Alfa SAB de CV (ALFFF) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record EBITDA and Strategic Spin-off Plans

In This Article:

  • Capital Raised: $400 million to reduce debt.

  • Alpek EBITDA Guidance: Revised upward by 13% to $675 million for 2024.

  • Sigma EBITDA: Achieved all-time high for the third consecutive quarter.

  • Sigma EBITDA Guidance: Estimated $50 million further upside on 2024 guidance.

  • ALFA's EBITDA Impact: $11 million net impact due to discontinued operations with Alpek.

  • Net Income Impact: $2 million loss due to change in accounting methodology.

  • Debt Reduction: $575 million parental level debt paid down with capital increase proceeds and dividends.

  • Alpek Spin-off: Shareholders to receive 1 share of Controladora Alpek for each ALFA share.

Release Date: October 29, 2024

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

Positive Points

  • Alfa SAB de CV (ALFFF) successfully transformed its conglomerate structure into four independent business units, allowing each to achieve fair valuation based on individual merits.

  • The company raised $400 million in capital to reduce debt, with the capital increase being oversubscribed by more than 2.6 times.

  • Alpek reported its highest quarterly comparable EBITDA since 2022, prompting an upward revision of its full-year guidance by 13% to $675 million.

  • Sigma achieved an all-time high in consolidated EBITDA for the third consecutive quarter, marking its 14th consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth.

  • Sigma's diverse portfolio and multi-channel distribution across 17 countries offer a unique opportunity in resilient sectors, aligning its valuation multiple with global food peers.

Negative Points

  • Alfa SAB de CV (ALFFF) will no longer issue consolidated guidance following the spin-off of Alpek, creating potential uncertainty for investors.

  • The company faces a temporary reclassification impact on EBITDA due to discontinued operations with Alpek, affecting comparability.

  • A change in accounting methodology led to a $2 million loss in third-quarter consolidated majority net income.

  • There is potential FX volatility that could impact Sigma's margins in Mexico in the fourth quarter.

  • The company is still in the process of finalizing the spin-off of Alpek, which is expected to be completed in 2025, potentially delaying full realization of strategic goals.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide an update on ALFA's capital allocation and priorities, especially in light of recent news about potential acquisitions in the U.S.? A: Eduardo Alberto Escalante Castillo, CFO, stated that ALFA is focused on completing the Alpek spin-off and capital increase. The company is committed to maintaining investment-grade ratings for ALFA, Alpek, and Sigma. Future acquisitions will be approached cautiously, and current priorities include finalizing the corporate simplification process and focusing on Sigma's operations.

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