Release Date: May 13, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- The Navigator Co SA (POELF, Financial) achieved a total turnover of €529 million, marking a 2% increase quarter on quarter.
- The company has successfully diversified its business, with non-core businesses now representing 45% of sales, particularly in the tissue and packaging segments.
- Navigator's expansion into sustainable packaging solutions has contributed to reducing single-use plastics, showcasing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
- The tissue segment has seen significant growth, with sales increasing by 62% year on year, supported by acquisitions in the UK and Spain.
- Navigator has maintained a strong financial position with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.25% and a solid liquidity position of €308 million.
Negative Points
- The company faced increased energy and chemical costs, impacting overall expenditure and putting pressure on margins.
- There was a decline in the benchmark index for printing and writing papers, affecting sales in these segments.
- The mix of products and geographical regions resulted in lower average prices, contributing to margin compression.
- Navigator's operating expenditures increased over the last two quarters, primarily due to volatile energy prices.
- The company is facing challenges from geopolitical instability and protectionist policies, which could impact future market dynamics and costs.
Q & A Highlights
Q: How is the top of the cost curve managing in the Nordics with higher wood costs, and are there any further capacity rationalization announcements in Europe? Also, regarding your flexible packaging business, would you consider moving further downstream or focus purely on upstream craft paper production?
A: (Antonio Jose Pereira Redondo, CEO) The cost escalation, particularly in wood, has pressured some competitors, leading to closures in Europe, removing 7% of capacity. The operating rate is around 85% for uncoated paper, higher than coated paper. In the US, a major closure is announced, affecting profitability and production costs. Regarding flexible packaging, we currently focus on paper production for converters and have no plans to move downstream.
Q: How do lower gas prices impact the industry, and how might this affect Navigator through 2025?
A: (Antonio Jose Pereira Redondo, CEO) Lower gas prices will reduce industry costs, but it won't flatten the cost curve due to varying energy efficiencies among companies. Navigator is advanced in decarbonization, which isolates us from gas price fluctuations. Our modern, integrated operations provide a competitive edge.
Q: With energy prices lower, do you expect operating expenditures to decrease? Also, can you provide an idea of average prices for flexible packaging and delivery prices for the current quarter?
A: (Fernando Araújo, Executive Board Member) Energy costs, particularly electricity and gas, have increased, representing 50% of external services. If prices stabilize, we expect to revert to previous cost ratios. For flexible packaging, we can't disclose precise prices, but they are similar to uncoated woodfree prices. We anticipate stable uncoated woodfree prices in Q2.
Q: Can you provide insights into the reasons behind margin compression and the impact of e-commerce sales on margins?
A: (Antonio Jose Pereira Redondo, CEO) Margin compression is due to increased energy and chemical costs, and a mix shift towards lower-margin products. E-commerce helps disintermediate sales, potentially increasing logistics costs but offering market access and growth opportunities. It's more about market share growth than margin capture.
Q: How did paper order trends develop in Q1, particularly in Europe, and what are your capital allocation plans beyond cost savings?
A: (António Quirino Soares, Executive Director) Q1 saw a 6% growth in European paper orders, with a 30% increase from Q4. April was strong, driven by US demand. For capital allocation, we focus on maintaining efficient pulp mills, investing in packaging, and exploring tissue machine investments. We're studying a potential tissue mill in the UK to reduce external paper dependence.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
