Ternium S.A. (NYSE:TX) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

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Unidentified Analyst: Okay, last one. And just to clarify, what do you mean by a customized line? I’m just not familiar with that term.

Maximo Vedoya: A line for the finishing products, I mean to finish [indiscernible] and galvanized products, and to serve the customers directly.

Unidentified Analyst: Okay, got it. Thanks, again.

Maximo Vedoya: You’re welcome.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Enrique Marquez. Please go ahead.

Enrique Marquez: Hi, thank you for taking my question. First question regarding capital allocation. We’re seeing Ternium delivering strong results, should we expect an increase in dividends? And also, I understand you’re going through an investment cycle but just — do you guys have anything on the pipeline? Or are you thinking of any other opportunities maybe in other regions outside Mexico after this investment siphons [ph] completed? Thank you.

Pablo Brizzio: Okay. So, let me take first the question on dividends. As you know, the company has been increasing the dividend payment. We have increased this year with the result of last year to $3.3 [ph] paid, that was an increase in comparison to the one that we paid last year. Though you’re right that we have the financial resources in order to keep — sustain this level of dividend payment, you also need to take into consideration all the CapEx plans that we have and all the things that we need to do in our facilities. What we share and I think we we’ve commented on this in the prior conference call is that whenever we or the company decides to increase the dividend payment is because we understand we have the resources to sustain at least this level then, of course, year after year, the Board of Directors needs to propose to the shareholders meeting the final number, but with these new increased level of dividend is the one that we think that the company can sustain the medium run.

So we are not expecting any specific movement there but at least to sustain the current level of dividend payments.

Maximo Vedoya: And again, what the second question again, because we didn’t hear very well here.

Enrique Marquez: Sorry about that. It was just on the pipeline of next investments; any other opportunities maybe in other regions outside Mexico?

Maximo Vedoya: Well, you know, we are always analyzing opportunities in Mexico and outside Mexico, also. Our pipeline today is very full, as you may well be aware and so we are not seeing any particularly today. But of course, there are regions outside Mexico that are also very important to us. As we always said, our focus is been in the Americas, we are not going to go to other parts of the world; we think there is good, big opportunities or good opportunities for us to continue growing, to continue implementing all the things that we are doing in this region in the Americas, but we don’t have any specific to give you today.

Enrique Marquez: Got it. Thanks. Just a quick follow-up on the last question. The flattish cost outlook; is it already considering the purchase of excess slabs or did we see some impact from it — coming from it?

Maximo Vedoya: No, no; it’s considering the buying of slabs.

Enrique Marquez: Got it. Thanks.

Maximo Vedoya: You’re welcome.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time. So, I’ll turn the call back over to Ternium’s CEO.

Maximo Vedoya: Thank you. Well, we appreciate your interest in and attention to this call. Thank you very much for participating. And if you have any questions, don’t doubt to ask us or call us. Have a great day and take care. Bye, bye.

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