Release Date: August 15, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- BRF SA (BRFS, Financial) reported a significant revenue growth of 22.3% compared to the same period in 2023, marking the best second quarter in its history.
- The company achieved an EBITDA of BRL2.6 billion with a margin of 17.6%, indicating improved profitability for the sixth consecutive quarter.
- BRF SA (BRFS) observed relevant growth in both international and domestic markets, with the best international market margin in the last nine years.
- The company's efficiency journey, guided by BRF+ 2.0, continues to show improvement in operating indicators, contributing to a high-performance culture.
- BRF SA (BRFS) achieved the lowest leverage in nine years at 1.4 times EBITDA, reflecting strong financial management and capital structure optimization.
Negative Points
- Despite strong performance, the company faces risks related to macroeconomic factors and market conditions that could impact future results.
- The Newcastle disease outbreak in Brazil posed challenges, requiring quick operational adjustments and impacting export volumes.
- There is ongoing concern about the balance of supply and demand in the market, particularly in Brazil, which could affect future pricing and profitability.
- The company must navigate potential impacts from new market entrants and increased competition in specific product lines like sausages and breaded products.
- BRF SA (BRFS) needs to continue managing tax credits and offsets effectively to maintain cash flow and profitability amidst complex tax environments.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you share your view on the international market portfolio and expectations for the second half of 2024? Also, is there room for new permits and markets?
A: (Miguel Gularte, CEO) The market is stable with balanced offer and demand across all geographies. We have secured 57 new permits this year, which helps us strategically place our production. We are working on 40 more permits by year-end. Key markets like the UK, Japan, and the Philippines are reopening, enhancing our market presence. (Fabio Mariano, CFO) The Halal regions are performing well, and we are focusing on increasing processed product offerings, which are more resilient in terms of price.
Q: What is your perspective on the cost curve, especially regarding grain prices and inventory strategy?
A: (Fabio Mariano, CFO) We expect a marginal decrease in feed prices in the second half of the year. Our efficiency program, BRF+ 2.0, continues to yield cost reductions. We are optimistic about the 2025 harvest, with expected increases in soybean and corn production. Our inventory strategy remains focused on optimizing costs and maintaining efficiency.
Q: How did the Newcastle disease impact your operations, and what measures did you take?
A: (Miguel Gularte, CEO) The Newcastle disease was declared a sanitary issue in July, but markets have reopened quickly, including China and Mexico. We had an action plan ready, which allowed us to redirect products efficiently. Our strong brands, Perdigao and Sadia, helped us maintain income and results despite the challenge.
Q: Can you discuss the volume growth in Brazil, especially in processed products, and its sustainability?
A: (Fabio Mariano, CFO) We saw double-digit growth in Brazil, particularly in processed products. This is due to improved commercial execution and increased market penetration. We are optimistic about maintaining these volumes in the second half of the year. If growth continues, we may evaluate expanding capacity from 2025 onwards.
Q: What are the strategic priorities for capital allocation given the current financial performance?
A: (Fabio Mariano, CFO) We are focused on maintaining profitability and expanding net profit. The form and intensity of capital compensation will depend on strategic guidance from our board. We recently announced a share repurchase program, indicating our belief that our shares are undervalued.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
