Sacyr SA (FRA:VHM) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Robust Cash Flow Growth and Strategic Concession Expansion

Sacyr SA reports a 65% increase in operating cash flow and a significant concession backlog, despite rising net debt and challenges in the construction division.

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Nov 07, 2024
Summary
  • Operating Cash Flow: Increased by 65% to EUR805 million from EUR487 million.
  • Operating Cash Flow to EBITDA Ratio: 85%, a 50% increase from the previous year.
  • EBITDA Contribution: Over 90% from demand risk-free concessions or those with demand risk mitigation mechanisms.
  • Concession Backlog: Increased by 66% to EUR6.73 billion from EUR4 billion.
  • New Concessions Awarded in 2024: Four projects including Turin hospital, Anillo Vial Periferico, Northern Chile airport network, and Itata roads in Chile.
  • Net Debt Increase: EUR191 million, with EUR170 million for project financing and EUR19 million for recourse net debt.
  • Revenue from Concessions: Increased by 5%, with operating income from concessions up by 10%.
  • Engineering and Infrastructure Revenue: Decreased by 1%, with EBITDA down by 11%.
  • Water Division Revenue and EBITDA: Increased by 5%.
  • EBITDA Margin: Over 29%.
  • Backlog: Reached almost EUR10 billion, with 74% from concessions.
  • Dividend Payout: Two scrip dividends resulting in a profit close to 5% for shareholders.
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Release Date: November 06, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Sacyr SA (FRA:VHM, Financial) reported a 65% growth in operating cash flow, reaching EUR805 million, driven by new concession projects.
  • The company's EBITDA to cash conversion ratio improved significantly, reaching 85%, indicating strong financial robustness.
  • Sacyr SA has a substantial concession backlog, which increased by 66% to EUR6.73 billion, supporting future growth.
  • The company was awarded four new concessions in 2024, contributing to a record high backlog of EUR10 billion.
  • Sacyr SA is making progress with Voreantis, aiming to go public in early 2025, which could attract new investors and enhance growth.

Negative Points

  • Net debt increased by EUR191 million, primarily due to project financing, which could impact financial flexibility.
  • The construction division saw a slight decline in revenue and EBITDA, reflecting a strategic shift towards concessions.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the financial rebalancing of the Pedemontana project, which could affect future cash flows.
  • Traffic volumes in Latin America have decreased, although the company claims this will not impact revenue due to contract structures.
  • The company's share price does not reflect its true value, prompting considerations for a share buyback program.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Could you provide details on the potential share buyback program and its scope?
A: The buyback program will be similar to past initiatives in terms of type and amount and is expected to occur in the short term.

Q: How do you foresee the working capital evolving in Q4 and into 2025?
A: Q4 is typically the best performing quarter due to the seasonal nature of our business. We anticipate a significant improvement in working capital by December, positively impacting our accounts.

Q: Can you elaborate on the EBITDA performance and expectations for the coming quarters, especially regarding the concessions business?
A: EBITDA for concessions will decrease as projects are commissioned, with 80% of our concessions already operational. This results in lower EBITDA but higher cash flows, which is a key aspect of our business model.

Q: What is the current status and scope of Voreantis, especially concerning assets in Spain, Italy, Chile, and Colombia?
A: The scope of Voreantis is still being defined, and while we are considering including assets from these countries, the exact details are still a work in progress.

Q: How is the construction business performing, and what are the expectations for margins and revenue stability?
A: The construction business has shown improvement, with margins expected to reach nearly 5%. We aim for EUR2.2 billion in activity and a 5% margin, focusing on reducing risk and reinforcing our concession focus.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.