Ultrapar Participacoes SA (UGP) 2026 Q2 法說會逐字稿

Good morning. Thank you for waiting. Welcome to the earnings release call of Ultrapar to discuss the results referring to the second quarter of 2026. The presentation will be conducted by Mr. Rodrigo Pizzinatto, CEO of Ultrapar; and by Mr. Alexandre Palhares, CFO of Ultrapar.

The question-and-answer session will also have Mr. Leonardo Linden, CEO of Ipiranga; Mr. Tabajara Bertelli, CEO of Ultragaz; and Mr. Fulvius Tomelin, CEO of Ultracargo.

This call is being recorded and will be accessed through the website, ir.ultra.com.br. After the presentation, we are going to start the question-and-answer session when further instructions will be provided.

We'd also like to let you know that this earnings release call will be conducted in Portuguese and there is an option for simultaneous translation available by clicking on interpretation. For those listening to the call in English, there is the option of muting original audio. The presentation will be shown in Portuguese, and there is a version in English available for download at the company's website or through the chat.

Before moving on, we would like to clarify that forward-looking statements that may be made during this call with respect to business prospects, forecast, operational, and financial goals of the company are all based on beliefs and assumptions of the company's Board and on currently available information.

These forward-looking statements are no guarantee of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and they relate to future events and therefore, depend on circumstances, which may or may not occur. Investors should understand that general economic conditions, the market, and other operational factors may affect the future performance of Ultrapar and lead to results which may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.

I would like now to hand it over to Mr. Rodrigo Pizzinatto, who will start the presentation. Mr. Pizzinatto, you can start.

Good morning, everyone. It is great to be here with you for another Ultrapar earnings conference call. We delivered another quarter of strong operational results at Ultrapar with significant growth in EBITDA and net income. We achieved a record operating cash flow generation of BRL4.8 billion, driven by solid operational performance and working capital release at Ipiranga.

This significant cash generation contributed to the reduction of our leverage to its lowest level since 2008. This improvement in our results enabled us to anticipate this year's dividend distribution. We approved the distribution of BRL1.085 billion in dividends relating to the first half of the year, equivalent to BRL1 per share or dividend yield of 3.8% in addition to a share buyback program of up to 18 million shares, returning part of the value created to our shareholders. We also continue to advance our growth and productivity agenda.

At Ultracargo, we completed the largest investment cycle in the company's history. And throughout the third quarter, we will begin the commissioning and commencement of new installed capacities operations in Suape and Itaqui.

On the institutional agenda, I highlight the expansion of the Gás do Povo program, which achieved nationwide coverage, reaching more than 1,800 municipalities during the second quarter, increasing the population's access to LPG.

Finally, I would also like to highlight that for the first time, Ultrapar was included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Emerging Markets Index.

With that, I will now hand over to Alexandre to detail the results of the businesses.

Thank you, Rodrigo, and good morning, everyone. Before discussing the performance of our businesses, I would like to briefly remind you of the criteria and standards used in the analysis in this presentation, which can be seen on slide 3.

Moving on to Ultrapar's consolidated results on slide 4. Once again, we present results that combine operational consistency, cash generation, and capital discipline, reflecting the quality of our portfolio and the execution capabilities of our businesses. We ended the period with recurring adjusted EBITDA of BRL3.657 billion. This result reflects improved results across all businesses. and especially Ipiranga's strong results, as I will comment on shortly.

Net income was the highest-ever reported by Ultrapar, totaling BRL1.677 billion, an increase of BRL527 million or 46% compared to the second quarter of last year. This result was driven by higher operating results of the businesses, partially offset by higher depreciation, amortization, and financial expenses, reflecting, among other factors, the consolidation of Hidrovias in May 2025.

CapEx for the quarter totaled BRL517 million, reflecting lower investments at Ultracargo as we approach the conclusion of its expansion cycle and lower investments at Hidrovias, partially offset by higher investments at Ultragaz and Ipiranga, mainly related to the implementation of new ERP. We achieved record operating cash generation of BRL4.789 billion in the quarter compared to BRL939 million cash generation in the second quarter of 2025.

These results reflect strong operational results, the working capital release mainly at Ipiranga and the additional contracting of BRL833 million in draft discount for suppliers, which preserves liquidity in an environment still marked by volatility in international markets. Excluding these effects, operating cash flow would have totaled BRL3.956 billion.

Moving to slide 5. We see that we ended the quarter with net debt of BRL8.864 billion and leverage of 0.9 times, the lowest level since 2008, as Rodrigo mentioned earlier. Strong operating cash generation enabled a reduction of gross debt through the payout of debt in Hidrovias and Ipiranga.

Before discussing the business figures, starting with Ipiranga, I would like to provide some context regarding the environment in which we operated during the quarter on slide 6.

As we discussed during our first-quarter earnings call, the conflict in the Middle East brought significant volatility to global oil products markets and required rapid adjustments across the entire supply and logistics chain. In this environment, distributors with supply capabilities, logistics scale, and the long-term commitment to serving the market became increasingly relevant.

As shown in the chart on the left, Ipiranga doubled its diesel imports during the first half of the year, increasing its share of total imports in Brazil despite lower overall imports compared with the same period last year.

Brazil recorded one of the lowest pass-through fuel price increases to consumers, as we can see in the chart on the center of the slide. This reflects government efforts through subsidy mechanisms and Petrobras pricing policy. Our ability to ensure supply under these circumstances, supported by a significant increase in diesel imports strengthened Ipiranga's competitive position and contributed to 8% volume growth in the first half of 2026 compared with market growth of 3%.

Moving to slide 7, we can observe the positive effects of the government's effort to combat irregularities in the fuel distribution sector. Unlike the temporary impacts associated with the conflict in the Middle East, this represents an important structural improvement that contributes to a very competitive environment.

The chart on the left shows the reduction in the market share of distributors classified by ICL as legal operators. Their market share declined from 24.4% to 20% during the period. This loss of share by irregular players allowed tax compliant distributors to regain market share.

Ipiranga stood out in this context, gaining 0.9 percentage points of market share. Beyond creating a fair competitive environment, reducing distortions and illegal practices benefit society as a whole through higher tax collection and consequently, greater public resources.

The governments of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro alone estimate that these initiatives may generate approximately BRL6 billion in additional annual tax revenues.

The chart on the right shows the average retail fuel price in Brazil during the first half of the year, which stood at BRL6.14 per liter. Taxes accounted for BRL1.53 of this amount while Ipiranga's EBITDA margin was BRL0.36 per liter. It is important to note that this margin does not include financial expenses, depreciation, amortization, or income taxes.

Although distributors' profitability represents only a small portion of the final pump price, it is what enables the sector to continue investing in infrastructure and ensuring fuel supply throughout the country.

Moving to slide 8, we present Ipiranga's second-quarter results. The total volume sold was 6.173 million cubic meters, an 8% increase compared to the second quarter of 2025 with an increase of 10% in diesel and 6% in the auto cycle. This result reflects the positive effects resulting from the recovery of the competitive environment in the sector in addition to the effects related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

We ended the quarter with a network of 5,855 service stations, 29 more than in March of this year, resulting from 101 stations opened and 72 closed in the period.

Ipiranga's recurring EBITDA totaled BRL2.782 billion in the quarter with a margin of BRL451 per cubic meter, reflecting the combination of the structural and conjunctural factors I mentioned earlier. For the third quarter, we continue to face the effect of the conflict, although we expect a lower impact from short-term factors.

On the other hand, we continue to see the structural benefits arising from the ongoing improvement of a fair competitive environment, driven by the continued progress in combating irregularities across the sector. As a result, we expect margins to be below the level reported in the second quarter of 2026 and closer to those observed in the first quarter of this year.

Moving now to slide 9 with Ultragaz results. The volume of LPG sold in the quarter was 3% lower when compared to the same period last year, with a 4% decrease in the Bottled segment and a 2% decrease in the Bulk segment. The decline in the Bottled segment reflects lower market demand in the LPG and competitive dynamics, while the decrease in the Bulk segment is due to lower demand from the Industrial segment.

Even so, we presented a consistent recurring EBITDA, totaling BRL468 million, a 6% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting a more favorable sales mix in LPG, which offset the lower volume and the effect of BRL17 million in asset write-offs in second quarter 2025.

For the third quarter, we will continue our efforts to recover market share. As a result, we expect EBITDA to remain at a level similar to that reported in the third quarter of 2025.

Moving to slide 10, we present Ultracargo's results. Average installed capacity reached 1.156 million cubic meters, an 8% increase in the annual comparison, reflecting capacity additions in Palmeirante, Rondonópolis, Santos, and Opla. The cubic meters sold increased by 19% compared to 2025, mainly reflecting the ramp-up of newly installed capacity despite lower demand for fuel import storage due to the conflict in the Middle East with import windows remaining closed since March.

Net revenue totaled BRL265 million a 7% year-over-year increase, reflecting higher cubic meters sold, partially offset by a less favorable sales mix as we have a greater share of inland basis, which have higher turnover and lower average price. The adjusted EBITDA was BRL159 million, a 13% increase compared to the second quarter of last year, reflecting higher volumes handled and lower expenses, partially offset by a less favorable sales mix and higher operating costs associated with increased throughput.

For the third quarter, we expect market dynamics and results to be similar to those reported in the second quarter.

Finally, on slide 11, we present Hidrovias results. Total volume handled decreased by 14% compared to the second quarter of 2025, mainly due to the sale of the coastal navigation operation in November 2025. Considering only continuing operations, the volume was 5% higher, driven by stronger cargo handling in Paraguay and Santos, which more than offset lower volumes in the integrated Northern system and weaker fertilizer demand in the region. Recurring adjusted EBITDA totaled BRL322 million, 8% below when compared to the second quarter of 2025, also reflecting the sale of Coastal Navigation.

Considering continuing operations only, recurring adjusted EBITDA was 1% below, reflecting the higher volume handled, offset by higher operating costs and expenses.

For the third quarter, we expect market and navigation conditions to remain similar to those observed last year. As a result, we expect performance to be in line with that reported in the third quarter of 2025.

Thank you, all, for joining us today. We remain available together with our Investor Relations team to address any questions and continue our discussions.

We will now open the call for the Q&A session.

(Operator Instructions) Vicente Falanga, Bradesco BBI.

(interpreted) The first question is, the company has been providing excellent results, very robust cash generation. I would like to understand about shareholders' compensation. You've announced some dividend sharing. But in terms of capital allocation, would you think -- or have you been considering speeding up, considering M&A opportunities or the possibility of reinvesting in your own cases because of very attractive ROIC?

My second question is Rio de Janeiro seems to be improving a lot the illegal practice, informal practice as a result of the governor's effort. There will be a number of tax solidarity and repeated debtors, a number of opportunities to transform the informal market into a formal market. How are you prepared or how well are you prepared to take the opportunity of what's going on in Rio de Janeiro?

(interpreted) Good morning. Rodrigo speaking. Thank you very much for your questions. In terms of shareholders' compensation, we've just announced BRL1.100 billion in dividend to be shared plus BRL500 million with the sharing buyback. This progression is going to follow the profit rates of the business. I think this is the main driver.

In addition to that, we are always considering opportunities of investments in the existing business and in new businesses. And it follows the process that we have already addressed before.

We look for investments in which we can have strong long-term generation potential. We do not have to increase CapEx or to make really adjustments. We are looking for good projects that make sense. If we cannot really obtain that as fast as we are improving our operations, we increased the dividends and keep on working on share buyback. This is our mindset.

Now, Linden to answer about Rio de Janeiro.

(interpreted) Good morning. Yes, it's a fact. The state of Rio de Janeiro is showing major improvements because of everything that you've mentioned and something that we've been monitoring closely. We are very active in the market. We've been branding more stations than had been before. We've been very active on spot supply, if necessary.

And we've been very active in closing stations that used to operate within illegal rules that we do not agree with.

It is a market going through major transformations, as you said. Governor of Rio de Janeiro deserves to be recognized as being a driving force in these activities, and we are paying attention to them.

Milene Carvalho, JPMorgan.

(interpreted) Hello, good morning. Great results. We have very positive results. And thanks for taking my questions. I would like to talk more about Ipiranga's margin. You said that we should expect margins going back to the levels of the first quarter. I have two points to ask.

In the third quarter, there are going to be subsidies. How is that going to impact margins, working capital and the competition?

And looking towards the midterm as of 2027, can we expect results close to that of the first quarter of '26 or more to what we had in '25, BRL200 per cubic meter?

(interpreted) Let me set the context first. The guidance has been given, Palhares was very clear about it. But setting it to understand it from now on, it's quite clear that we've been dealing with double-effect impact. On the one side, we are exposed to positive impact resulting from the fight against illegal practices.

On the other hand, we have been impacted negatively by middle -- the Middle East conflict, which impacts the international supply.

We can see a very competitive environment, but it's fair because everyone is investing and paying taxes. The recovery we can see in the business in terms of volume and margin is a result of volumes and sales that have been lost to illegal market. And it's an effect that is here to stay now.

But because there is this double effect, we cannot account for what is exactly the turning point or the stability point, but there is a positive effect on volumes and margins, which are here to stay and will be carried over into the future.

Concerning the Middle East conflict, it will depend on supply and demand. The volatility of the price is impacted because of the disruptions in supply and international supply, but we do expect to have a healthier market from now on because of this fight against the illegal practices, of course. This is better to everyone.

Monique Greco, Itaú BBA.

(interpreted) Great results. I'm going to build up on what Vicente said about capital allocation. It's quite clear about your search for additional investments and observing the levels of profit. Now, what is the level of leverage would be considered optimal to you during this capital allocation journey?

My second question is, considering the third quarter of Ipiranga and Palhares was very clear about margins, but I would like to talk about working capital. There was a relevant swing in this demand in the first quarters of the year. So I would like to know what you anticipate for working capital in the third quarter.

(interpreted) Good morning, Monique. Thank you for your questions. Concerning leverage, I think you have made reference to an important topic, and Linden talked about that and Ipiranga's results. We have the results of the first half of the year results impacted by two effects that are going to be maintained in the half year.

We have to bear in mind when we talk about leverage. What we've been observing is leverage of 1 to 1.5 times EBITDA. This is our level of comfort, especially during volatile situations and with high interest rates. If it gets outside this expected margins, we will maybe buy back or change our dividend share.

Concerning working capital, with the beginning of the Middle East conflict, we've made significant investments in the first quarter of the year. You probably recall that. Part of the investment has already been booked in the second quarter, and it will impact because of imports.

As the mix of import goes up, it reduces the need of making working capital investments because the payment terms are longer. As there is a reduction in the imports mix, there is going to be additional investments in working capital.

Second level is the price ranges. As prices have been fluctuating significantly, it's about BRL3 billion between inventory, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Every 10% variation in price, it means BRL300 million in working capital. So it's some sort of reference for you to understand our working capital dynamics.

Leonardo Marcondes, Bank of America.

(interpreted) Good morning. Thank you for taking my questions. The first question about Ipiranga is the following. How do you see the opportunities of branded stations in the current market? And if you can make reference also to what has been asked about capital allocation, could we expect some additional branding operations from now on?

And about Ultragaz, I would also like to ask about that. We've observed a significant reduction year-over-year and a reduction of market share as well.

And just correct me if I'm wrong. Could you please tell us more about competition in this industry?

(interpreted) Hi, Leonardo. Because of everything that's going on in the market, there has been more requests of branding the new stations. Because Ipiranga is a supplier of high quality, well known. It has a strong brand.

So yes, we have had more requests of branding new stations are having white flag conversion, but always maintaining our investment discipline in terms of capital and quality. We do not expect major capital variations.

We hope to keep on making investments at assets of quality according to the criteria that we've defined and been used for a while.

(interpreted) Leonardo Tabajara speaking here. Answering your question about market share, you are right. I could focus on bottle because the corporate B2B is just related to economic variation.

In bottled products, our main driver is how healthy our resellers are. We are in a process of expanding our resellers just in the organized retail market. And we've lost some space because we operate outside our target segment.

And in upcoming months, we are very much focused on maintaining this level of operation to all our resellers, supporting our programs, our initiatives to move on towards obtaining more and more customers.

We are working very hard here. We believe we can improve the number and the quality of our resellers, which ultimately interact with the high-value market. This is what we've been observing and probably it's going to be sustained in upcoming months.

Our question-and-answer session is closed now. I would like now to hand it over to Alexandre Palhares for his closing remarks.

(interpreted) Well, thank you all very much for your participation. Unfortunately, we couldn't have all questions answered, but our Investor Relations team is here to support you.

Thank you, all, very much. See you next time.

Portions of this transcript that are marked (interpreted) were spoken by an interpreter present on the live call. The interpreter was provided by the company sponsoring this event.