Release Date: February 27, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Superior Plus Corp (SUUIF, Financial) has launched the 'Superior Delivers' initiative, which is expected to contribute $20 million to 2025 earnings and improve the EBITDA run rate by $40 million.
- The company has made significant progress in transforming its operations, with plans to achieve 8% growth in the Propane segment in 2025.
- Superior Plus Corp (SUUIF) has shifted its capital allocation strategy towards share repurchases, investing CAD86 million to buy back over 5% of its outstanding shares.
- The Certarus segment delivered strong performance with a 13% year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA for Q4, driven by increased winter-related activity.
- The company is targeting a 5% to 10% growth in its North American propane business for 2025, supported by the Superior Delivers initiatives and expected normalization of weather conditions.
Negative Points
- Superior Plus Corp (SUUIF) faced challenges in Q4 2024, with adjusted EBITDA declining by approximately $3 million compared to the previous year due to warm weather and competitive pricing pressures.
- The Canadian Propane segment experienced a 20% year-over-year decline in adjusted EBITDA in Q4, primarily due to the timing of carbon credit sales and weaker Canadian dollar.
- The wholesale propane segment saw a 13% year-over-year decrease in Q4 adjusted EBITDA, impacted by weaker market differentials and lower sales volumes.
- The company's leverage ratio increased to 4.1 times at year-end, up from 3.9 times the previous year, partly due to share repurchases and lower adjusted EBITDA.
- Despite positive guidance and strategic initiatives, Superior Plus Corp (SUUIF)'s stock price remains near an all-time low, indicating potential investor skepticism or market uncertainty.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you discuss the initiatives under the Superior Delivers program and any potential customer retention risks?
A: Allan MacDonald, President and CEO, explained that Superior Delivers is a comprehensive initiative impacting operations across the board. They are rationalizing the customer base by implementing new pricing schemes and adjusting rental agreements for customers with decreased volumes. The focus is on retaining customers while ensuring profitability. Early results are promising, with improved pricing and operational efficiencies like better route management and tank fills.
Q: How is the reduced CapEx for Certarus affecting market share and growth strategy?
A: Allan MacDonald noted that the investment will maintain market share in the short term, with a focus on strategic allocation of MSUs. Grier Colter, CFO, added that the approach has shifted to a more disciplined and cautious strategy, with the ability to ramp up if opportunities arise. The focus is on balancing growth with returns.
Q: How are tariffs, inflation, and interest rates factored into your 2025 guidance?
A: Allan MacDonald stated that the impact of tariffs is minimal due to sufficient domestic supply. They are managing cross-border contracts to avoid exposure. The company is confident in its ability to manage inflation and interest rate impacts, focusing on essential services like home heating.
Q: Why hasn't the market reacted positively to the share buyback strategy?
A: Allan MacDonald acknowledged the market's wait-and-see attitude, attributing it to institutional rebalancing and uncertainty around the dividend strategy. He emphasized the company's focus on transparency and long-term value, believing that the market will eventually recognize the potential.
Q: What is the strategy for Certarus' CapEx allocation in 2025?
A: Grier Colter explained that about half of the $50 million CapEx will be for new MSUs, primarily targeting the utility space. The strategy includes reallocating existing MSUs to higher-return areas and maintaining flexibility to capitalize on lucrative opportunities.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
