Intrum AB (ITJTY) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong EBIT Growth Amidst Seasonal Challenges
  • EBIT Increase: 45% increase year-over-year.

  • Servicing Margin: Improved from 12% to 18% year-over-year.

  • Cost Savings: SEK1.1 billion realized out of SEK1.5 billion target.

  • Leverage Ratio: 4.2 in the quarter, compared to 4.4 a year ago.

  • Investment Collections: 98% in the quarter, 100% year-to-date.

  • Investment IRR: 20% on SEK311 million invested.

  • Net Debt: Slight increase due to timing of interest payments and investments.

  • Goodwill Write-down: SEK700 million, mainly in UK and Norway.

  • Cost Reduction: 8% decrease year-over-year.

  • Cash and Cash Equivalents: SEK3.4 billion.

Release Date: October 23, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Intrum AB (ITJTY) reported a significant increase in EBIT margin, rising from 12% to 18% year-over-year, indicating improved operational efficiency.

  • The company achieved a 45% increase in EBIT compared to the previous year, showcasing strong financial performance despite a seasonally weak quarter.

  • Intrum AB (ITJTY) has successfully transitioned its investing business, with collections at 98% for the quarter and 106% against original forecasts, demonstrating effective portfolio management.

  • The company has identified SEK1.5 billion in run-rate cost savings, with SEK1.1 billion already realized, reflecting a strong focus on cost efficiency.

  • Intrum AB (ITJTY) has made progress in its recapitalization efforts, with overwhelming creditor support for a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan, ensuring a more stable capital structure moving forward.

Negative Points

  • The third quarter was slightly behind expectations due to seasonal weaknesses, impacting overall performance.

  • Goodwill write-downs of SEK700 million were recorded, primarily related to the UK and Norway, affecting the company's financial results.

  • The company's leverage ratio increased to 4.2 from 3.9 in the previous quarter, indicating higher financial risk.

  • Investment in the quarter was lower than anticipated at SEK311 million, below the target run rate, potentially impacting future growth.

  • Organic growth in servicing was negative, particularly in Southern Europe, posing challenges to offsetting declines in other regions.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide details on the 98% portfolio collections performance and whether this underperformance is a one-off or a trend? A: The 98% collection rate is slightly below our active forecast but is 106% against historical forecasts. The underperformance is concentrated in a few portfolios, particularly in Portugal and another Southern European country. We are addressing these issues by deploying more resources and expect to return to around 100% by year-end. (Andres Rubio, CEO)