airport project - The project is on hold due to legal processes and a recent decree cancelling previous approvals [27] Question: Capital allocation and dividend policy - Management will review capital allocation and dividend proposals in March, with no fixed dividend policy currently in place [29][40] Question: Tourism bookings in southeastern Mexico - Strong bookings are observed from the U.S. and Canada, but domestic traffic is affected by issues at Mexico City Airport [44]