The company Alpek projects a four percent increase in its sales this year, reaching seven billion 800 million dollars, and an 11 percent decrease in its comparable operating cash flow, which would amount to 625 million dollars. Gerardo Cevallos, deputy director of fundamental analysis at Vector, commented that the operating cash flow estimate is 10 percent below consensus.
Regarding volumes, Alpek forecasts 4.8 million tons, a two percent increase compared to last year. The company plans to invest 150 million dollars, 25 percent more than in 2024, aimed at strengthening its competitiveness and generating cash flow.
Looking ahead, Alpek expects to maintain demand levels and reference margins in line with those of 2024. An increase in volumes is anticipated, especially in the Polyester segment. Despite challenges in the industry, the company considers itself well-positioned to adapt to the current economic environment due to its key initiatives to prioritize the generation of free cash flow.
The company bases its projections on several assumptions, such as an integrated PET reference margin in Asia of 270 dollars per ton, 160 dollars per ton in China, a reference margin for PP of 0.14 dollars per pound, and a return to historical levels in shipping freight costs.
