planting seeds for tomorrow
Earnings announcement
1Q24
(unaudited information)
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD
Index | ||
Sustainability | 11 | |
Perspectives | 12 | |
Annexes | 13 | |
• | Description of Altri Group | 13 |
• | Pulp mill's Maintenance Downtime Schedule | 13 |
• | Debt Maturity Profile | 14 |
• | Ratings ESG | 14 |
• | Income Statement (1Q24) | 15 |
• | Balance Sheet (1Q24) | 16 |
• | Glossary | 17 |
This document is a translation of a document originally issued in Portuguese, prepared using accounting policies consistent with the International Financial Reporting Standards adopted in European Union (IFRS-EU), some of which may not conform or be required by generally accepted accounting principles in other countries. In the event of discrepancies, the Portuguese language version prevails.
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 1 |
Index of Tables and Graphs | |
Table 3 - BHKP Average Pulp Price Evolution in Europe (2018 to 1Q24) | |
Table 9 - Investment | 10 |
Table 10 - Debt | 10 |
Table 11 - Scheduled Downtime | 13 |
Graph 1 - Debt Maturity Profile | 14 |
Table 12 - Ratings ESG | 14 |
Table 13 - Income Statement (1Q24) | 15 |
Table 14 - Balance Sheet (1Q24) | 16 |
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 2 |
Highlights of 1Q24
The Altri Group achieved total revenues of € 222.7 M in 1Q24, a decrease of 0.9% over the same period of last year. This evolution is explained, despite the increase in sales volume as a result of an increase in overall demand, by the average pulp price level in 1Q24, which was around 17% lower compared to 1Q23. Despite the comparison with the same period of the previous year, we continue to see a positive trend already recorded in relation to 4Q23, with total revenues in 1Q24 growing
18.9% vs 4Q23, which reflects the improvement in market conditions.
The Altri Group recorded an EBITDA of € 50.0 M in 1Q24, a value in line with the € 50.2 M reached
in 1Q23. The EBITDA margin was 22.5%, which compares with the 22.3% reported in the same period
of last year. The operational profitability of the Altri Group continues to improve on a quarterly basis, with the EBITDA of 1Q24 growing around 25.7% vs the 4Q23.
Global pulp demand continues to improve at the start of 2024, with the Asian market showing positive signs, reinforced by increased demand from Europe and North America. This improvement has globally led to successive increases in pulp prices (BHKP) during 2024.
At the General Shareholders' Meeting held on 3 May 2024, it was decided to distribute dividends in the amount of € 51.3 M, corresponding to € 0.25 per share, relative to 2023 results. Despite significantly lower level of earnings in 2023 than in 2022, the board of directors has proposed to maintain the level of ordinary dividends, representing a payout ratio of 120% on the results obtained in 2023. This decision shows the commitment of the Altri Group to a stable return on results to its shareholders, within the appropriate limits of financial soundness.
The Altri Group continues to develop various diversification projects in line with its strategic plan, in which the Gama project, in Galicia, is included. Of the projects in the execution phase, we would highlight the project for the recovery and valorization of acetic acid and furfural from renewable sources, at Caima, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 3 |
Message from the CEO
After one of the most sudden changes of cycle in more than two decades, the cellulosic fiber market is experiencing a significant recovery at the start of the year, sustained essentially by the Asian and European markets. We are experiencing a positive dynamic in these regions, which are being accompanied by North America, as a result of an improvement in demand from the various segments, with particular emphasis on P&W (Printing and Writing).
In this more positive context, the Altri Group increased the level of production at its three units in Portugal, even considering the scheduled downtime at Caima's unit. Sales of cellulosic fibers were stronger, with around 90% of the total going to international markets, making it possible to take advantage of the increase in prices since the summer of last year.
In a context of recovering prices, although still lower than those recorded in the same period last year, we increased production, but also sales, which, combined with a decrease in costs, had a positive impact on the results achieved during the first quarter of this year. Total revenues amounted to 222.7 million Euro, EBITDA reached 50 million Euro and the Net Profit, compared to the same quarter last year, increased by around 10%, to 21.6 million Euro.
The positive dynamic we are seeing in the market, both in terms of demand and prices, allows us to look forward to this second quarter with greater confidence, anticipating a strengthening of profitability. It is this positive outlook that allows us, in addition to remunerating our shareholders with dividends with a higher payout than the net results reported in 2023, to present the financial solidity to proceed with the investments necessary to continue growing in a sustainable manner.
It is also what allows us to maintain our focus on the development of the various projects underway, including the Gama project, in Galicia. To this end, together with our teams, we are pursuing diversification projects at our various production units, including the project to recover and valorize acetic acid and furfural from renewable sources, at Caima, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
José Soares de Pina
Altri's CEO
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 4 |
Operating and Financial Performance
Pulp Market
Global demand for pulp during the first quarter of 2024 recorded an increase of 6.2% vs the same period of the previous year, while the evolution of demand for Hardwood pulp was even more positive, with a 10.1% increase over the same period of the previous year, according to the PPPC (World Chemical Market Pulp Global 100 Report - March 2024).
In regional terms, and focusing essentially the Hardwood pulp market, which is more relevant for the Altri Group, we positively highlight China (+12.2%), North America (+11.8%) and the European market, which showed a different dynamic from 2023, with a rise of 13.4% in Western Europe and 30.7% in Eastern Europe.
Table 1 - Global Pulp Demand
Thousand Tons | Jan-Mar 24 | Jan-Mar 23 | Var.% |
Bleached Hardwood Sulphate | 10,033 | 9,114 | 10.1% |
Bleached Softwood Sulphate | 6,116 | 5,989 | 2.1% |
Unbleached Sulphate | 592 | 648 | -8.7% |
Sulphite | 22 | 25 | -12.7% |
Global Pulp Demand | 16,762 | 15,776 | 6.2% |
Bleached Hardwood Sulphate per region | |||
North America | 869 | 777 | 11.8% |
Western Europe | 2,049 | 1,806 | 13.4% |
Eastern Europe | 407 | 312 | 30.7% |
Latin America | 700 | 818 | -14.3% |
Japan | 246 | 243 | 1.4% |
China | 4,134 | 3,684 | 12.2% |
Rest of Asia/Africa | 1,583 | 1,430 | 10.7% |
Oceania | 44 | 44 | -1.6% |
Total | 10,033 | 9,114 | 10.1% |
Source: PPPC (World Chemical Market Pulp Global 100 Report- March 2024). |
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 5 |
One of the relevant factors to assess the balance of demand and supply of pulp in the European market is the level of stocks in European ports. After a global destocking trend in the pulp and paper industry's value chain for a great part of 2023, with port stocks reaching levels well above historical averages, peaking at 1.8 M tons in June, we have seen a sustained reduction since September. The year 2023 ended with a historically low level of stocks, close to 1.2 M tons, a level that remained similar during the first quarter of 2024.
Table 2 - Pulp Stocks | |||||||
Thousand Tons | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | ||
Jan | Feb | Mar | |||||
Stocks (EU Ports) | 1,542 | 1,198 | 1,157 | 1,546 | 1,280 | 1,158 | 1,231 |
Note: Monthly end-of-period stocks. Average for quarterly and annual values. | |||||||
Source: Europulp (Federation of the National Associations of Pulp Sellers in Europe) |
During the 1Q24, the price of the PIX pulp index (BHKP) in Europe continued the upward trend it has been on since September 2023, ending the first quarter of 2024 at US$ 1,220/ton. The price of the European PIX pulp index (BHKP) recorded, in average terms, an increase of 23% in 1Q24 vs. 4Q23 in US$, and an increase of 22% in Euro. The year-on-year comparison with 1Q23 is still negative, with a decrease of 16% in US$ and 18% in Euro.
The destocking process we are witnessing in the pulp and paper sector's value chain led to higher volatility in pulp prices during 2023, with a sharp reduction in prices until the summer. With the normalization of value chains, plus strong demand from the Chinese market, the impact of new capacity on the global pulp market has been absorbed and has led to a sustained recovery in global pulp prices.
Table 3 - BHKP Average Pulp Price Evolution in Europe (2018 to 1Q24)
US$/ton | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
1Q | |||||||
Average Pulp Price (BHKP) | 1,037 | 858 | 680 | 1,014 | 1,286 | 1,044 | 1,120 |
Source: FOEX. |
Global demand for Dissolving Pulp (DP) has registered a 3.2% decrease during the first two months of 2024, when compared with the same period of the previous year, according to Numera Analytics (Global DP Demand Report - February 2024). Nevertheless, Altri has continued to experience an increase in demand for this type of product. We recall that DP is targeted for textile and used mainly in Asia, the region that absorbs around 83% of the demand. During 1Q24, DP prices were practically unchanged (+1%) compared to 1Q23, and increased by 2% compared to 4Q23, once again exceeding US$ 900/ton.
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 6 |
Table 4 - Global Dissolving Pulp Demand | |||
Thousand Tons | Jan-Feb 24 | Jan-Feb 23 | Var.% |
North America | 87 | 87 | 0.6% |
Western Europe | 99 | 73 | 35.0% |
Asia | 964 | 1,029 | -6.3% |
China | 697 | 761 | -8.3% |
Japan | 21 | 37 | -42.2% |
Taiwan | 7 | 5 | 61.4% |
Thailand | 36 | 28 | 31.6% |
Rest of Asia | 202 | 199 | 1.3% |
Other | 9 | 8 | 11.3% |
Total | 1,159 | 1,197 | -3.2% |
Source: Numera Analytics (Global DP Demand Report - February 2024). |
The Altri Group
- Operating Performance
Total volume of pulp produced in the 1Q24 reached 275.4 thousand tons, an increase of 15.0% vs the same quarter in the previous year, but a decrease of 1.6% when compared to the previous quarter. The sales in volume of pulp in the first quarter of 2024 reached 298.5 thousand tons, an increase of 18.7% vs. 1Q23 and an increase of 10.3% when compared to the 4Q23. The recent levels of production and sales are a reflection of a more normalized market, following a period of lower demand and destocking in the sector in the first part of 2023.
Table 5 - Operating Indicators (Quarter) | |||||||
Thousand Tons | 1Q24 | 1Q23 | 1Q24/1Q23 | 4Q23 | 1Q24/4Q23 | ||
Pulp Production BHKP | 250.2 | 214.8 | 16.5% | 255.0 | -1.9% | ||
Pulp Production DWP | 25.2 | 24.7 | 1.9% | 24.7 | 1.8% | ||
Total Production | 275.4 | 239.5 | 15.0% | 279.7 | -1.6% | ||
Pulp Sales BHKP | 263.6 | 228.8 | 15.2% | 249.4 | 5.7% | ||
Pulp Sales DWP | 34.9 | 22.6 | 54.3% | 21.2 | 64.9% | ||
Total Sales | 298.5 | 251.4 | 18.7% | 270.6 | 10.3% | ||
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 7 |
In terms of end use, Tissue continues to show solid levels of demand, with a weight of 47% in 1Q24. The P&W (Printing and Writing) segment regained the weight it lost in 2023, with a significant increase in orders from customers in this segment. We believe there may be some restocking effect, after a reverse movement for a great part of 2023, which may have been excessive. In regional terms, Europe (including Portugal) accounts for 64% of sales, followed by the Middle East and North Africa with 24%, with Turkey being the main destination in the Middle East.
Table 6 - Weight of Sales (Volume) by End Use | ||||||
1Q24 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||
Tissue | 47% | 51% | 53% | 50% | ||
P&W | 25% | 19% | 24% | 19% | ||
Dissolving | 12% | 9% | 8% | 8% | ||
Décor | 4% | 4% | 5% | 7% | ||
Specialties | 3% | 3% | 5% | 6% | ||
Packaging | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | ||
Other | 7% | 12% | 3% | 8% | ||
Table 7 - Weight of Sales (Volume) by Region | ||||||
1Q24 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||
Europe (excl. Portugal) | 55% | 50% | 61% | 61% | ||
Middle East & North Africa | 24% | 25% | 17% | 17% | ||
Asia | 12% | 14% | 7% | 8% | ||
Portugal | 9% | 11% | 15% | 14% | ||
- Economic and Financial Performance
During the 1Q24, total revenues of Altri Group amounted to € 222.7 M, a 0.9% decrease vs 1Q23 and an increase of 18.9% vs. 4Q23. Although the comparison between 1Q24 and the same period last year in terms of pulp prices is still unfavorable, the increase in volumes sold almost offset this evolution. When comparing with the last quarter of 2023, the increase in revenues is a consequence of the sequential improvement in the average pulp sales price and the increase in volumes sold, given the favorable market environment.
In the 1Q24, EBITDA reached € 50.0 M, a value in line with the € 50.2 M recorded in the 1Q23, and the EBITDA margin was 22.5%, an increase of 0.2 p.p. when compared to the same period in the previous year. When compared to the 4Q23, there is a more positive evolution, with an increase of 25.7% in
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 8 |
EBITDA and an improvement of 1.2 p.p. of the EBITDA margin. If we exclude the effect of the change in fair value of biological assets (€ 5.6 M) in the previous quarter, the improvement in the EBITDA margin would be of 4.2 p.p..
The Altri Group's financial results reached € -4.7 M in the 1Q24, which compares with € -5.8 M in the 1Q23. Despite the increase in interest expenses due to the evolution of interest rates, this effect was more than offset by the effect of the increase in interest earned and the favorable evolution of exchange rate differences.
The Net Profit of the Altri Group in the 1Q24 reached € 21.6 M, a growth of 10.0% when compared with € 19.6 M in the same period of the previous year. Compared to 4Q23, net income increased by around 48.0%.
Table 8 - Income Statement Highlights of the 1Q24 | ||||||
€ M | 1Q24 | 1Q23 | 1Q24/1Q23 | 4Q23 | 1Q24/4Q23 | |
Cellulosic fibers | 186.0 | 189.1 | -1.6% | 149.0 | 24.8% | |
Others1 | 36.7 | 35.6 | 3.1% | 38.2 | -3.9% | |
Total Revenues | 222.7 | 224.7 | -0.9% |
EBITDA | 50.0 | 50.2 | -0.3% |
EBITDA mg | 22.5% | 22.3% | +0.2 pp |
EBIT | 34.8 | 32.8 | 5.9% |
EBIT mg | 15.6% | 14.6% | +1.1 pp |
Net financials | -4.7 | -5.8 | -18.4% |
Income tax | -8.6 | -7.6 | 13.0% |
187.3 18.9%
39.8 25.7%
21.3% | +1.2 pp |
25.0 39.2%
13.3% | +2.4 pp |
-6.5-26.9%
-4.2 105.8%
Net profit2 | 21.6 | 19.6 | 10.0% | 14.6 | 48.0% | |
- Others: includes essentially i) sale of biomass and rendering of operation and maintenance services to Greenvolt's biomass plants in Portugal and ii) sale of Electric Energy (cogeneration) related to the cellulosic fiber production process.
- Attributable to equity holders of the parent
Note: Variation of unrounded figures
BUILDING A +RENEWABLE WORLD | Page → 9 |
Attachments
- Original Link
- Original Document
- Permalink
Disclaimer
Altri SGPS SA published this content on 23 May 2024 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 23 May 2024 16:09:06 UTC.