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Ferrovial SE (FER)

Q3 2021 Earnings Call· Sun, Oct 31, 2021

$67.70

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Transcript

Operator

Operator

Begoña Morenés: Good afternoon everybody and welcome to Ferrovial's conference call to discuss the Financial Results for the First Nine months of 2021. Just as a reminder, both the results report and presentation are available to you on our website. As in previous results, and although some restrictions to mobility have been lifted during the first nine months of the year, we would like to highlight the financial information included in our report has been impacted by COVID-19 outbreak, mainly since the second half of March 2020. Given the uncertainty regarding the speed and the extent of the full resumption in activity, it is not possible to predict how the health crisis will affect Ferrovial's group information and performance for the rest of 2021. Ferrovial will continue to closely monitor trading conditions and further evidence of wider economic impact. I am joined here today by Ernesto Lopez Mozo, our CFO; and the CFOs of our business units. If you have any questions, you may ask them through the forum included in the webcast. During the Q&A session, at the end of this presentation, we will be reading out your questions and who they are from. With this, I will hand over to Mr. Lopez Mozo Ernesto, the floor is yours.

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Thank you, Begoña, and hi everybody. So this presentation, we have more stuff than usual. Not only will we cover the results for the first nine months of the year, but also discuss the different divestments and capital allocation that is taking place in the group. If we -- on the first slide, the overview of the first nine months, in the managed lanes in Texas we've seen strong traffic performance even though during the summer, there was a surge in cases that affected, dampening a little bit the performance. But in any case, the strong revenue per transaction growth has brought higher revenues on the back of higher toll rates and a higher proportion of heavy vehicles. Also, the I-77 keeps improving in Q3, traffic is above pre-COVID-19, and revenues are accelerating even faster. On the I-66, we were able to exercise the right of first refusal, increasing our participation by 5.704%. This additional stake makes us reach 55.704%. In the 407ETR, we saw a solid traffic recovery with mobility restrictions and change since mid-July. Well, more than solid is steady. I mean traffic is recovering, but clearly the region is still being cautious about the pandemic. Health is a priority and in general, employers are asking employees not to go back to the office. Very important news from the 407ETR, there was a resumption of dividends. The dividend has been approved for this fourth quarter of the year. Regarding airports, clearly the summer saw more restrictions than we were expecting. In particular, in the UK there were a lot of travel system updates, India’s restrictions put back travelers and they have been postponing their plans. With restrictions being lifted now and basically more freedom to move for people that have been vaccinated for most countries, there has been…

Alejandro Vigil

Analyst

First question, looking at the potential investment in India, which is the targeted exposure to developing markets, is it 5 to 10 percentage of the total portfolio reasonable? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Thanks Begoña, and thanks Alejandro for your question. This is Pedro Losada, Interim CFO. We don't have a specific allocation. We look at the emerging market and some opportunity -- opportunistic basis. So therefore, there's not a fixed allocation for emerging markets versus developed. So our focus is still as Ernesto has mentioned in the presentation, this is still in developed markets and high complexity concessional projects and particularly in North America. So again, look at this as a unique and task opportunity, but we look at this emerging market on an opportunistic basis. Thank you.

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Thanks, Alejandro. Complementing Pedro on other businesses. Well, in airports, it's pretty much asset by asset, right. So the asset has to be good. And usually, assets in airports are a little bit disconnected to the country where they are. So we will look at specific assets. And usually, they collect in higher currencies. So I wouldn't say we have kind of a geographic focus in airports. Transmission lines, yes, there could be something in emerging markets. But in general, as Pedro said, and we mentioned in the slides, the focus is in the big markets rather than focusing on a specific ticket. I would rather not say, it's going to be 500 million or 600 million. That's the total, maybe there could be a tweak to that. But in any case, it would be a fraction of what we are planning to dedicate to develop markets and in particular, the ones that we like the most, like U.S. or Canada? Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto and Pedro. The next question is also from Alejandro.

Alejandro Vigil

Analyst

Can you provide some information on the remaining assets and services after the recent disposals in terms of book value and/or capital employed?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Thanks, Alejandro. I mean I won't get into book value. Probably, our book value is a little bit conservative, and I don't want to give a hint to players that are discussing transactions right now. I mean the color I gave is that I show the financial performance in the first nine months of Amey, for instance, that should be a good indication of how the asset is trading and probably that's all that's needed at this point in time. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. The last question from Alejandro.

Alejandro Vigil

Analyst

Would you allocate additional capital in Heathrow with the current price control proposal?

Ignacio Gaston

Analyst

Thank you, Begoña. Thank you, Alejandro. This is Ignacio Gaston from Ferrovial Airports. Alejandro, if we look at the past, results have not been very positive from an equity return standpoint, I would say, indeed, negative from a return standpoint. On the other hand, if you look at the future in the context of the initial proposals, further to your question, there are a couple of matters, lack of recovery of RAB and low equity returns that make me feel very skeptical about the appetite to contribute further capital into Heathrow. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ignacio. The next set of questions come from Patrick Creuset from Goldman Sachs.

Patrick Creuset

Analyst

First question, what level of 2019 traffic, do you see 407 traffic trending during October? And at what level of traffic will you feel comfortable to start raising tolls? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Thank you, Begoña. Well, we are monitoring continuously the traffic evolution. And also, well, going to your question in October, we see more or less the same trend as we have seen in September, and we have shown these numbers in the presentation. In terms of raising tolls, I want to remind that we are still in a pandemic situation with restrictions. And as Ernesto mentioned before, employers that are not deciding whether they are going to ask employees to go back to offices yet. So until those things happens, I think it's too premature to talk about the toll strategy. Thank you. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. Also from Patrick.

Patrick Creuset

Analyst

At what level of net cash position ex infrastructure, do you feel you need to keep on a sustainable basis?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Okay. Well, really, we have plenty of lines. We have the possibility of issue European commercial paper. But I would say none. But if you want, you can look at about, I don't know, several hundred, €200 million to €500 million of liquidity in terms of just pure operations. But as I mentioned, and nowadays, is there such liquidity in the European commercial paper market or you have lines, you don't really have to hold to the cash, but you could use cash, give or take, that kind of liquidity for operations, I think, is reasonable for our size. But very important, remember that you could do that having a net debt position, okay? So it's not that you have to have a net cash position of that. I mean for liquidity purposes, you could be in a net debt position close to 2x net debt-to-EBITDA and still have that buffer of liquidity, right. So let's not mix both things. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. Last question from Patrick.

Patrick Creuset

Analyst

As you execute your Horizon 24 strategy with divestments and ramp-up of new projects. At what point can we expect a more structured dividend or shareholder return policy?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Well, in the end, we don't have a policy on purpose to retain flexibility. But we are aware that dividends a long time should reflect the cash generation in terms of dividends or free monitor shareholders from our infrastructure, right. So in the past, you've seen that we have had some sort of steady dividend, slightly increasing. Of course, with the pandemic, we lowered that down a little bit. And it was reflected not a specific year, but the overall expected performance of the business plan. As I said, we don't want to have a policy that could put kind of restriction on us when we could see opportunities. But a long time, you see all that free cash flow from our infrastructure moving to shareholders. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. The next set of questions come from Nicolo Pessina from Mediobanca.

Nicolo Pessina

Analyst

First question, 407ETR, should we expect more dividends based on the performance that it has had for the fourth quarter? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Thanks, Nicolo. Well, we -- first of all, I'm really happy that we are back with the dividends with this 300 distribution. I guess -- sorry, you need to bear with us on this till the end of the year, it's a little bit soon because the main reason that I mentioned before was about the raising tolls. We need to keep on looking at the evolution of the traffic. It's true that we have a very healthy cash position, very healthy liquidity position. And things are going much better than before. All the stakeholders has been okay with this distribution, not only the Board and other stakeholders like the rating agencies. And so we will keep on working in that effort, again, is perhaps too soon to answer that question, hopefully, in a couple of months we will clear that out. Thanks. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. Also from Nicolo.

Nicolo Pessina

Analyst

Should we expect an improvement of the 2021 final dividend to Ferrovial shareholders compared to last year?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Well, if we are able to deliver on the additional €200 million, the Board approved from share buybacks, definitely. Yes. I mentioned about delivery because there's not that much liquidity in the stock, and there's not that many days of trading before year-end. But I mean, all in all, yes, we should end up with a higher remuneration than in 2020. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. And the last question from Nicolo.

Nicolo Pessina

Analyst

On IRB infrastructure, do you plan all your businesses in India -- or your business in India, apologies to go through IRB or would you consider bidding for some of the projects by yourself? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Thanks, Begoña. Well, the idea definitely is go through the IRB for any investment in that we are new in that market. We think that these are unique opportunity, learning from one of the leaders in that market is not the idea to be it by ourselves in a new market where we have still a lot of things to learn. So I hope that answers your question. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. The next set of questions come from Luis Prieto from Kepler Cheuvreux.

Luis Prieto

Analyst

First question, how should we think about energy, mobility and water investments in terms of amounts and actual segments of interest?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Okay. Well, more than amounts that is not, let's say, an important amount of capital allocation that we have provided here. In terms of energy, we are doing, as you've seen some stuff for self-consumption in photovoltaic. I will be doing other opportunities where we could have some differential capabilities, right. So probably, the value is going to be more on the buildup to get in that. And as I said, with some sort of engineering or EPC advantage with the idea of then rotating pretty quickly. So they shouldn't be that capital-intensive, and we'll try to take advantage of where we can add more value in the value chain. I mean in a kind of concession that is not complex is in the initial value where we bring our capabilities and then we should be rotating. Mobility, you've seen what we've done in the past with CD -- Wondo, we are looking at different things and how they could affect the performance of mobility around cities, but not looking to deploy a lot of capital. So we have seats in different areas, even some venture capital to see opportunities where we could basically get know-how for other businesses. Water. I mean it's an important value chain. And here, we haven't looked at a lot of capital allocation, exploring opportunities where we could have an extra return so far we haven't found. So it's businesses where you look for edges in terms of capabilities that are a little bit differential. Probably of these, the ones that could have more allocation and also nurture other divisions could be energy in these different aspects, but we haven't committed yet any capital allocation for our business plan. I mean this will keep evolving. In the fall, we will have more discussion here. We have a new CEO, and we will be looking into this. But it doesn't change the Horizon 24 slide that we should always have in mind. If we change that, we will be telling you. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. The next question also from Luis.

Luis Prieto

Analyst

In the case of Lilium, what should be your overall capital commitment?

Ignacio Gaston

Analyst

Thank you, Luis. Thank you, Begoña. This is Ignacio Gaston again. With respect to Lilium, the equity exposure that we have is not material at this stage, it's less than 1% of the company listed in NASDAQ. Luis, thank you.

Luis Prieto

Analyst

Thank you, Ignacio. Could you please provide an update on the disposal processes for international services operations, Amey, U.S., Canada and Chile?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Well, Amey is advancing, and we are looking probably to arrange to sign an SPA before the end of the first quarter next year. U.S., oil and gas is small, but advancing well. Canada, that is infrastructure maintenance in Canada and the U.S., we mentioned that it goes into construction. It has synergies, it's complementary, it has resources at a time when there could be a lot of activity. And Chile has been postponed to next year just to sell it after the elections right now is kind of on a mood where transactions are much more limited, so we'll wait till next year. Begoña Morenés: Apologies. I was on mute there. Last question from Luis.

Luis Prieto

Analyst

Does your potential entry into the Indian market derived from a more contained market outlook for high-complexity assets in North America? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: I guess I'll take this one. No, no, not all. I think that we have been clear during the presentation. So Ernesto, in his words, remain focus is still on high-complexity projects, and particularly in North America. We think that the pipeline is getting better. We have been prequalifying several projects in North America. We feel positive to see new managed lanes in the coming future. And thus, the main goal of the company has been set in any [indiscernible] including the Horizon 24. So I think that the short answer is no. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. The next set of questions come from Robert Crimes from Insight.

Robert Crimes

Analyst

First question, what level do you see the IRRs or new build toll roads in India to be built by IRB? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Thank you, Robert. Well, that depends on the type of project. As we in [indiscernible], sometimes goes for projects with traffic risk demand or with type of availability payment with less risk. And in this case, it's spread in three types of projects, the [indiscernible]. That means availability projects, demand risk projects and sometimes involved in privatizations of existing assets from the administration. I guess just to give you a sense that, that should be depending on the asset in the mid- to high 10s, again, depending on the asset class.

Robert Crimes

Analyst

Thank you, Pedro. Second question, what level did you estimate the EV/EBITDA multiple paid for IRB?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

I don't know, Pedro, do you want to me to take this one? Do you take it? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Sure. Yes, whatever you want it. Yes.

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Okay. Well, no, I mean, in terms of EV/EBITDA, our analysis was not based at all on EV/EBITDA. We had different equity discount rates for the different projects and type of risk. In construction, we only consider the margins for the next 4 -- 5 years, and we didn't have any terminal value for construction, and we didn't put any value for new businesses that we could win. And believe me, the value creation opportunity lies there in all what's coming to the market, in particular, in the region of traffic risk, where there's less public money involved and where there are few companies that have the credentials and the capital strength to bid for those. But as I said, no value was put in there. We just had discounted cash flow of the concessions and of the construction business. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. Last question from Robert.

Robert Crimes

Analyst

Is IRB's BOT division, pure construction, it had 31% EBITDA margins last year. Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Yes. Thank you, Robert. Well, BOT, as I tried to explain before, it's one of these asset class with demand risk. The construction -- the construction division, it's the one that is -- the EPC division is the one that is pretty much devoted on -- they own projects. So they own toll roads. And that division has demonstrated historical margins in the area of 25%, 30%. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. The next set of questions come from Marcin Wojtal from Bank of America.

Marcin Wojtal

Analyst

First question, are you open to allocate capital to emerging markets other than to India?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Marcin, thanks for the question. Well, we've looked at investments in Chile and Colombia, if you may call them emerging markets, yes, but really, the kind of total tickets consider is not much beyond what we have already done, right. So we remain again in Horizon 24 slide, where, yes, we look at these geographies, but it's not that we're looking to deploy much more than what we were doing at the moment, right. So the reason also for -- because it's a great opportunity and also the things we were looking in Latin America are less appealing. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. And lastly, from Marcin.

Marcin Wojtal

Analyst

Could energy infrastructure assets, such as transmission lines, become an important part of Ferrovial's capital allocation strategy?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Well, as I said before, it's difficult to see transmission lines as an important part of the capital allocation strategy because of what I mentioned before, where we differentiate ourselves on the value chain is at the beginning where you have all the engineering, DPC, and then you can rotate, right. So transmission lines always call for quick rotation on our side. So it's very difficult to say at one point in time a lot of capital allocated or seating on that part. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. The next set of questions come from Fernando Lafuente from Alantra.

Fernando Lafuente

Analyst

First question, construction has maintained similar margin levels as in the second quarter of the year. In Q2, there were positive one-offs. Are there any positive one-offs in Q3? Is it the contribution from maintenance services in the U.S.? Iñaki García Bilbao: Thank you, Fernando. This is Iñaki from Ferrovial Construction. Yes, you're right. I mean, in Q3, there is a one-off that is mentioned in the presentation that is the sale of the assets of the aggregates of SCC business in the U.S. and the surplus of selling these assets was around €13 million. Regarding the contribution of maintenance services, I mean, it's also shown €130 million, I mean, with €9 million EBIT. I mean so this is not moving the needle in the contribution of the EBIT margin of 2.4%. Thank you. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Iñaki. Also from Fernando.

Fernando Lafuente

Analyst

On the 407ETR, what were the main KPIs that led the Board to approve the dividend for the fourth quarter of the year, what should we assume for 2022, is it back to normal dividend payments? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Thank you, Begoña. Well, I think more or less, I answered this question before. I mean the number of KPIs is normal. And because we do consider everything, not only the traffic evolution, the projection, definitely, the COVID situation. But again, I want to stress this that we are still under some restrictions as well as the -- how comfortable is the Board when it takes this decision as well as rating agencies that is also a very important stakeholder. So now I guess, as I mentioned before, it's too early to understand where are we going to end up during this of dividend. So even more complicated to answer how it's going to '22 look like in terms of dividend coming from the 407. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. Lastly from Fernando.

Fernando Lafuente

Analyst

Regarding the sale of the Services division, what are the cash-ins expected in Q4? And what will be delayed into 2022?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Well, in 2021, we should be getting something like €1 billion, the rest should come up in 2022. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. The next set of questions come from Filipe Leite from CaixaBank BPI.

Filipe Leite

Analyst

First question, what was the impact from the sale of aggregate recycling activity in 3Q EBITDA and EBIT of the Webber division? Iñaki García Bilbao: Thank you, Filipe. I think I answered this question. I mean, the surplus on selling these assets was 30 million, and if you exclude this Webber division will be in the 2.4% margin -- EBIT margin in -- for the year. Thank you. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Iñaki. Also from Filipe.

Filipe Leite

Analyst

on the 407ETR, should we anticipate some marginal tariff increase in 2022? Or should we assume no tariff changes until traffic recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Yes. Thank you, again. Sorry, I don't want to repeat myself with the same answer on -- we're still under COVID. We -- it's not a matter of whether we recover the 2019 levels in order to understand where we are going to back on the dividends levels, back on the recent toll scheme, we need to keep an eye on the many things that are evolving. Ernesto also mentioned before, the situation of the employers and how will that affect the traffic. So we need to wait and see a little bit more. Sorry about that. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. The next set of questions come from Tobias Woerner from Stifel.

Tobias Woerner

Analyst

First question, how do we have to see the €253 million cash position in the services business, is this yours, or does part of it go with the divestment?

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Well, I would say, it's ours, right. I mean if it goes where the divestment, they have to pay for that, right. So when we have, let's say, holding value of our assets in our books is taking into account the equity, the cash if it has to go with the business, it has to be paid, right. So we could consider it 8 hours. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Ernesto. Also from Tobias.

Tobias Woerner

Analyst

Regarding the I-66, can you give us a few parameters for the implied DCF valuation? What sort of ramp-up assumptions should we take? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Okay. Well, as you mentioned, a few parameters could be -- to be consistent on the high-congestion levels of the area as well as the GDP per capita is one of the highest in the U.S. and the tariffs in the area around the existing ones are also high in terms of tolls. So the users are used to these express lanes and toll lanes, and that's why probably for modeling purposes, we believe that the ramp-up could be shortened because there are existing assets, we think, are not profiled. So I hope that helps. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. Lastly from Tobias.

Tobias Woerner

Analyst

Your IRB investment comes without control. How do you protect your capital, will you get any Board seats, what will your influence be or are you simply a financial investor? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Okay. Thank you, Tobias. Yes, we don't have control. We are a minority shareholder, with less than 25%, but still almost 25% that give us the opportunity to have two seats on the Board, and that means 25% of Board of the Directors. We -- in conversations with the company, also brings technical capability and experience in many areas, including ESG, health and safety, billing, technical and finance. It's true that we are -- we don't have the control. But with those things, again, two Board seats and a 25% stake, I think that we are relevant actually to this company. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. The next set of questions come from Nabil Ahmed from Barclays.

Nabil Ahmed

Analyst

First question, regarding the dividend distribution of 407ETR, are there any political constraints on paying dividends? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Short answer is no. There is no political constraints. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. Second question from Nabil.

Nabil Ahmed

Analyst

Could you please elaborate on the genesis of the IRB transaction, are there any previous relationship with IRB or was it a competitive process? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: It was not a competitive process. The interest of -- has been for several years, as we keep an eye on several markets, including the Indian one. In fact, in 2008, we made it try with a local partner for bidding opportunities in the road space. However, we -- after getting a better understanding of the market, we concluded that the complexity assay of the market was not the right moment to enter. Now we came cross on IRB as one of the leading players in toll roads and the rest of the positive and skills that we have mentioned during the presentation, and IRB were looking for partners and trying to capital raising. With our current approach and with focus on growth to this platform in such a very attractive infrastructure market with a huge pipeline in front of us. We don't foresee any potential conflict that we decided to go across. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. And lastly, from Nabil.

Nabil Ahmed

Analyst

How do you manage potential conflicts of interest related to an opportunity in India, can Ferrovial go alone on an investment opportunity and competes with IRB or does IRB have a right of first refusal on any Indian project? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Thank you, Begoña. Well, there's no restrictions on whether Ferrovial can go, I think, is set out. But as I mentioned before, definitely it's not the idea, and we are just stepping almost in still approvals from regulators and more importantly, from the company. So we are not in yet, but it's going to be a very first step in the Indian market. So we want to be prudent. And I don't see that conflict coming in probably ever, but definitely not soon. We would like to learn from them, and as one of the leading players and take advantage of the growth that we see in this market. No, the idea is not to compete and enter into any conflict of interest. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. The next set of questions come from José Manuel Arroyas from Banco Santander.

Jose Manuel Arroyas

Analyst

First question, in the third quarter of 2021, the 407ETR, so average travel distances rise by 7% year-on-year to 23.8 kilometers. Is this attributable to a mix effect associated with higher share of heavy vehicle traffic and if so, are longer travel distance is sustainable going forward? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Great. Thank you, José Manuel, basically, it is attributable for more mid-day and weekend traffic. So as soon as we get more in A.M. peak, probably we will recover the normal level. So I guess that is not sustainable. Again, if we recover that strategy in that part of the day. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro, also from José Manuel.

Jose Manuel Arroyas

Analyst

The current government of Ontario is considering building Highway 413 again. Can they legally build this road if the Canadian federal government announces an unfavorable environmental assessment? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Our understanding is that if they got an unfavorable environmental assessment, they cannot build up I presume that probably is not going to be legal that's why they need to go through this federal environmental assessments all the way. They will decide in second time period that could last even 2 years where they need to change the project or they need to follow with it or potentially cancel. But if that happens, the last one, we don't believe that they can give a follow-on. Nothing has changed, actually, even the latest news from the governor because it's the same one that was pushing towards these projects or nothing has changed over the last few months since the most important thing from our perspective is that now that environmental assessment is under further care. Begoña Morenés: Thank you. Pedro. The next question comes from Nicolas Mora from Morgan Stanley.

Nicolas Mora

Analyst

Can you provide an update on the traffic of U.S. managed lanes into October after a lackluster third quarter? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Sorry. As explained in the presentation, traffic in the U.S. managed lanes was affected in Q3 by the surge in COVID cases that in some places was up, not as winter surge. We are seeing traffic levels picking up in October again as COVID situation has got under control. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. The last set of questions come from Charles Maynadier from Kempen.

Charles Maynadier

Analyst

First question, would you consider increasing your stake in IRB in the medium term? Pedro Agustín Losada Hernández: Thanks, Charles. Well, the quick answer is no. We, as I mentioned several times in this call, we need to learn a lot. We are happy with our stake and Board presence in the company. We think that we can add a lot of value. And as I said, take advantage of the growth that we are almost sure that is coming. So we presently don't have any plans to acquire stake -- or increasing the stake in the company. If we have any decision for acquisition or control stake the company in the future, we will comply with all applicable laws and make all relevant disclosures, but it's nothing that we are thinking today. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Pedro. And lastly, from Charles.

Charles Maynadier

Analyst

Do you see any significant impact from raising cost of materials and labor shortages in the construction activity in the coming quarters? Iñaki García Bilbao: Thank you, Charles. Yes, I mean it's becoming to be a big concern, I mean, in the sector. Also, most of our external close are -- external costs are closed with contractors. Also, I mean, there are mitigants with formulas in some of the geographies that we are in the section formulas, I mean in Spain, in Poland. But it's true, I mean that this is going to have an impact and also had an impact in this quarter. We are confident, I mean, that governments are beginning to be completely aware of the problems. So probably some measures, transitional measures. I mean, like in Spain, I mean, after the indexation formulas will help. But also, I mean, we will be prudent in our bidding offers. I mean presenting offers and considering, I mean, these new prices in the bidding process. Thank you. Begoña Morenés: Thank you, Iñaki. There are no further questions.

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Okay. So thanks for bearing with us. And yes, I have to make three announcements. Two of them are of colleagues leaving. I mean, the first one is Fernando González de Canales, the CFO of Ferrovial Services goes with the environmental business that we are selling. He's a real star. It's been a pleasure and an honor working with you, Fernando. We will miss you a lot, but we're in the same city, I guess. Now maybe learning some German. We expect to see you -- expect to see you a lot. And thanks a lot. Thank you. Fernando González de Canales Moyano: Thank you, Ernesto.

Ernesto Lopez Mozo

Analyst

Also another great star Begoña is leaving. She's going to Head the Investor Relations Department of Banco Santander. We'll miss her a lot. She's fantastic and congratulations to Santander. We'll miss her a lot. We have another great star coming up and that's Silvia Ruiz to replace Begoña. Silvia has been controller of Cintra. She knows all the assets inside out and she's met some of you investors in the past. So a lot of movement, a lot to thank, and a lot to welcome. And thanks all of you investors for bearing with us. Take care.