Loma Negra Reports 1Q24 Results

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / ACCESSWIRE / May 9, 2024 / Loma Negra, (NYSE:LOMA)(BYMA:LOMA), ("Loma Negra" or the "Company"), the leading cement producer in Argentina, today announced results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 (our "1Q24 Results").

1Q24 Key Highlights

• Net sales revenues stood at Ps. 114,851 million (US$ 123 million), and decreased by 27.0% YoY, mainly explained by a decrease of 31,3% in the Cement segment sales volumes, with the other businesses following the same trend.
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA reached Ps. 25,961 million, decreasing 37.1% YoY in adjusted pesos, while in dollars it reached 42 million, down 33.9% from 1Q23.
• The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin stood at 22.6%, contracting 360 basis points YoY from 26.2%. On a sequential basis, the margin remained almost flat despite the decrease in volume, contracting by only 21 basis points.
• Net Profit of Ps. 50,703 million, up 151.0% from Ps. 20,200 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly explained by the net total finance gain.
• Net Debt stood at Ps. 177.323 million (US$ 207 million), representing a Net Debt/LTM Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.30x compared with 1.40x in FY23.

The Company has presented certain financial figures, Table 1b and Table 11, in U.S. dollars and Pesos without giving effect to IAS 29. The Company has prepared all other financial information herein by applying IAS 29.

Commenting on the financial and operating performance for the first quarter of 2024, Sergio Faifman, Loma Negra's Chief Executive Officer, noted: "We are starting a year full of new challenges, while the country is also entering a new stage in its quest for economic stabilization and growth. The stabilization plan being carried out by the new government after the sharp devaluation in December has quickly succeeded in significantly reducing inflation and achieving a fiscal surplus. However, economic activity remains in negative territory, affecting the construction industry. We understand that we are going through a transition period and that soon we will begin to see the positive effects of a normalized economy, setting the stage for sustainable growth.

In this context, I'm glad to present our results for the first quarter. Despite the complexity of the situation, marked by a significant drop in shipments, we have managed to close a positive quarter for the company. This achievement was mainly supported by the pillars of LOMA's robustness: our leadership position, backed by our production efficiency, expertise, and flexibility.

Diving into the quarterly results, we managed to post an Adjusted EBITDA of US$42 million, maintaining a solid US$39 per ton, at a similar level when compared year-on-year and on a sequential basis. We have focused on protecting our profitability while maintaining a solid balance sheet.

Looking ahead, we are cautiously optimistic that we have likely seen the worst part of this transition period in terms of activity levels, and we expect to see a gradual recovery in the upcoming quarters."

Overview of Operations
Sales Volumes

Sales volumes of Cement, masonry, and lime during 1Q24 decreased by 31.3% to 1.1 million tons. The lower level of activity in the industry, amid the fallout of the stabilization plan set by the new administration, deepened in March in part due to unfavorable weather conditions, especially during the first half of the month, affecting shipments in regions where cement consumption is highest. Although the decrease in volume affected both dispatch modes, the bulk mode was more affected by the political transition, the halt in public works, and the economic environment.

In terms of the volume of the Concrete segment, it exhibited a decrease of 41.7% YoY. Segment volumes followed the trend of bulk cement dispatches. Concrete producers were among the most affected in the quarter due to the lower activity levels in the construction sector, which was also impacted by unfavorable weather conditions. Public sector works remain at a standstill, while ongoing private sector projects have slowed down, and new projects are waiting for the stabilization of the new macro scenario. Similarly, volumes for the Aggregates segment declined by 38.7%.

The Railway segment experienced a contraction of 28.1% compared to the same quarter of 2023. The reduced activity in the construction sector affected our main cargo shippers, particularly in construction materials and chemicals, partially offset by an improvement in fracsand.

Review of Financial Results

Net Revenues

Net revenue decreased 27.0% to Ps. 114,851 million in 1Q24, from Ps. 157,435 million in the comparable quarter last year, mainly due to a lower top line performance of the Cement business, followed by the rest of the segments.

The Cement, masonry cement, and lime segment was down 25.4% YoY, with volumes contracting by 31.3%. Even though lower demand affected both modes of dispatches, bulk cement was more impacted by the political transition and the economic environment, as well as adverse weather conditions, especially during March. However, this effect was partially offset by a positive price dynamic.

Concrete registered a decrease in its revenue of 41.0% compared to 1Q23. This was due to lower volumes, which decreased by 41.7%. Similarly, the Aggregates segment posted a decrease in revenue of 40.5%, mainly due to lower sales volumes.

Railroad revenues decreased by 19.7% in 1Q24 compared to the same quarter of 2023, primarily due to a lower transported volume, which decreased by 28.1% in the quarter, mainly affected by the decrease in transported volumes of aggregates and chemicals, partially offset by an increase in fracsand. The positive price dynamic partially offset this effect, boosted by an increase in the average transported distance.

Cost of sales, and Gross profit

Cost of sales decreased by 24.9% YoY, reaching Ps. 85,814 million in 1Q24, mainly due to the decrease in sales volumes across all segments and the lower impact of depreciations in the Cement segment. Regarding the cost of sales for Cement, the segment posted an increase on a per-ton basis mainly due to a lower fixed cost absorption, partially compensated by lower energy inputs. Additionally, there was lower depreciation than that registered in 1Q23.

Gross Profit decreased 32.8% YoY to Ps. 29,036 million in 1Q24, from Ps. 43,221 million in 1Q23, with a gross profit margin contraction of 217 basis points YoY to 25.3%.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses (SG&A) decreased 6.7% to Ps. 13,239 million in 1Q24, from Ps. 14,195 million in 1Q23, mainly due to lower turnover tax and freights related to lower volume, and a decrease in insurance and marketing expenses. As a percentage of sales, SG&A showed an YoY increase of 251 basis points, reaching 11.5% due to the decrease in the top line.

Adjusted EBITDA & Margin

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 37.1% YoY in the first quarter of 2024 to Ps. 25,961 million from Ps. 41,252 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly affected by lower adjusted EBITDA generated by our cement business, also followed by the other businesses, with the exception of the Railroad segment.

Likewise, the Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 360 basis points to 22.6% compared to 26.2% in 1Q23. On a sequential basis, the margin remained almost flat despite the decrease in volume, contracting by only 21 basis points.

In particular, the Adjusted EBITDA margin of the Cement, Masonry and Lime segment contracted 356 bps to 26.1%. The positive price performance and lower energy inputs partially offset the higher incidence of fixed costs due to the lower sales volume.

Concrete Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 883 bps, and stood at negative 10.0%, from negative 1.2% in 1Q23. The sharp drop in sales volumes took a toll on the segment's profitability.

The Adjusted EBITDA margin of Aggregates contracted to negative 1.1%, from 17.6% in 1Q23, mainly due to lower dilution of fixed costs resulting from decreased volumes, coupled with a softer price performance.

Finally, the Adjusted EBITDA margin of the Railroad segment improved 161 bps to 0.4% in the first quarter, from negative 1.2% in 1Q23, primarily due to the positive price performance and a better result in other gains that deflected the cost increase.

Finance Costs-Net

During 1Q24, the Company reported a total Net Financial Gain of Ps. 66,196 million compared to a total net financial cost of Ps. 74 million in 1Q23, primarily resulting from the inflation adjustment on the net monetary position. This effect was partially offset by a higher net financial expense due to the increased debt position and lower financial income resulting from the decreased cash position.

Net Profit and Net Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company

Net Profit of Ps. 50,7 billion in 1Q24 compared to a net profit of Ps. 20,2 billion in the same period of the previous year. The higher total financial gain, primarily due to the positive effect of inflation on the net monetary position is the main reason for the variation, which was partially offset by the lower operational result and higher income tax expense.

Net Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company stood at Ps. 50,7 billion. During the quarter, the Company reported a gain per common share of Ps. 86.9834 and an ADR gain of Ps. 434.9171, compared to a gain per common share of Ps. 35.0390 and a gain per ADR of Ps. 175.1950 in 1Q23.

Capitalization

As of March 31, 2024, total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments were Ps. 5,811 million compared with Ps. 75,318 million as of March 31, 2023. Total debt at the close of the quarter stood at Ps. 183,134 million, composed by Ps. 65,914 million in short-term borrowings, including the current portion of long-term borrowings (or 36% of total borrowings), and Ps. 117,219 million in long-term borrowings (or 64% of total borrowings).

At the close of the first quarter of 2024, 65% (or Ps. 118,767 million) of Loma Negra's total debt was denominated in U.S. dollars, and 35% (or Ps. 64,367 million) was in Pesos.

As of March 31, 2024, 21% of the Company's consolidated loans accrued interest at a variable rate, primarily based on BADLAR, as it is debt in pesos. The remaining 79% accrues interest at a fixed rate in foreign currency.

By the end of the quarter, the average duration of Loma Negra's total debt was 1.3 years.

The Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (LTM) ratio stood at 1.30x as of March 31, 2024, down from 1.40x as of December 31, 2023. The Company's debt maturity profile remains very comfortable, with no foreign-denominated debt maturing this year.

Cash Flows

In 1Q24, the cash used in operating activities stood at Ps. 7,734 million, compared to a cash generation of Ps. 18,008 million in the same period of the previous year, where the decrease in the net profit adjusted to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities was coupled with higher working capital needs, mainly due to the increase in clinker inventories that will be used during the upcoming winter. This will allow minimizing production during the coming months, avoiding the higher energy costs of the winter period.

During 1Q24, the Company generated cash in financing activities for Ps. 16,049 million, mainly from proceeds from borrowings net of repayment and interests. Regarding cash used in investing activities, The Company used a total of Ps. 8,535 million, primarily for maintenance capex.

1Q24 Earnings Conference Call

When: 10:00 a.m. U.S. ET (12:00 p.m. BAT), May 10, 2024
Dial-in: 0800-444-2930 (Argentina), 1-833-255-2824 (U.S.), 1-866-605-3852 (Canada), 1-412-902-6701 (International)
Password: Loma Negra Call
Webcast: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=LWBQYPBx
Replay: A telephone replay of the conference call will be available until May 17, 2024. The replay can be accessed by dialing 1-877-344-7529 (U.S. toll free), or 1-412-317-0088 (International). The passcode for the replay is 9762627. The audio of the conference call will also be archived on the Company's website at www.lomanegra.com.

Definitions

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net profit plus financial interest, net plus income tax expense plus depreciation and amortization plus exchange rate differences plus other financial expenses, net plus tax on debits and credits to bank accounts, plus share of loss of associates, plus net Impairment of Property, plant and equipment, and less income from discontinued operation. Loma Negra believes that excluding tax on debits and credits to bank accounts from its calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is a better measure of operating performance when compared to other international players.

Net Debt is calculated as borrowings less cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

About Loma Negra

Founded in 1926, Loma Negra is the leading cement company in Argentina, producing and distributing cement, masonry cement, aggregates, concrete and lime, products primarily used in private and public construction. Loma Negra is a vertically-integrated cement and concrete company, with nationwide operations, supported by vast limestone reserves, strategically located plants, top-of-mind brands and established distribution channels. Loma Negra is listed both on BYMA and on NYSE in the U.S., where it trades under the symbol "LOMA". One ADS represents five (5) common shares. For more information, visit www.lomanegra.com.

Note

The Company presented some figures converted from Pesos to U.S. dollars for comparison purposes. The exchange rate used to convert Pesos to U.S. dollars was the reference exchange rate (Communication "A" 3500) reported by the Central Bank for U.S. dollars. The information presented in U.S. dollars is for the convenience of the reader only. Certain figures included in this report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be arithmetic aggregations of the figures presented in previous quarters. Rounding: We have made rounding adjustments to reach some of the figures included in this annual report. As a result, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them.

Disclaimer

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities law that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are only predictions based upon our current expectations and projections about possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, plans and objectives. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "believe," "may," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "expect," "predict," "potential," "seek," "forecast," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are based on the information currently available to us. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, among others things: changes in general economic, political, governmental and business conditions globally and in Argentina, changes in inflation rates, fluctuations in the exchange rate of the peso, the level of construction generally, changes in cement demand and prices, changes in raw material and energy prices, changes in business strategy and various other factors. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe in good faith that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Any or all of Loma Negra's forward-looking statements in this release may turn out to be wrong. You should consider these forward-looking statements in light of other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2017 in connection with Loma Negra's initial public offering. Therefore, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

IR Contacts:

Marcos I. Gradin, Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relations
Diego M. Jalón, Investor Relations Manager
+54-11-4319-3050
[email protected]

SOURCE: Loma Negra Compañía Industrial Argentina Sociedad