Wilmar International Limited – 3Q2024 Financial Analysis for Investors

Report Date: 30 October 2024
Reporting Period: Quarter ended 30 September 2024

1. Business Description

Core Operations:
Wilmar International Limited operates in the agribusiness sector, with a primary focus on tropical oils, oilseeds, and grains. The company’s business segments include:

• Food Products: Encompasses consumer products, medium pack, and bulk sales.
• Feed and Industrial Products: Includes tropical oils, oilseeds, grains, and sugar.

Geographic Footprint:
The company has a global presence, with a significant operational base in China and a strong distribution network across Asia and other regions.

2. Industry Position and Market Share

Competitive Landscape:
Wilmar faces competition from other agribusiness and food production companies, particularly in commodity-based products like tropical oils and grains. The company’s market share remains robust in Asia, leveraging its extensive supply chain and diversified portfolio to maintain competitive advantage.

Revenue Streams and Customer Base:
Revenue is derived from large-scale sales of food products, including consumer goods and bulk food items, catering to both individual and commercial customers. Feed and industrial products are also significant contributors, particularly with high demand for oils and grains.

3. Financial Performance Highlights

Income Statement Analysis

• Revenue: The company posted a revenue of US$17.75 billion for 3Q2024, up by 0.4% from 3Q2023, with a cumulative 9-month revenue of US$48.68 billion, marking a slight 3% decrease from the previous year due to softened commodity prices.
• Net Profit: Declined by 19% year-over-year to US$254.4 million in 3Q2024, with the 9-month figure down by 3.6% at US$834.0 million. The reduced profits reflect weaker performance in China and the Sugar division.
• Core Net Profit: Dropped by 35.7% to US$208.1 million in 3Q2024, a sharper decrease that signals operational challenges in core areas.
• EBITDA: Stood at US$913.3 million, a decline of 10.7%, indicating a contraction in operating profitability.

Balance Sheet Analysis

• Net Debt: Reduced by 6.2% to US$16.56 billion, showing effective debt management and reduced working capital needs.
• Equity: Grew to US$20.43 billion, primarily due to currency translation gains from a weaker US dollar.

Cash Flow Statement Analysis

• Operating Cash Flow: Slight reduction by 2.8% to US$1.26 billion for the quarter, while 9-month cash flows fell by 32% to US$3.05 billion.
• Free Cash Flow: Stands strong at US$1.8 billion, supported by lower capital expenditures and reduced debt levels.

4. Key Points for Investor Action

• Dividend: No dividend or special dividend was explicitly noted in this report.
• Revenue Growth: Modest revenue growth from food products but a concerning drop in net profit, impacted by operational difficulties in China and Sugar segments.
• Debt and Liquidity: Improved debt position and a robust free cash flow indicate solid liquidity, making the company financially resilient in a challenging market.
• Operational Adjustments: The company anticipates improved palm production and positive soybean margins, which could bolster future profitability. This outlook suggests operational strategies to enhance core business profitability.

5. Investment Recommendation

• For Existing Investors: Hold
  Despite current profit declines, the company’s improved debt profile and positive cash flow suggest a stable foundation. Investors holding this stock may benefit from potential gains if the anticipated operational improvements materialize.

• For New Investors: Consider Waiting
  New investors should await signs of profitability stabilization, especially as Wilmar navigates challenges in its China operations and sugar segment. The market outlook remains cautiously optimistic, but short-term risks may affect valuation.

Disclaimer: This recommendation is based on information in the 3Q2024 report and should not replace tailored investment advice.