B2 Impact ASA (STU:B28) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Net Profit Growth and ...

In This Article:

  • Operating Expenses: Down 7% compared to last year.

  • Investment: NOK1.4 billion invested and committed by the end of Q3; target between NOK2.5 billion to NOK3 billion for 2024.

  • Refinancing Impact: Anticipated reduction in financial costs by NOK275 million annually, or about NOK70 million quarterly.

  • Dividend: Increased to NOK1.3 per share, providing a direct return of around 15% annually.

  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): NOK1.3 year-to-date, aligning with the full fiscal year 2023.

  • Cash Collection: NOK1.3 billion, slightly down from last year.

  • Cash EBITDA: NOK1 billion for Q3.

  • Adjusted Net Profit: NOK122 million.

  • Personnel Costs: Down 9% compared to the same quarter last year.

  • Net Profit Growth: 72% underlying increase compared to last year.

  • Unsecured Collection Performance: 108% of the latest forecast.

  • Secured Cash Collections: NOK243 million, including NOK94 million of REO sales.

  • FTE Reduction: Down 15% year-over-year.

  • Interest Cost Reduction: 30% reduction in run rate interest cost.

  • Portfolio Investments: NOK455 million for Q3, up NOK27 million compared to last year.

Release Date: November 07, 2024

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

Positive Points

  • B2 Impact ASA (STU:B28) reported a strong performance in unsecured collections, achieving 108% of the latest forecast.

  • Operating expenses decreased by 7% compared to the previous year, reflecting successful cost reduction initiatives.

  • The company completed a refinancing plan that significantly reduced the cost of debt, with an expected annual savings of NOK275 million.

  • B2 Impact ASA increased its dividend for 2023 to NOK1.3 per share, providing a direct return of around 15% annually.

  • The company maintains a strong investment pipeline and expects to meet its investment target of NOK2.5 billion to NOK3 billion for 2024.

Negative Points

  • Cash collections were slightly down from the previous year, primarily due to lower REO sales and secured collections.

  • The company has not invested in secured portfolios for several years, leading to a decline in secured collections.

  • Interest costs, although reduced, still impact the bottom line, with further reductions expected in future quarters.

  • The number of full-time employees (FTEs) has decreased significantly, which may impact operational capacity if not managed carefully.

  • There is increased competition in the market, with some external funds entering the sector, potentially affecting investment opportunities.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you clarify if the Q4 interest cost below NOK200 million includes amortization fees, and what is the new run rate for these fees? A: The interest cost and commitment fees mentioned do not include amortization fees. The amortization fees are expected to align with previous periods. - Andre Adolfsen, CFO