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Corporacion America Airports SA (CAAP) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue ex-IFRIC12: Decreased 4.2% year over year.

  • Revenue per Passenger: Consistent at $19.

  • Adjusted EBITDA ex-IFRIC12: $145 million, a 16% year-on-year decline.

  • Net Leverage Ratio: 0.9 times at quarter end.

  • Total Liquidity Position: $605 million, up 32% compared to year-end 2023.

  • Passenger Traffic: Declined 4% year on year, or 1.5% excluding Natal.

  • Domestic Passenger Tariffs in Argentina: Increased by 124%, effective November 1.

  • Dividend Distribution by AA2000: $80 million approved, with $68 million to CAAP subsidiaries.

  • Cargo Volumes: Increased 4.4% year on year.

  • Cargo Revenues: Declined 12% year on year.

Release Date: November 21, 2024

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

Positive Points

  • Corporacion America Airports SA (NYSE:CAAP) maintained a strong cash flow and solid balance sheet, with net leverage at record lows, providing financial stability and flexibility for growth opportunities.

  • The company received approval for a 124% increase in domestic passenger tariffs in Argentina, effective November 1, which will support local operations.

  • International traffic in Argentina showed strong performance, supported by additional routes and flight frequencies.

  • Operations in Uruguay, Brazil, and Italy contributed positively, highlighting the resilience of CAAP's diverse geographic portfolio.

  • The company secured three new real estate agreements in Brazil, enhancing non-aeronautical revenues and commercial offerings.

Negative Points

  • Revenues excluding IFRIC12 decreased by approximately 4% year over year, in line with lower passenger volumes.

  • Adjusted EBITDA declined in the mid-teens year over year, primarily due to macroeconomic challenges in Argentina.

  • Duty-free sales were lower compared to the previous year, impacted by the disparity between official and parallel exchange rates.

  • Total passenger traffic declined by 4% year on year, driven by soft demand for domestic travel in Argentina.

  • Cargo revenues declined by 12% year on year, largely due to lower revenues in Argentina.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide insights on the potential impact if the government decides to close down Aerolineas Argentinas? A: Martin Eurnekian, CEO, explained that Aerolineas Argentinas contributes about 6% of CAAP's revenues and 15% of its operations in Argentina. He highlighted the resilience of the business, citing a past example where a national airline ceased operations, yet the company continued to grow. The situation is complex and politically sensitive, making it difficult to predict exact outcomes.