Saputo Inc. Sees Growth in Q2 Fiscal 2025 Despite Profit Drop
Saputo Inc. Financial Results Overview
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 07, 2024 — Saputo Inc. (TSX: SAP) announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, concluding on September 30, 2024. The report reveals revenues reached $4.708 billion, marking an increase of $385 million or 8.9% compared to the previous fiscal year.
Carl Colizza, President and CEO, stated, “We made substantial strides during the second quarter, executing our long-term strategy and achieving milestones tied to innovation, efficiency, and network optimization. Our consistent cash generation positioned us to initiate a normal course issuer bid, which we believe will refine our capital structure and reinforce our long-term value proposition.”
Financial Highlights for Q2 Fiscal 2025
Key financial indicators:
- Net earnings totalled $126 million, down from $156 million from the previous year.
- Net earnings per share (EPS), both basic and diluted, were recorded at $0.30, down from $0.37.
- Adjusted EBITDA stood at $389 million, a decrease of $9 million or 2.3% year-over-year.
- Adjusted net earnings reached $157 million, down from $181 million, with adjusted EPS of $0.37 compared to $0.43.
Market Sector Performance
Across various sectors, Saputo saw growth in revenue driven by operational efficiencies. The Canada Sector reported an adjusted EBITDA increase of 9.5%, bolstered by enhanced operational efficiency. However, the USA Sector faced challenges as market factors affected profitability, largely due to unfavorable milk-cheese Spread pricing.
In the International Sector, the Argentine peso's devaluation lagged inflation, leading to increased production costs. Meanwhile, the Australian market benefitted from lower milk prices. The Europe Sector experienced consistent growth, attributed to increased branded cheese sales.
Outlook for Fiscal Year 2025
Looking ahead, Saputo remains optimistic about achieving key strategic goals despite ongoing challenges in consumer economics, input cost inflation, commodity market fluctuations, and supply chain dynamics. The company anticipates a gradual improvement in the USA dairy markets, driven by a better supply-demand balance.
The European Sector expects advantages from a favorable product mix and cost containment initiatives, while the International Sector is set to benefit from decreasing milk costs in Australia. The firm’s cash flow generation is projected to rise as strategic capital investments begin to yield results.
Return to Shareholders and Upcoming Plans
Saputo announced its intention to initiate a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to buy back up to 2% of its outstanding common shares within 12 months post acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). This reflects a commitment to provide shareholder value alongside growth investments.
A dividend of $0.19 per share has been approved for payment, scheduled for December, indicating a consistent approach to returning value to its investors.
Conclusion
Despite a dip in net earnings, Saputo shows significant growth potential through revenue increases across its sectors. The management’s focus on optimizing capital structure, maintaining operational efficiencies, and planned strategic investments could pave the way for sustainable growth and enhanced shareholder returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What were the main financial highlights for Saputo in Q2 Fiscal 2025?
Saputo reported revenues of $4.708 billion, a net income of $126 million, and an adjusted EBITDA of $389 million.
2. Why did Saputo's net earnings decrease?
The decrease in net earnings is attributed to increased depreciation, restructuring costs, and higher financial charges despite revenue growth.
3. What growth strategies is Saputo pursuing?
Saputo is focusing on network optimization, innovation, and has announced a normal course issuer bid to enhance capital structure.
4. How is Saputo's international sector performing?
The International Sector is grappling with increased production costs due to currency devaluation but is expected to benefit from lower costs in Australia.
5. When is the next dividend payment scheduled?
The next dividend payment of $0.19 per share is scheduled for December 20, 2024.
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