Felipe Dubernet
Management
[Audio Gap] these factors were partially compensated by negative external effects mainly from higher cost in raw materials, in line with the upward trend of commodity prices during this year. In all, net income totalized a gain of CLP 42,168 million, more than tripling versus last year. In the key operating segment, our top line expanded 36.4% due to 26.6% growth in volumes, driven by all main categories, and 7.8% higher average price. The latter was associated with positive mix effects, mainly based on a strong performance of premium beer brands and the implementation of revenue management initiatives. Gross profit grew 41% and gross margin improved from 46.7% to 48.3%, mainly as a result of the expansion in revenues and efficiencies in manufacturing being partially offset by higher cost in raw materials. MSD&A expenses grew 18.4%, consistent with the higher volumes and the normalization of marketing activities. Nonetheless, as percentage of net sales MSD&A expenses improved from 36.9% to 32% due to efficiencies to the above-mentioned ExCCelencia CCU program. [indiscernible] EBIT expanded 72.5% and EBITDA margin improved from 16.2% to 20.5%. In the International Business Operating segment, which includes Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Net sales recorded a 106.6% rise as a result of an increase of 71.8% in average prices in Chilean pesos and 20.3% higher volumes. The better average prices in Chilean pesos were explained by revenue management initiatives, positive mix effects and favorable effect related with hyperinflation accounting. This allow us to compensate higher U.S. dollar-denominated costs from the depreciation of the Argentine peso against the U.S. dollar, higher cost in raw materials and inflation. Consequently, gross profit expanded 147.9% and gross margin grew from 39.4% to 47.3%. MSD&A expenses as percent of net sales also improved from 49.3% to 45.2% due to efficiencies from ExCCelencia CCU program compensating higher inflation. As a consequence, EBITDA grew strongly during the quarter, and EBITDA margin improved from 2.8% to 9.1%. In The Wine Operating segment, revenues were up 2.8%, explained by an 11% growth in average prices, while volumes dropped 7.4%. The higher average prices in Chilean pesos were mainly explained by a better mix in both the domestic and export markets. The lower volumes were largely explained by a contraction in export associated with global logistic difficulties, which has caused disruption to our shipments. This was partially compensated by the Chilean domestic market, which expanded an excellent mid-single digit. Gross profit was down 3.3% and gross margin decreased from 41.2% to 38.8%, mainly due to higher manufacturing costs an increase of cost of wine and a lower contribution from the export business. MSD&A expenses as a percentage of net sales improved from 24.5% to 23.9%, thanks to efficiencies driven by the ExCCelencia CCU program. In all, EBITDA contracted 8.2%, while EBITDA margin dropped from 21.2% to 18.9%. Finally, in Colombia, where we have a joint venture with Postobon, we kept gaining business scale by growing double digit in volumes. In addition, during the quarter, we strengthened the mix of our portfolio, driven by an outstanding performance in premium beer brands, especially Heineken. We will keep executing our strategy in Colombia, focusing on gaining scale, consolidating our portfolio of brands and deliver -- and delivering better financial results. Now I will be glad to answer any questions you may have.