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6-K 1 tm247027d4_6k.htm FORM 6-K

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of February, 2024.

 

Commission File Number 001-38755

 

 

 

Suzano S.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

SUZANO INC.

(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)

 

Av. Professor Magalhaes Neto, 1,752

10th Floor, Rooms 1010 and 1011

Salvador, Brazil 41 810-012

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F x          Form 40-F ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨

 

 

 

 


 

Enclosures:

 

Exhibit 99.1 Earnings Release for Fourth Quarter 2023.

 

2 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: February 28, 2024

 

    SUZANO S.A.
     
  By: /s/ Marcelo Feriozzi Bacci
  Name: Marcelo Feriozzi Bacci
  Title: Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer

 

3 

 

EX-99.1 2 tm247027d4_ex99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Cash cost is the lowest since 4Q21

Year 2023 marked by progress “on time and on budget” in the Cerrado Project

 

São Paulo, February 28, 2024. Suzano S.A. (B3: SUZB3 | NYSE: SUZ), one of the world’s largest integrated pulp and paper producers, announces today its consolidated results for the fourth quarter of 2023 (4Q23).

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

· Pulp sales of 2,761 thousand tons (stable vs. 4Q22).

 

· Paper sales3 of 386 thousand tons (14% vs. 4Q22).

 

· Adjusted EBITDA1 and Operating cash generation2: R$4.5 billion and R$2.8 billion, respectively.

 

· Adjusted EBITDA1/ton of pulp of R$1,360/ton (-48% vs. 4Q22).

 

· Adjusted EBITDA1/ton3 of paper of R$1,936/ton (-27% vs. 4Q22).

 

· Net average pulp price in export market: US$572/ton (-31% vs. 4Q22).

 

· Average net paper price3 of R$6,732/ton (-5% vs. 4Q22).

 

· Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$816/ton (-13% vs. 4Q22).

 

· Leverage of 3.1 times in USD and 3.0 times in BRL.

 

· Cerrado Project completes 86% of physical progress and 78% of financial progress.

 

Financial Data (R$ million)     4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22     ΔY-o-Y       2023       2022       ΔY-o-Y  
Net Revenue     10,372       8,948       16 %     14,370       -28 %     39,756       49,831       -20 %
Adjusted EBITDA2     4,505       3,695       22 %     8,175       -45 %     18,273       28,195       -35 %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin2     43 %     41 %     2 p.p.       57 %     -13 p.p.       46 %     57 %     -11 p.p.  
Net Financial Result     2,269       (3,494 )     -       2,000       13 %     5,781       6,433       -10 %
Net Income     4,515       (729 )     -       7,459       -39 %     14,106       23,395       -40 %
Operating Cash Generation3     2,779       1,896       47 %     6,463       -57 %     11,566       22,563       -49 %
Net Debt/ Adjusted EBITDA2 (x) (R$)     3.0 x       2.6 x       0.4 x       2.0 x       1.0 x       3.0 x       2.0 x       1.0 x  
Net Debt/ Adjusted EBITDA2 (x) (US$)     3.1 x       2.7 x       0.4 x       2.0 x       1.1 x       3.1 x       2.0 x       1.1 x  

 

Operational Data ('000 tons)     4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22     ΔY-o-Y       2023       2022       ΔY-o-Y  
Sales     3,148       2,817       12 %     3,097       2 %     11,507       11,906       -3 %
Pulp     2,761       2,486       11 %     2,759       0 %     10,215       10,600       -4 %
Paper1     386       331       17 %     338       14 %     1,291       1,306       -1 %

 

1Excludes non-recurring items. | 2Considers Adjusted EBITDA less sustaining capex (cash basis) | 3Considers the results of the Consumer Goods Unit (tissue).

 

 

 

 

 

The consolidated quarterly information has been prepared in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) and Accounting Standards Committee (CPC) standards and is in compliance with International Accounting Standard (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB). The data contained in this document was obtained from the financial information as made available to the CVM. The operating and financial information is presented based on consolidated numbers in Reais (R$). Summaries may diverge due to rounding.

 

CONTENTS    
     
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY     3
       
PULP BUSINESS PERFORMANCE     3
PULP SALES VOLUME AND REVENUE     3
PULP CASH COST     5
PULP SEGMENT EBITDA     8
OPERATING CASH FLOW FROM THE PULP SEGMENT     9
       
PAPER BUSINESS PERFORMANCE     10
PAPER SALES VOLUME AND REVENUE     10
PAPER SEGMENT EBITDA     12
OPERATING CASH FLOW FROM THE PAPER SEGMENT     13
       
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE     13
NET REVENUE     13
CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DOWNTIMES     15
COST OF GOODS SOLD (COGS)     15
SELLING EXPENSES     16
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES     16
ADJUSTED EBITDA     17
FINANCIAL RESULT     17
DERIVATIVE OPERATIONS     18
NET INCOME (LOSS)     22
DEBT     23
CAPEX     25
CERRADO PROJECT     26
OPERATING CASH GENERATION     26
FREE CASH FLOW     27
EVOLUTION OF NET DEBT     27
ESG     28
TOTAL OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE - PULP     28
       
CAPITAL MARKETS     28
       
FIXED INCOME     30
     
RATINGS     30
       
UPCOMING EVENTS     30
       
APPENDICES     32
APPENDIX 1 – Operating Data     32
APPENDIX 2 – Consolidated Statement of Income and Goodwill Amortization     34
APPENDIX 3 – Consolidated Balance Sheet     35
APPENDIX 4 – Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow     36
APPENDIX 5 – EBITDA     37
APPENDIX 6 – Segmented Income Statement     38
Forward-Looking Statements     40

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

2023 was one more year when the Company continued to move ahead its strategy and, despite a challenging first semester marked by declining pulp prices, market sentiment improved significantly, especially in the second half of the year. The improvement in fundamentals sustained a sequence of price increases, which led to higher adjusted EBITDA in this segment in 4Q23. Cash production cost excluding scheduled maintenance downtimes decreased significantly between 4Q23 and 4Q22 (-13%), reaching its lowest level since 4Q21. EBITDA from the paper business unit once again exceeded R$3 billion in a year, also benefited from the effect of the acquisition of Kimberly Clark's tissue business in the second half of the year and remaining practically in line with the record set in 2022. As such, consolidated adjusted EBITDA came to R$18.3 billion in 2023, with the same indicator contributing with R$4.5 billion in 4Q23.

 

As for financial management, net debt in USD remained stable, in comparison to the previous quarter, at US$11.5 billion. Leverage in USD ended the year at 3.1 times, remaining fully within the Company's debt policy. The increase compared to 3Q23 occurred basically due to the decrease in Adjusted EBITDA in the last 12 months. The foreign exchange hedging policy continued to play its part, bringing in a positive cash inflow of R$1.2 billion in the quarter and a positive cash adjustment of R$3.6 billion in the year.

 

Continuing the advances made in its strategy, within the context of the “Being an important player in pulp through solid projects” and “Being the best in class in the total pulp cost vision” avenues, the physical progress of the Cerrado Project remains as expected, reaching 86%, while financial progress was 78%. The company expects the project to go operational by June 2024, as announced earlier. Still within the scope of these same avenues, the Company announced at the end of the year, in addition to the investments disclosed in the previous quarter, the acquisition of 70 thousand hectares of land in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in a region covered by Suzano's operations, of which 50 thousand hectares are useful hectares, partially covered by eucalyptus trees of different ages. The acquisition price was R$1,826 million, to be paid in cash on the transaction date (expected in 2024). The transaction is aligned with Suzano's strategy of creating optionality in its business and expand self-sufficiency in wood supply in the long term.

 

PULP BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

 

PULP SALES VOLUME AND REVENUE

 

The last quarter of 2023 was marked by the increase in hardwood pulp prices, driven by two main factors: the continuous demand for pulp from China, despite lower paper production volumes in relation to the previous quarter, and the recovery in the paper and paperboard market across Europe during the period.

 

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In China, production of sanitary paper and printing & writing paper declined slightly between the quarters. In the sanitary paper segment, production declined after the online sales festival in November, which is responsible for heavily boosting sales of finished products. However, production and exports increased across all paper segments compared to 2023, notably in the sanitary paper segment. Paperboard production increased in relation to the previous quarter, despite the scenario of oversupply in the segment. Average prices of cardboard and printing and writing paper increased in the quarter, while average prices of sanitary paper remained stable.

 

The European market showed signs of improvement in the quarter, with the increase in operating utilization rate of sanitary paper, paperboard, special paper and printing & writing paper plants compared to the previous quarter. The recovery scenario also affected positively the price and demand of hardwood pulp and the reduction in pulp inventories at ports. The U.S. market continued to register solid demand for sanitary paper.

 

The supply of chemical pulp (BCP) in the quarter was affected by unscheduled downtimes, mostly for market reasons, as well as downtimes due to restricted wood supply, especially in the northern hemisphere. Compared to 4Q22, unscheduled downtimes increased, impacting the supply of hardwood pulp more significantly than of softwood pulp. This restricted supply, despite lower than in the previous quarter, softened the impact caused by the startup of new capacities.

 

Average PIX/FOEX prices of hardwood pulp in the quarter increased 17% in China and 9% in Europe compared to 3Q23. The average price difference between softwood and hardwood fibers in the quarter was USD134/t in China and USD283/t in Europe, which tends to drive the consumption of hardwood pulp.

 

In this context, Suzano's pulp sales increased by 11% compared to the previous quarter, totaling 2,761 thousand tons and remained stable in relation to 4Q22. Sales performance in 2023 compared to 2022 was impacted by the company's decision to reduce its production volume for the year, as announced to the market in June 2023.

 

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Average net price in USD of pulp sold by Suzano in the period was US$568/t, increasing 4% from 3Q23 and declining 31% from 4Q22. In the export market, average net price charged by the Company was US$572/t, up 5% from 3Q23 and down 31% from 4Q22. Average net price in BRL was R$2,814/ton in 4Q23, up 6% from 3Q23, due to the better price scenario in China and Europe, and the increase in average USD versus average BRL (+2%). Compared to 4Q22, the 35% reduction was due to the lower average net price in USD during the period and the 6% decline in average USD versus average BRL.

 

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Net revenue from pulp increased 18% in the 4Q23 compared to 3Q23, due to: i) higher sales volume in the period (+11%); ii) higher average net price in USD (+4%); and iii) the increase in average USD versus average BRL (+2%). Compared to 4Q22, revenue decreased 35% due to lower average net price in USD (-31%) and the decline in average USD against average BRL (-6%).

 

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PULP CASH COST

 

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Cash cost excluding downtime in 4Q23 stood at R$816/t, decreasing 5% from 3Q23, due to: i) lower wood cost, mainly due to the reduction in average radius, lower specific consumption (better wood yield in mills) and the supply mix effect; ii) lower chemical prices (especially of caustic soda resulting from lower international prices – IHS); iii) lower consumption of inputs (mainly lime, clothing and natural gas), due to the greater operational efficiency of the mills and; iv) due to the higher dilution of fixed costs due to greater pulp production.

 

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1 Excludes the impact of maintenance and administrative downtimes.

 

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Cash cost excluding downtime in 4Q23 decreased 13% from 4Q22 due to: i) lower input prices, both in chemicals (mainly caustic soda) and energy (mainly natural gas), due to the drop in commodities; ii) the lower consumption of inputs (especially natural gas, chlorine dioxide and caustic soda), in turn due to the greater operational efficiency of the mills and the benefit provided by the greater energy efficiency project at the Jacareí mill; iii) the lower cost of wood, due to better price of diesel (a reflection of the fall in Brent), better performance of harvesting and logistics operations, smaller average radius in the period and lower specific consumption of wood. The positive factors in the cost of wood were partially offset by the greater price adjustments for services throughout 2023, mainly distributed in logistics and harvesting; and iv) the depreciation of the average USD against the BRL (-6%).

 

The positive effects on cash cost were partially offset by: i) higher fixed costs resulting from lower dilution on account of lower production volume and higher labor costs; ii) lower revenue from utilities due to lower export volume.

 

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1 Excludes the impact of maintenance and administrative downtimes.

 

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1 Excludes the impact of maintenance and administrative downtimes.

 

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Cash cost excluding downtime in 2023 remained stable in relation to 2022, due to lower costs with inputs (especially Brent and caustic soda), and the devaluation of the average BRL against the USD (-3%), which was offset by higher wood and fixed costs.

 

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1 Based on cash cost excluding downtimes. Excludes energy sales

 

PULP SEGMENT EBITDA

 

Pulp Segment     4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22     ΔY-o-Y       2023       2022       ΔY-o-Y  
Adjusted EBITDA (R$ million)1     3,756       2,912       29 %     7,274       -48 %     15,195       25,099       -39 %
Sales volume (k ton)     2,761       2,486       11 %     2,759       0 %     10,215       10,600       -4 %
Pulp adjusted1 EBITDA (R$/ton)     1,360       1,172       16 %     2,636       -48 %     1,487       2,368       -37 %

 

1 Excludes non-recurring items.

 

Adjusted EBITDA from pulp increased 29% from 3Q23 due to: i) higher sales volume (+11%); ii) the higher net pulp price in USD (+4%); iii) the lower cash COGS per ton, benefiting from the drop in the cash cost of production (inventory turnover effect) and the absence of scheduled maintenance stoppages; and iv) the appreciation of average USD against average BRL (+2%). The 16% increase in adjusted EBITDA per ton is explained by the same factors, except the volume effect.

 

Compared to 4Q22, the 48% decline in Adjusted EBITDA from pulp is due to the lower net average pulp price in USD (-31%) and the depreciation in average USD against average BRL (-6%), partially offset by the lower cost of production in the period. Adjusted EBITDA per ton fell 48% due to the same reasons.

 

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1 Excludes non-recurring items.

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OPERATING CASH FLOW FROM THE PULP SEGMENT

 

Pulp Segment
(R$ million)
    4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22     ΔY-o-Y       2023       2022       ΔY-o-Y  
Adjusted EBITDA1     3,756       2,912       29 %     7,274       -48 %     15,195       25,099       -39 %
Maintenance Capex2     (1,531 )     (1,612 )     -5 %     (1,554 )     -2 %     (6,028 )     (5,149 )     17 %
Operating Cash Flow     2,225       1,301       71 %     5,720       -61 %     9,167       19,949       -54 %

 

1 Excludes non-recurring items.

2 Cash basis.

 

Operating cash flow per ton in the pulp segment was 54% higher than in 3Q23, due to higher EBITDA per ton and lower sustaining capex per ton. Compared to 4Q22, the 61% reduction was due to lower EBITDA per ton.

 

 

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PAPER BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

 

The following data and analysis incorporate the joint results of the paper, packaging and consumer goods (tissue) businesses.

 

PAPER SALES VOLUME AND REVENUE

 

According to data published by Brazil's Forestry Industry Association (IBÁ), demand for printing & writing paper in 4Q23, including imports, fell 13% from the same period in 2022. In the year-to-date 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, the drop was 11%.

 

In the analysis of the year 2023 compared to 2022, the impact of lower domestic demand was concentrated in coated paper destined for the promotional segment, which was strongly affected by inventory adjustments across the chain and by continued changes in consumption patterns caused by digitalization, as well as the high comparison base in 2022.

 

As for uncoated paper lines, which account for the bulk of Suzano's sales volume, demand has been more resilient, and had a smaller reduction due to low exposure to changes in behavior due to digitalization, in addition to school and office paper (cutsize), whose seasonality is historically stronger in the second half of the year, as well as inventory adjustments throughout the year.

 

In the international markets, demand for printing & writing paper was affected mainly by inventory adjustments across the chain, and by macroeconomic uncertainties that restricted economic activity. Changes in consumption patterns, especially in mature markets in North America and Western Europe, where digitalization is in an advanced stage, also affected reduction. In Latin America (excluding Brazil), inventory adjustments also affected demand, though with lower impacts on uncoated paper segments.

 

Demand for paperboard in Brazil, Suzano’s flagship market for this product line, declined 8% in 4Q23 compared to 4Q22. Comparing the full year of 2023 with 2022, demand for paperboard in the domestic market remained stable, reflecting the inventory adjustments across the chain, especially in the second half of 2023, while demand for packaging remained stable during the year.

 

Consolidating the market segments mentioned above (paper market accessible to Suzano), total demand fell 11% in 4Q23 compared to 4Q22, while domestic demand decreased 8% in the full year of 2023 compared to 2022.

 

Despite the more challenging scenario, worth highlighting the expansion of markets served by our unique go-to-market model, and advancing in the strategy of winning new clients, ending 2023 with approximately 44 thousand active clients in the last twelve months. We also expanded the previously mentioned model with the opening of new operating DCs in Brazil and South America. Finally, we continue to move ahead with our digital transformation initiatives and invest in our portfolio of innovative products targeted at the packaging and single-use plastic replacement segments.

 

With the acquisition of Kimberly Clark's tissue business in Brazil, the consumer goods segment has accounted for a bigger share of the paper business results since 3Q23.

 

Suzano’s paper sales (printing & writing, paperboard and tissue) in the domestic market totaled 269 thousand tons in 4Q23, up 15% from the previous quarter, mainly due to the increase in printing & writing paper sales during a period of strong seasonality effects. Compared to 4Q22, paper sales increased 4%, reflecting above all the new volumes resulting from the acquisition of Kimberly Clark in Brazil and growth in printing & writing sales, following the performance of their respective markets.

 

International paper sales totaled 118 thousand tons, up 22% and 47%, respectively, from 3Q23 and 4Q22, corresponding to 30% of total sales volume in 4Q23. The higher volume of exports in comparison with both periods is due to the commercial strategy of allocating volumes between domestic and export markets.

 

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1 Includes the Consumer Goods Unit.

 

Average net price decreased 5% from the previous quarter and from 4Q22, mainly due to less favorable conditions in market for printing & writing paper and paperboard, despite the increase in tissue prices, addition to the effect of the acquisition of Kimberly Clark’s tissue business in Brazil.

 

 

 

Net revenue from paper sales amounted to R$2,602 million, up 11% and 9% from 3Q23 and 4T22, respectively, reflecting higher volume (+17% and +14%), partially offset by the 5% decrease in average net price.

 

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1 includes the consumer goods business.

 

PAPER SEGMENT EBITDA

 

Paper Segment     4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22   ΔY-o-Y     2023   2022   ΔY-o-Y  
Adjusted EBITDA (R$ million) 1     748       783       -4 %     901     -17 %   3,078   3,096   -1 %
Sales volume (k ton)     386       331       17 %     338     14 %   1,291   1,306   -1 %
Paper adjusted1 EBITDA (R$/ton)     1,936       2,366       -18 %     2,664     -27 %   2,384   2,371   1 %

 

1 Excludes non-recurring items.

 

Adjusted EBITDA from paper decreased 4% from 3Q23, mainly due to the lower average net price and the increase in administrative expenses, in turn caused by the increase in SG&A (regarding the adjustment of the variable remuneration provision) and the increase in other variable expenses resulting from higher sales. These effects were partially neutralized by higher sales volume. Adjusted EBITDA per ton decreased 18%, mainly due to the price effect and higher SG&A expenses.

 

Compared to 4Q22, despite volume growth, a 17% decrease was caused by lower average net price and higher SG&A expenses that was mainly affected by the booking of commercial and logistics expenses of acquisition of Kimberly Clark’s tissue business in Brazil). The decrease in adjusted EBITDA per ton is explained by the same factors.

 

 

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OPERATING CASH FLOW FROM THE PAPER SEGMENT

 

Paper Segment
(R$ million)
    4Q23     3Q23   ΔQ-o-Q     4Q22   ΔY-o-Y     2023     2022     ΔY-o-Y  
Adjusted EBITDA1     748       783     -4 %   901     -17 %   3,078     3,096     -1 %
Maintenance Capex2     (195 )     (187 )   4 %   (158 )   24 %   (679 )   (483 )   41 %
Operating Cash Flow     553       595     -7 %   744     -26 %   2,400     2,614     -8 %

 

1 Excludes non-recurring items. 

2 Cash basis.

 

Operating cash generation per ton in the paper segment was R$1,432/t in 4Q23, down 20% and 35%, respectively, from 3Q23 and 4Q22, due to lower EBITDA per ton and higher sustaining capex per ton.

 

 

 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

 

NET REVENUE

 

Suzano’s net revenue in 4Q23 was R$10,372 million, 77% of which came from exports (vs. 75% in 3Q23 and 83% in 4Q22). The 16% increase in relation to 3Q23 is due to: i) higher sales volume in the period (+12%); ii) the higher net average pulp price in USD (+4%); and iii) the increase in average USD versus average BRL (+2%). In relation to 4Q22, consolidated net revenue decreased 28%, mainly due to the lower net average pulp price in USD (-31%), lower net average paper price in USD in the export market (-35%) and the decline in average USD against average BRL (-6%).

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1 Does not include Portocel service revenue.

 

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CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DOWNTIMES

 

Mill – Pulp capacity 2022 2023 2024
1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 1Q23 2Q23 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 4Q24
Aracruz - Mill A (ES) – 590 kt No downtime                    
Aracruz - Mill B (ES) – 830 kt             No downtime        
Aracruz - Mill C (ES) – 920 kt         No downtime        
Imperatriz (MA)1 – 1.650 kt                        
Jacareí (SP) – 1.100 kt                        
Limeira (SP)1 – 690 kt                        
Mucuri - Mill 1 (BA)1 – 600 kt                 No downtime
Mucuri - Mill 2 (BA) – 1.130 kt No downtime                
Suzano (SP)1 – 520 kt No downtime                
Três Lagoas - Mill 1 (MS) – 1.300 kt                 No downtime
Três Lagoas - Mill 2 (MS) – 1.950 kt                 No downtime
Veracel (BA)2 – 560 kt No downtime                
                                 

1 Includes integrated capacities and fluff. 

2 Veracel is a joint operation between Suzano (50%) and Stora Enso (50%) with total annual capacity of 1,120 thousand tons.

 

COST OF GOODS SOLD (COGS)

 

COGS (R$ million)     4Q23   3Q23   ΔQ-o-Q   4Q22     ΔY-o-Y   2023     2022   ΔY-o-Y  
COGS (Income statement)     6,776     6,104     11 % 6,793       0 % 25,077     24,821   1 %
(-) Depreciation, depletion and amortization     1,904     1,670     14 % 1,678       13 % 6,718     6,407   5 %
Cash COGS     4,872     4,434     10 % 5,115       -5 % 18,358     18,415   0 %
Sales volume     3,148     2,817     12 % 3,097       2 % 11,507     11,906   -3 %
Cash COGS/ton (R$/ton)     1,548     1,574     -2 % 1,651       -6 % 1,595     1,547   3 %

 

Cash COGS in 4Q23 came to R$4,872 million, or R$1,548/ton. Compared to 3Q23, cash COGS increased 10%, chiefly due to higher sales volume of pulp and paper and higher logistics costs (higher costs with mill to port logistics and terminal), partially offset by the absence of scheduled maintenance downtimes and lower production costs ex-downtimes (as discussed previously). On a per-ton basis, the 2% reduction is explained by the lower cash cost of production and the absence of scheduled maintenance downtimes, partially offset by higher logistics costs.

 

Compared to 4Q22, cash COGS decreased 5%, chiefly due to lower production cost ex-downtimes, lower impact of scheduled maintenance downtimes (as discussed previously) and lower logistics costs (drop in Brent, lower expenses with international freight, in turn impacted by the cost factor and the effect of exchange rate appreciation, and lower costs with domestic terminals), but was partially offset by higher sales volume (especially paper, in turn due to new volumes resulting from the acquisition of Kimberly Clark in Brazil). On a per-ton basis, cash COGS decreased 6% year on year due to the same factors, except volume.

 

Page 15 of 40


 

 

SELLING EXPENSES

 

Selling Expenses
(R$ million)
  4Q23 3Q23   ΔQ-o-Q     4Q22 ΔY-o-Y   2023   2022   ΔY-o-Y  
Selling expenses (Income Statement)     712     654       9 %     660     8 %   2,596     2,483     5 %
(-) Depreciation, depletion and amortization1     239     238       0 %     239     0 %   952     952     0 %
Cash selling expenses     473     416       14 %     421     12 %   1,644     1,532     7 %
Sales volume     3,148     2,817       12 %     3,097     2 %   11,507     11,906     -3 %
Cash selling expenses/ton (R$/ton)     150     148       2 %     136     10 %   143     129     11 %

 

Cash selling expenses increased 14% from 3Q23, mainly due to higher sales volume and higher marketing and labor expenses due to higher effect of the incorporation of Kimberly Clark’s tissue assets in Brazil. Cash selling expenses per ton increased 2% due to the same factors, except volume.

 

In relation to 4Q22, the 12% increase in cash selling expenses is explained by higher sales volume and several expenses related to the acquisition of Kimberly Clark’s tissue assets in Brazil (marketing campaigns, personnel, auditing and consultancy, etc.). These effects were partially offset by lower logistics expenses, in turn due to lower inland offshore expenses and the positive effect of the appreciation of the average BRL vs. USD on expenses of similar nature. Cash selling expenses per ton increased 10%, due to the same factors mentioned above, except volume.

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

General and Administrative
Expenses (R$ million)
  4Q23   3Q23   ΔQ-o-Q   4Q22 ΔY-o-Y   2023   2022   ΔY-o-Y  
General and Administrative Expenses     615       491       25 %   616     0 %   1,923     1,710     12 %
(-) Depreciation, depletion and amortization1     33       30       10 %   25     33 %   119     102     17 %
Cash general and administrative expenses     582       461       26 %   591     -2 %   1,804     1,608     12 %
Sales volume     3,148       2,817       12 %   3,097     2 %   11,507     11,906     -3 %
Cash general and administrative expenses/t (R$/ton)     185       164       13 %   191     -3 %   157     135     16 %

 

Compared to 3Q23, the 26% increase in cash general and administrative expenses is mainly due to higher personnel expenses (mainly regarding the adjustment of variable compensation provision) and higher spending on third-party services. On a per-ton basis, these expenses increased 13% due to the same factors.

 

Compared to 4Q22, cash general and administrative expenses decreased 2% mainly due to lower expenses with variable compensation, partially offset by the booking of expenses with the acquisition of Kimberly Clark’s tissue business in Brazil and higher personnel expenses (salaries and benefits). On a per-ton basis, the 3% decrease is explained by the same factors.

 

Page 16 of 40


 

 

Other operating income (expenses) was an income of R$902 million in 4Q23, compared to an expense of R$10 million in 3Q23 and an income of R$981 million in 4Q22. The variation in relation to 3Q23 is mainly due to the updated fair value of biological assets (which happens in the second and fourth quarters of each year). Compared to 4Q22, the variation is mainly due to the lower impact of updated fair value of biological assets and lower results from sale and write-off of assets, partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization expenses.

 

ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

Consolidated     4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q     4Q22     ΔY-o-Y       2023     2022     ΔY-o-Y  
Adjusted EBITDA (R$ million)1     4,505       3,695       22 %   8,175       -45 %     18,273     28,195     -35 %
Adjusted EBITDA1 Margin     43 %     41 %     2 p.p.     57 %     -13 p.p.       46 %   57 %   -11 p.p.  
Sales Volume (k ton)     3,148       2,817       12 %   3,097       2 %     11,507     11,906     -3 %
Adjusted EBITDA1/ton (R$/ton)     1,431       1,312       9 %   2,639       -46 %     1,588     2,368     -33 %

 

1 Excludes non-recurring items.

 

The 22% increase in Adjusted EBITDA in 4Q23 versus 3Q23 is explained by: i) higher sales volume in the period (12%); ii) the higher net average pulp price in USD (+4%); iii) the lower cash COGS per ton, as already explained; and iv) the rise in average USD against average BRL (+2%). These factors were partially offset by higher SG&A expenses (+16%), especially higher administrative expenses resulting from the increase in personnel expenses (variable compensation), as explained earlier. Adjusted EBITDA per ton increased 9% due to the same factors explained above, excluding sales volume.

 

In relation to 4Q22, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 45% due to the lower average net pulp price in USD (-31%), the decline in average USD against average BRL (-6%) and higher SG&A expenses (+4%), mainly due to higher selling expenses, as explained earlier. These factors were partially offset by lower cash COGS per ton and higher sales volume (+2%). Adjusted EBITDA per ton decreased 46% due to the same factors, excluding sales volume.

 

FINANCIAL RESULT

 

Financial Result
(R$ million)
    4Q23     3Q23   ΔQ-o-Q     4Q22   ΔY-o-Y       2023     2022     ΔY-o-Y  
Financial Expenses     (1,175 )     (1,176 )   0 %   (1,190 )   -1 %     (4,659 )   (4,590 )   1 %
Interest on loans and financing (local currency)     (376 )     (371 )   1 %   (338 )   11 %     (1,465 )   (1,352 )   8 %
Interest on loans and financing (foreign currency)     (884 )     (857 )   3 %   (768 )   15 %     (3,332 )   (2,656 )   25 %
Capitalized interest1     344       305     13 %   153     125 %     1,160     359     223 %
Other financial expenses     (259 )     (253 )   3 %   (238 )   9 %     (1,022 )   (942 )   9 %
Financial Income     610       426     43 %   345     77 %     1,826     967     89 %
Interest on financial investments     565       419     35 %   286     97 %     1,668     819     104 %
Other financial income     45       6     -     59     -24 %     157     148     6 %
Monetary and Exchange Variations     1,343       (1,880 )   -     1,594     -16 %     3,088     3,295     -6 %
Foreign exchange variations (Debt)     2,024       (2,381 )   -     2,162     -6 %     4,186     3,949     6 %
Other foreign exchange variations     (681 )     501     -     (567 )   20 %     (1,098 )   (654 )   68 %
Derivative income (loss), net2     1,492       (864 )   -     1,251     19 %     5,527     6,762     -18 %
Operating Cash flow hedge     1,006       (440 )   -     545     85 %     3,258     2,061     58 %
Cash flow - Cerrado project hedge     125       (249 )   -     340     -63 %     447     623     -28 %
Debt hedge     299       (225 )   -     399     -25 %     1,532     4,066     -62 %
Others 3     62       49     25 %   (33 )   -       290     12     -  
Net Financial Result     2,269       (3,494 )   -     2,000     13 %     5,781     6,433     -10 %

 

1 Capitalized interest related to work in progress. 

2 Variation in mark-to-market adjustment (4Q23: R$1,994 million | 3Q23: R$1,676 million), plus adjustments paid and received (4Q23 = R$1,174 million). 

3 Includes commodity hedge and embedded derivatives.

 

Page 17 of 40


 

 

Financial expenses remained stable in relation to 3Q23. The increase in interest expenses in foreign currency, caused by the weaker FX rate average of monthly closings, was offset by the increase in capitalized interest (linked to the progress of the Cerrado Project). Compared to 4Q22, financial expenses decreased 1%, mainly due to the increase in capitalized interest, partially offset mainly by the increase in interest expenses in foreign currency resulting from the increase in the SOFR interest rate (4Q23: 5.32% p.a. | 4Q22: 3.62% p.a. - average reference).

 

Financial income grew 43% in relation to 3Q23, due to: i) the increase in interest on financial investments, mainly resulting from higher investments in BRL; ii) the increase in the SOFR interest rate (4Q23: 5.32% p.a. | 3Q23: 5.24% p.a. - average reference). Compared to 4Q22, the 77% increase was mainly due to the increase of the interest rate on financial application due to i) higher investment volume in BRL and USD, and ii) increase in the SOFR interest rate (4Q23: 5.32% p.a. | 4Q22: 3.62% p.a. - average reference).

 

Inflation adjustment and exchange variation had a positive impact of R$1,343 million on the Company’s financial results due to the 3% increase in BRL against USD at the close of 3Q23, which affected debt in foreign currency by US$2,024 million (US$12,663 million at the end of 4Q23). This effect was partially offset by the negative result of exchange variation on other balance sheet items in foreign currency (R$681 million), notably the impact on the Company’s cash position (65% in USD at the end of 4Q23). Note that the accounting impact of exchange variation on foreign currency debt has a cash impact only on the respective maturities.

 

Derivative operations resulted in a gain of R$1,492 million in 4Q23, due to the positive impact of stronger BRL in the end of quarter, and the positive impact of the fixed curve, despite the negative impact of foreign exchange coupon on debt and cash flow hedges. The mark-to-market adjustment of derivative instruments on December 31, 2023 was positive at R$1,994 million, compared to R$1,676 million on September 30, 2023, representing an increase of R$318 million. Note that the impact of BRL appreciation on the derivatives portfolio generates a cash impact only upon the respective maturities. The net effect on cash, which refers to the maturity of derivative operations in the fourth quarter, was a positive R$1,174 million (R$169 million gain on debt hedge, R$957 million gain on cash flow hedge and R$49 million gain from commodities).

 

As a result of the above factors, net financial result in 4Q23, considering all financial expense and income lines, was an income of R$2,269 million in 4Q23, compared to an expense of R$3,494 million in 3Q23 and an income of R$2,000 million in 4Q22.

 

DERIVATIVE OPERATIONS

 

Suzano carries out derivative operations exclusively for hedging purposes. The following table reflects the position of derivative hedging instruments on December 31, 2023:

 

    Notional (US$ million)     Fair Value (R$ million)  
Hedge1   4Q23     3Q23     4Q23     3Q23  
Debt     4,939       5,155       (487 )     (617 )
Cash Flow – Operating (ZCC + NDF)     4,844       4,058       1,958       1,590  
Cash Flow – Cerrado2 (ZCC + NDF)     424       861       274       467  
Others3     437       219       250       236  
Total     10,644       10,294       1,994       1,676  

 

1 See note 4.5 of the 2023 Financial Statements (DF) for further details and fair value sensitivity analysis. 

2 Hedge program related to capex in BRL (ZCC) and EUR (NDF) of the Cerrado Project. 

3 Includes commodity hedging and embedded derivatives.

 

Page 18 of 40


 

 

The Company’s foreign exchange exposure policy seeks to minimize the volatility of its cash generation and ensure greater flexibility in cash flow management. Currently, the policy stipulates that surplus dollars may be partially hedged (at least 40% and up to 75% of exchange variation exposure over the next 24 months) using plain vanilla instruments such as Zero Cost Collars (ZCC) and Non-Deliverable Forwards (NDF). At the end of 4Q23, 60% of the exchange variation exposure was covered.

 

Considering the foreign exchange exposure related to Capex in the Cerrado Project, since approximately 67% of Capex is pegged to local currency, the Board of Directors approved on October 28, 2021, a program for contracting additional specific hedge operations to protect from it such exposure. The program approved (established in the Derivatives Management Policy available on the Investor Relations website) initially involved a maximum amount (notional) of up to US$1 billion and a term of operations of up to 36 months. On July 27, 2022, the Board of Directors approved the expansion of the program, increasing the maximum amount (notional) to US$1.5 billion while maintaining the previously established term. To ensure transparency regarding the Cerrado Project's hedge program, since 4Q21 the Company has been prominently disclosing the operations contracted.

 

Since about 33% of the Capex of the Cerrado Project is denominated in EUR, in 3Q22, the Company contracted hedge operations through NDFs to protect the exposure in EUR of the Capex of the Cerrado Project, converting it into USD. This type of hedge is established in the Derivatives Management Policy available on the Investor Relations website.

 

ZCC transactions establish minimum and maximum limits for the exchange rate that minimize adverse effects in the event of significant appreciation of the BRL. As such, if the exchange rate is within such limits, the Company neither pays nor receives any financial adjustments. This characteristic allows for capturing greater benefits from export revenue in a potential scenario of BRL appreciation versus USD within the range contracted. In cases of extreme BRL appreciation, the Company is protected by the minimum limits, which are considered appropriate for the operation. However, this protection instrument also limits, temporarily and partially, potential gains in scenarios of extreme BRL depreciation when exchange rates exceed the maximum limits contracted.

 

On December 31, 2023, the outstanding notional value of operations involving forward USD sales through ZCCs related to Cash Flows (including those related to the Cerrado Project) was US$4,501 million, with an average forward rate ranging from R$5.43 to R$6.27 and maturities distributed between January 2024 and December 2025. On the same date, the outstanding notional value of operations involving forward USD sales through NDFs was US$505 million, whose maturities are distributed between March 2024 and April 2025 and with an average rate of R$5.26. Regarding hedge for foreign exchange exposure in EUR, the outstanding notional value of forward EUR purchases at the end of 4Q23 was €254 million (USD262 million), with an average contracted rate of 1.03 EUR/USD and maturities through July 2024. In 4Q23, operational, cash flow and Cerrado Project hedge operations resulted in a gain of R$1,132 million. The mark-to-market (“MtM” or “fair value”) value of these operations totaled R$2,231 million, with R$1,958 million related to cash flow operating hedge and R$274 million related to operating hedge of the Cerrado Project.

 

The following table presents a sensitivity analysis of the cash impact that the Company could have on its cash flow hedge portfolios (ZCC and NDF) if the exchange rate remains the same as at the end of 4Q23 (BRL/USD = 4.84) in the coming quarters, as well as the projected cash impact for R$0.10 variations below / above the strike of put/call options, respectively, defined in each quarter. Note that the figures presented in the table are the Company’s projections based on the end-of-period curves and could vary depending on market conditions.

 

Page 19 of 40


 

 

                Cash Adjustment (R$ million)  
Maturity
(up to)
  Strike Range     Notional
(US$ million)
    Actual     Exchange Rate
4Q23
(R$ 4.84)
    Sensitivity at R$
0.10 / US$
variation (+/-)
 
                               
Zero Cost Collars
4Q23     -       -       621       -       -  
1Q24     5.44 - 6.20       382       -       229       38  
2Q24     5.56 - 6.40       560       -       401       56  
3Q24     5.66 - 6.53       555       -       454       56  
4Q24     5.71 - 6.63       505       -       437       51  
1Q25     5.50 - 6.37       280       -       185       28  
2Q25     5.22 - 6.03       642       -       243       64  
3Q25     5.13 - 5.95       870       -       252       87  
4Q25     5.08 - 5.86       545       -       130       55  
Total     5.38 - 6.21       4,339       621       2,331       434  
NDF
4Q23     -       -       18       -       -  
1Q24     5.22       85       -       32       9  
2Q24     5.25       350       -       142       35  
3Q24     5.35       20       -       10       2  
4Q24     5.40       45       -       25       5  
2Q25     5.54       5       -       3       1  
Total     5.26       505       18       213       51  
Zero Cost Collars – Cerrado Project
4Q23     -       -       302       -       -  
1Q24     5.87 - 6.98       95       -       98       9  
2Q24     6.10 - 7.44       58       -       73       6  
3Q24     6.35 - 8.34       9       -       14       1  
Total     5.98 - 7.22       162       302       185       16  

 

Page 20 of 40


 

 

                Cash Adjustment (R$ million)  
Maturity
(up to)
  Strike Range     Notional
(US$ million)1
    Actual     Exchange Rate
4Q23
(€ 1.11)
    Sensitivity at
€ 0.10 / US$ variation (+/-)
 
NDF – Cerrado Project (EUR/USD)
4Q23     -       -       17       -       -  
1Q24     1.03       98       -       35       46  
2Q24     1.03       96       -       33       45  
3Q24     1.04       69       -       22       32  
Total     1.03       262       17       90       123  

 

1 Translated at the average contracted rate of 1.03 Euro/USD.

 

To mitigate the effects of exchange and interest rate variations on its debt and its cash flows, the Company also uses currency and interest rate swaps. Swap contracts are entered into considering different interest rates and inflation indices in order to mitigate the mismatch between financial assets and liabilities.

 

On December 31, 2023, the Company had an outstanding amount (notional value) of US$4,939 million in swap contracts as shown in the table below. In 4Q23, the result of debt hedge transactions was an income of R$299 million, mainly due to stronger BRL and the positive impact of the fixed curve, despite the negative impact of foreign exchange coupon. The mark-to-market adjustment (fair value) of these operations was a loss of R$487 million.

 

              Notional
(US$ million)
    Fair Value
(R$ million)
 
Debt Hedge   Maturity
(up to)
    Currency   4Q23     3Q23     4Q23     3Q23  
Swap (PRÉ x USD)   2024     USD     200       200       (203 )     (244 )
Swap (CDI x USD)   2026     USD     1,025       1,015       (1,082 )     (1,257 )
Swap (SOFR x USD)   2026     USD     2,556       2,929       741       921  
Swap (CDI x SOFR)   2026     USD     125       -       26       -  
Swap SOFR   2029     USD     151       151       (17 )     11  
Swap (IPCA x CDI)   2036     BRL     883     860     48       (48 )
Total               4,939       5,155       (487 )     (617 )

 

1 Translated at the quarterly closing exchange rate (R$4.84).

 

The following table presents a sensitivity analysis1 of the cash impact that the Company could have on its debt hedge portfolio (swaps) if the exchange rate remains the same as at the end of 4Q23 (BRL/USD = 4.84) in the coming quarters, as well as the projected variation in cash impact for each R$0.10 variation on the same reference exchange rate (4Q23). Note that the figures presented in the table are the Company’s projections based on the end-of-period curves and could vary depending on market conditions.

 

          Cash Adjustment (R$ million)  
Maturity
(up to)
  Notional
(US$ million)
    Actual     R$ / US$ = 4.84
(4Q23)
    Sensitivity at R$
0.10 / US$ variation
(+/-)1
 
4Q23     -       169       -       -  
2024     1,382       -       231       (4 )
2025     1,546       -       (307 )     (62 )
2026     1,012       -       (433 )     (61 )
2027     130       -       14       -  
>=2028     869       -       169       -  
Total     4,939       169       (326 )     (127 )

 

1 Sensitivity analysis considers variation only in the exchange rate (R$/US$), while other variables are presumed constant.

 

Page 21 of 40


 

 

Other transactions involving the Company’s derivatives are related to the embedded derivative resulting from forestry partnerships and commodity hedges, as shown in the table.

 

            Notional
(US$ million)
  Fair Value
(R$ million)
  Cash Adjustment
(R$ million)
 
Other hedges   Maturity
(up to)
  Index   4Q23   3Q23   4Q23   3Q23   4Q23   3Q23  
Embedded derivative   2038   Fixed USD |
USD US-CPI
    132     129     230     143     -     -  
Commodities   2024   Brent/VLSF/
Others
    306     90     16     93     49     22  
Total             437     219     250     236     49     22  

 

A portion of the forestry partnership agreements and standing timber supply agreements is denominated in USD per cubic meter of standing timber, adjusted by U.S. inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is not related to inflation in the economic environment where the forests are located and, hence, constitutes an embedded derivative. This instrument, presented in the table above, consists of a sale swap contract of the variations in the US-CPI during the period of the contracts. See note 4 of the 4Q23 Financial Statements for more details and for a sensitivity analysis of the fair value in case of a sharp rise in the US-CPI and USD. On December 31, 2023, the outstanding (notional) value of the operation was US$132 million. The result from this swap in 4Q23 was a gain of R$88 million. The mark-to-market (fair value) adjustment of these operations generated a gain of R$230 million at the end of the quarter.

 

The Company is also exposed to the price of some commodities and, therefore, constantly assesses the contracting of derivative financial instruments to mitigate such risks. On December 31, 2023, the outstanding (notional) value of the operation was US$306 million. The result of this swap in 4Q23 was a loss of R$26 million. The mark-to-market (fair value) adjustment of these operations generated a gain of R$19 million at the end of the quarter.

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

In 4Q23, the Company posted net income of R$4,515 million, as against a net loss of R$729 million in 3Q23 and net income of R$7,459 million in 4Q22. The variation in relation to 3Q23 is mainly explained by: i) the positive financial result, which was explained by the positive impact of stronger BRL on debt and derivative operations (compared to the negative result registered in the previous quarter); ii) the higher operating income caused by the increase in net revenue and other operating income (mainly due to the revaluation of biological asset). These effects were partially offset by deferred income taxes expenses (deferred levied mainly on gains from the exchange variation on debt and mark-to-market adjustments of derivatives and revaluation of biological asset), higher COGS and increase in SG&A expenses, as explained earlier.

 

Page 22 of 40


 

 

The variation in relation to 4Q22 is mainly due to the lower operating result (decline in net revenue), partially offset by the reduction in IR/CSLL expense and higher financial income.

 

DEBT

 

Debt (R$ million)     4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22     ΔY-o-Y  
Local Currency     15,868       15,770       1 %     13,360       19 %
Short Term     1,155       1,921       -40 %     2,231       -48 %
Long Term     14,713       13,849       6 %     11,129       32 %
Foreign Currency     61,305       62,781       -2 %     61,215       0 %
Short Term     3,603       2,698       34 %     1,104       226 %
Long Term     57,702       60,083       -4 %     60,111       -4 %
Gross Debt     77,173       78,551       -2 %     74,575       3 %
(-) Cash     21,613       20,927       3 %     17,472       24 %
Net debt     55,560       57,624       -4 %     57,103       -3 %
Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA1 (x) - R$     3.0 x     2.6 x     0.4 x     2.0 x     1.0 x
Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA1 (x) – US$     3.1 x     2.7 x     0.4 x     2.0 x     1.1 x

 

1Excluding non-recurring items.

 

On December 31, 2023, gross debt totaled R$77.2 billion and was composed of 94% long-term maturities and 6% short-term maturities. Foreign currency debt corresponded to 79% of the Company's total debt at the end of the quarter. The percentage of gross debt in foreign currency, considering the effect of debt hedge, was 87%. Compared to 3Q23, gross debt decreased 2%, mainly due to the positive effect of exchange variation of R$2,024 million. Suzano ended 4Q23 with 39% of total debt linked to ESG instruments.

 

Suzano contracts debt in foreign currency as a natural hedge, since net operating cash generation is mostly denominated in foreign currency (USD) due to its predominant status as an exporter. This structural exposure allows the Company to match loans and financing payments in USD with receivable flows from sales.

 

 

 

*Corresponding mainly to transaction costs (issue, funding, goodwill, discount and loss on business combinations, etc.).

 

On December 31, 2023, the total average cost of debt in USD was 5.0% p.a. (considering the debt in BRL adjusted by the market swap curve), compared to 5.1% p.a. on September 30, 2023. The average term of consolidated debt at the end of the quarter was 75 months, compared to 77 months at the end of 3Q23.

 

Page 23 of 40


 

 

1Considers the portion of debt with swap for fixed rate in foreign currency. The exposure of the original debt was: Fixed (US$) – 54%, SOFR – 26%, CDI – 11%, Other (Fixed R$, IPCA, TJLP, others) – 9%.

2Considers the portion of debt with currency swaps. The original debt was 80% in USD and 20% in BRL.

 

Cash and cash equivalents and financial investments on December 31, 2023 amounted to R$21.6 billion, 65% of which were in foreign currency, allocated in remunerated account or in short-term fixed-income investments abroad. The remaining 35% was invested in local currency fixed-income bonds (mainly CDBs, but also in government bonds and others), remunerated at the CDI rate.

 

On September 31, 2023, the company also had a stand-by credit facility totaling R$6.2 billion (US$1.3 billion) available through February 2027. This facility strengthens the company's liquidity position and can be withdrawn during times of uncertainty. As a result, the cash and equivalents of R$21.6 billion plus the credit facility described above amounted to a readily available cash position of R$27.8 billion on December 31, 2023. Moreover, the Company had at the end of 2023 a financing agreement with Finnvera (US$800 million) related to the Cerrado Project, as per the Notice to the Market of November 1, 2022, which has not yet been withdrawn, further strengthening its liquidity position.

 

 

 

On December 31, 2023, net debt stood at R$55.6 billion (US$11.5 billion), compared to R$57.6 billion (US$11.5 billion) on September 30, 2023. The decrease in net debt is mainly explained by the exchange rate variation (R$1.3 billion) and by the free cash generation in the period of R$ 876 million (for more details, refer to Free Cash Flow section).

 

Financial leverage, measured as the ratio of net debt to Adjusted EBITDA in BRL, was 3.0 times on December 31, 2023 (2.6 times in 3Q23). The same ratio in USD (the measure established in Suzano’s financial policy) rose to 3.1 times on December 31, 2023 (from 2.7 times in 3Q23).

Page 24 of 40


 

 

 

 

The breakdown of gross debt between trade and non-trade finance on December 31, 2023 is shown below:

 

      2024       2025       2026       2027       2028       2029
onwards
      Total  
Trade Finance1     73 %     54 %     47 %     49 %     0 %     2 %     23 %
Non-Trade Finance2     27 %     46 %     53 %     51 %     100 %     98 %     77 %

 

1 EEC, ECN, EPP

2 Bonds, BNDES, CRA, Debentures, among others.

 

CAPEX

 

In 4Q23, capital expenditure (cash basis) totaled R$4,224 million. The 4% decrease in relation to 3Q23 was mainly due to: i) lower investments in Land and Forests; and ii) less spending on forest maintenance resulting from lower investments in forestry operations and wood purchases. Compared to 4Q22, the 18% decrease is mainly due to lower spending on the Cerrado Project.

 

The total amount of capital investments in 2023 was executed in line with the guidance released by the Company. The deviations between lines are due to greater expenditure on forest maintenance and land and forestry, as described: i) anticipation of disbursement for the acquisition of machinery for forestry operations; ii) higher expenses with roads and forestry resulting from the impacts of the greater volume of rain in the period and higher prices for services; and iii) greater expenditure on acquiring land and forests due to market opportunities. These effects were offset by the postponement of payments related to the Cerrado Project.

 

Page 25 of 40


 

 

For 2024, Management has approved a capital budget of R$16.5 billion, of which R$7.7 billion will be allocated to industrial and forestry maintenance and R$4.6 billion will be invested in the Cerrado Project, among others, mentioned in the table below.

 

Investments1
(R$ million)
    4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22     ΔY-o-Y       2023       2022       ΔY-o-Y      

Guidance

2024

 
Maintenance     1,726     1,799       -4 %     1,712       1 %     6,707       5,632       19 %     7,677  
Industrial maintenance     432     401       8 %     391       11 %     1,329       1,042       28 %     1,263  
Forestry maintenance     1,221     1,339       -9 %     1,241       -2 %     5,199       4,449       17 %     6,177  
Others     72     59       22 %     80       -9 %     179       141       26 %     238  
Expansion and modernization     145     190       -24 %     137       6 %     694       462       50 %     331  
Land and forestry     152     253       -40 %     193       -21 %     2,610       2,635       -1 %     3,296  
Port terminals     0     1       -90 %     4       -97 %     6       95       -93 %     6  
Others     11     20       -45 %     100       -89 %     49       119       -59 %     538  
Cerrado Project     2,190     2,140       2 %     2,999       -27 %     8,511       7,367       16 %     4,605  
Total     4,224     4,404       -4 %     5,144       -18 %     18,577       16,309       14 %     16,453  

 

1 Does not include the acquisition of Kimberly Clark's tissue business in Brazil, in the amount of R$1,073 million, as explained in Note 15 of the 2Q23 financial statements.

 

CERRADO PROJECT

 

The Cerrado Project is progressing according to schedule on its physical and financial curves, closing the fourth quarter of 2023 with the “inside the fence” execution (which corresponds to industrial and infrastructure investments) reaching physical progress of 86% and financial progress of 78% (R$11,499 million). The Company expects the new pulp mill located in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul, with annual capacity of 2,550 thousand tons, to go operational by June 2024.

 

OPERATING CASH GENERATION

 

Operating Cash Flow
(R$ million)
    4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22     ΔY-o-Y       2023       2022       ΔY-o-Y  
Adjusted EBITDA1     4,505       3,695       22 %     8,175       -45 %     18,273       28,195       -35 %
Maintenance Capex2     (1,726 )     (1,799 )     -4 %     (1,712 )     1 %     (6,707 )     (5,632 )     19 %
Operating Cash Flow     2,779       1,896       47 %     6,463       -57 %     11,566       22,563       -49 %
Operating Cash Flow (R$/ton)     883       673       31 %     2,087       -58 %     1,005       1,895       -47 %

 

1 Excludes non-recurring items.

2 Cash basis.

 

Operating cash generation, measured by adjusted EBITDA less sustaining capex (cash basis), amounted to R$2,779 million in 4Q23. The 31% increase in operating cash generation per ton is due to the higher adjusted EBITDA per ton and lower sustaining capex per ton. Compared to 4Q22, the 58% decrease is due to lower Adjusted EBITDA per ton.

 

 

 

Page 26 of 40


 

 

FREE CASH FLOW

 

Free Cash Flow (R$ million)     4Q23     3Q23     ΔQ-o-Q       4Q22     ΔY-o-Y       2023       2022       ΔY-o-Y  
Adjusted EBITDA     4,505       3,695       22 %     8,175       -45 %     18,273       28,195       -35 %
(-) Total Capex1     (4,395 )     (4,492 )     -2 %     (4,088 )     7 %     (20,233 )     (16,919 )     20 %
(-) Leases contracts – IFRS 16     (348 )     (293 )     19 %     (301 )     16 %     (1,218 )     (1,044 )     17 %
(+/-) Δ Working capital2     810       340       -       (1,578 )     -       3,517       (2,347 )     -  
(-) Net interest3     (627 )     (1,460 )     -57 %     (404 )     55 %     (4,048 )     (3,474 )     17 %
(-) Income taxes     (53 )     (166 )     -68 %     (90 )     -42 %     (308 )     (306 )     1 %
(-) Dividend payment/Share Buyback Program     (190 )     (160 )     19 %     2,349       -92 %     (1,073 )     (4,151 )     -74 %
(+/-) Derivative cash adjustment     1,174       720       63 %     256       -       3,559       282       -  
Free cash flow     876       (1,815 )     -       (379 )     -       (1,531 )     235       -  
(+) Capex ex-maintenance     2,763       2,839       -3 %     1,731       62 %     13,818       9,456       46 %
(+) Dividend payment/Share Buyback Program     190       160       19 %     2,349       -92 %     1,073       4,151       -74 %
Free cash flow – Adjusted4     3,829       1,183       224 %     3,701       3 %     13,360       13,842       -3 %

 

1 Accrual basis, except for the Parkia deal (payment of R$1.6 billion in 2Q23) and investments related to the Cerrado Project since 2Q23, as per note 15 (Property, Plant and Equipment) to the Financial Statements. Also considering the acquisition of Kimberly Clark Brazil's tissue business in 2Q23 in the amount of R$1,073 million (operation is a business combination and not acquisition of assets).

2 Considers costs of capitalized loans paid in the amount of R$344 million in 4Q23 and R$1,160 million in 2023.

3 Considers interest paid on debt and interest received on financial investments.

4 Free cash flow prior to dividend payments and capex ex-maintenance (accrual basis).

 

Adjusted Free Cash Flow in 4Q23 was R$3,829 million, compared to R$1,183 million in 3Q23 and R$3,701 million in 4Q22. The increase of 224% from the previous quarter is mainly due to: i) lower concentration of interest payments in the period; ii) higher adjusted EBITDA; iii) higher disbursement of working capital resulting from the decrease in inventories and recoverable taxes and the increase in suppliers (Cerrado Project). These effects were partially offset by the increase in accounts receivable (higher pulp prices combined with higher sales volume); and iv) the increase in positive cash adjustment of derivatives.

 

Compared to 4Q22, Adjusted Free Cash Flow increased 3%, mainly due to the disbursement of working capital resulting from the increase in suppliers (Cerrado Project) and the reduction in accounts receivable (contrary to high consumption in this line in 4Q22), higher positive cash adjustment of derivatives and lower sustaining capex (accrual basis). These effects were partially offset by lower adjusted EBITDA.

 

EVOLUTION OF NET DEBT

 

Following were the changes in net debt in 2023:

 

 

 

1 Accrual basis, except for the capex related to Cerrado Project (cash basis), as per the Cash Flow Statement. Considers the business combination with Kimberly Clark’s tissue segment in Brazil (R$1,073 million).

2 Net of exchange variations on cash and financial investments.

3 Considers the total amounts related to lease contracts (given that the impact of land leasing on capex is offset in working capital for Cash Flow Statement purposes), advances to suppliers, derivatives cash adjustments, among others.

 

Page 27 of 40


 

 

ESG

 

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Suzano's annual results were released in some of the main ESG indices and ratings, with the company having the following assessments:

 

· Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI): Suzano ranks 2nd spot in the list making up the index, in the forest and paper sector.

· CDP: score “A-“ in Water and Climate and “B” in Forests.

· Sustainalytics: the annual review of the Company maintained its "Low Risk" profile.

· Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE): Suzano is once again in the portfolio, with its score improving from 81.8 to 85.3.

· EcoVadis Sustainability: Platinum seal in 2023, and the Company's second straight year in the rating, with score of 78, placing it among the 1% best-rated companies globally by EcoVadis.

 

TOTAL OPERATIONAL EXPENDITURE - PULP

 

Total operational disbursement in 2023 was R$2,116/ton, 5% higher than 2022, mainly due to higher maintenance capex (mainly forestry) and inflation, partially offset by lower commodity and input prices.

 

EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE REPORTING PERIOD

 

On January 26, 2024, the Board of Directors approved the cancellation of 20 million common shares, with an average cost of R$42.69 (equivalent to R$854 million) which were held in treasury, without changing the share capital and against the balances of retained earnings reserves available. After the cancellation of the shares, the share capital of R$9,269 million is divided into 1,304,117,615 common shares, all nominative, book-entry and with no par value.

 

The Company deliberated in the same date a new share buyback program, in which it may acquire up to a maximum of 40 million common shares of its own issue with a maximum period of 18 months. For further details, on the cancellation of shares and the announced share buyback program, see Material Fact dated January 26, 2024 available on the investor relations website.

 

CAPITAL MARKETS

 

On December 31, 2023, Suzano’s stock was quoted at R$55.63/share (SUZB3) and US$11.36/share (SUZ). The Company’s stock is listed on the Novo Mercado, the listing segment of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3 – Brasil, Bolsa e Balcão) with the highest corporate governance standards, and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) - Level II. The stock’s performance as of December 8, 2023 considers the adjustment due to the payment of dividends (“ex” date for earnings paid on January 10, 2024).

 

Page 28 of 40


 

 

 

 

Source: Bloomberg.

 

 

 

Source: Bloomberg.

 

On December 31, 2023, the Company's capital stock consisted of 1,324,117,615 common shares, of which 34,765,600 common shares were held in treasury. Suzano’s market capitalization on the same date (ex-treasury shares) stood at R$71.7 billion. Free float in 4Q23 corresponded to 50% of the total capital.

 

 

 

Page 29 of 40


 

 

FIXED INCOME

 

    Unit     Dec/23     Sep/23     Dec/22     Δ Q-o-Q     Δ Y-o-Y  
Fibria 2025 – Price     USD/k       98.20       97.61       97.39       1 %     1 %
Fibria 2025 – Yield     %       5.80       5.96       5.37       -3 %     8 %
Suzano 2026 – Price     USD/k       101.30       99.05       100.41       2 %     1 %
Suzano 2026 – Yield     %       5.20       6.12       5.62       -15 %     -7 %
Fibria 2027 – Price     USD/k       101.20       98.27       100.62       3 %     1 %
Fibria 2027 – Yield     %       5.07       6.08       5.33       -17 %     -5 %
Suzano 2028 – Price     USD/k       87.93       83.33       84.08       6 %     5 %
Suzano 2028 – Yield     %       5.44       6.49       5.82       -16 %     -7 %
Suzano 2029 – Price     USD/k       102.25       97.66       99.61       5 %     3 %
Suzano 2029 – Yield     %       5.48       6.53       6.08       -16 %     -10 %
Suzano 2030 – Price     USD/k       96.81       91.14       93.94       6 %     3 %
Suzano 2030 – Yield     %       5.63       6.75       6.07       -17 %     -7 %
Suzano 2031 – Price     USD/k       88.30       82.41       83.87       7 %     5 %
Suzano 2031 – Yield     %       5.80       6.86       6.34       -15 %     -9 %
Suzano 2032 – Price     USD/k       83.16       76.57       78.28       9 %     6 %
Suzano 2032 – Yield     %       5.77       6.88       6.32       -16 %     -9 %
Suzano 2047 – Price     USD/k       105.31       95.89       100.50       10 %     5 %
Suzano 2047 – Yield     %       6.55       7.37       6.96       -11 %     -6 %
Treasury 10 years     %       3.88       4.57       3.87       -15 %     0 %

 

Note: Senior Notes issued with face value of 100 USD/k.

 

RATINGS

 

Agency   National Scale   Global Scale     Outlook  
Fitch Ratings   AAA   BBB-     Estável  
Standard & Poor’s   br.AAA   BBB-     Estável  
Moody’s   Aaa.br   Baa3     Estável  

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Earnings Conference Call (4Q23)

Date: February 29, 2024 (Thursday)

 

Portuguese (simultaneous translation) English
10:00 a.m. (Brasília) 10:00 a.m. (Brasília)
8:00 a.m. (New York) 8:00 a.m. (New York)
1:00 p.m. (London) 1:00 p.m. (London)

 

Page 30 of 40


 

 

The conference call will be held in English and feature a presentation, with simultaneous webcast. The access links will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website (www.suzano.com.br/ri).

 

If you are unable to participate, the webcast link will be available for future consultation on the Investor Relations website of Suzano S.A.

 

IR CONTACTS

 

Marcelo Bacci

Camila Nogueira

Roberto Costa

Mariana Dutra

Mariana Spinola

Luísa Puccini

Arthur Trovo

 

Tel.: +55 (11) 3503-9330

ri@suzano.com.br

www.suzano.com.br/ri

 

Page 31 of 40


 

 

APPENDICES

 

APPENDIX 1 – Operating Data

 

Revenue Breakdown
(R$ '000)
    4Q23   3Q23   Δ Q-o-Q       4Q22   Δ Q-o-Q       2023     2022     Δ Y-o-Y  
Exports     7,946,224     6,731,445     18 %     11,950,321     -34 %     30,892,283     41,306,308     -25 %
Pulp     7,316,042     6,164,170     19 %     11,246,458     -35 %     28,533,066     38,718,576     -26 %
Paper     630,182     567,275     11 %     703,863     -10 %     2,359,217     2,587,732     -9 %
Domestic Market     2,425,321     2,216,568     9 %     2,419,386     0 %     8,863,292     8,524,638     4 %
Pulp     453,846     440,860     3 %     728,455     -38 %     2,144,199     2,665,746     -20 %
Paper     1,971,475     1,775,708     11 %     1,690,931     17 %     6,719,093     5,858,892     15 %
Total Net Revenue     10,371,545     8,948,013     16 %     14,369,707     -28 %     39,755,575     49,830,946     -20 %
Pulp     7,769,888     6,605,030     18 %     11,974,913     -35 %     30,677,265     41,384,322     -26 %
Paper     2,601,657     2,342,983     11 %     2,394,794     9 %     9,078,310     8,446,624     7 %

 

Sales volume (‘000)     4Q23   3Q23   Δ Q-o-Q       4Q22   Δ Q-o-Q       2023     2022     Δ Y-o-Y  
Exports     2,698,453     2,404,086     12 %     2,655,960     2 %     9,882,402     10,203,229     -3 %
Pulp     2,580,950     2,308,084     12 %     2,575,778     0 %     9,514,618     9,848,441     -3 %
Paper     117,503     96,002     22 %     80,182     47 %     367,784     354,788     4 %
Paperboard     5,468     5,529     -1 %     6,059     -10 %     21,427     31,653     -32 %
Printing & Writing     111,994     90,422     24 %     73,599     52 %     346,194     321,148     8 %
Other paper1     41     51     -20 %     524     -92 %     163     1,987     -92 %
Domestic Market     449,089     412,575     9 %     441,372     2 %     1,624,336     1,702,488     -5 %
Pulp     180,111     177,878     1 %     183,251     -2 %     700,823     751,212     -7 %
Paper     268,978     234,697     15 %     258,121     4 %     923,513     951,276     -3 %
Paperboard     37,343     37,029     1 %     39,443     -5 %     145,047     159,993     -9 %
Printing & Writing     161,449     136,054     19 %     180,139     -10 %     580,196     649,039     -11 %
Other paper1     70,186     61,614     14 %     38,539     82 %     198,270     142,244     39 %
Total Sales Volume     3,147,542     2,816,661     12 %     3,097,332     2 %     11,506,738     11,905,717     -3 %
Pulp     2,761,061     2,485,962     11 %     2,759,029     0 %     10,215,441     10,599,653     -4 %
Paper     386,481     330,699     17 %     338,303     14 %     1,291,297     1,306,064     -1 %
Paperboard     42,811     42,558     1 %     45,502     -6 %     166,474     191,646     -13 %
Printing & Writing     273,443     226,476     21 %     253,738     8 %     926,390     970,187     -5 %
Other paper1     70,227     61,665     14 %     39,063     80 %     198,433     144,231     38 %

 

1 Paper of other manufacturers sold by Suzano and tissue paper.

 

Page 32 of 40


 

 

Average net price
(R$/ton)
    4Q23   3Q23   Δ Q-o-Q       4Q22   Δ Q-o-Q       2023     2022     Δ Y-o-Y  
Exports     2,945     2,800     5 %     4,499     -35 %     3,126     4,048     -23 %
Pulp     2,835     2,671     6 %     4,366     -35 %     2,999     3,931     -24 %
Paper     5,363     5,909     -9 %     8,778     -39 %     6,415     7,294     -12 %
Domestic Market     5,401     5,373     1 %     5,482     -1 %     5,457     5,007     9 %
Pulp     2,520     2,478     2 %     3,975     -37 %     3,060     3,549     -14 %
Paper     7,330     7,566     -3 %     6,551     12 %     7,276     6,159     18 %
Total     3,295     3,177     4 %     4,639     -29 %     3,455     4,185     -17 %
Pulp     2,814     2,657     6 %     4,340     -35 %     3,003     3,904     -23 %
Paper     6,732     7,085     -5 %     7,079     -5 %     7,030     6,467     9 %

 

Average net price
(US$/ton)
    4Q23     3Q23   Δ Q-o-Q       4Q22   Δ Q-o-Q       2023     2022     Δ Y-o-Y  
Exports     594     574     3 %     856     -31 %     626     784     -20 %
Pulp     572     547     5 %     831     -31 %     600     761     -21 %
Paper     1,082     1,211     -11 %     1,670     -35 %     1,284     1,412     -9 %
Domestic Market     1,090     1,101     -1 %     1,043     5 %     1,092     969     13 %
Pulp     509     508     0 %     756     -33 %     613     687     -11 %
Paper     1,479     1,550     -5 %     1,247     19 %     1,457     1,192     22 %
Total     665     651     2 %     883     -25 %     692     810     -15 %
Pulp     568     544     4 %     826     -31 %     601     756     -21 %
Paper     1,359     1,452     -6 %     1,347     1 %     1,407     1,252     12 %

 

FX Rate R$/US$     4Q23   3Q23     Δ Q-o-Q       4Q22   Δ Q-o-Q       2023     2022     Δ Y-o-Y  
Closing     4.84     5.01     -3 %     5.22     -7 %     4.84     5.22     -7 %
Average     4.96     4.88     2 %     5.26     -6 %     5.00     5.17     -3 %

 

Page 33 of 40


 

 

APPENDIX 2 – Consolidated Statement of Income and Goodwill Amortization

 

Income Statement
(R$ ‘000)
    4Q23   3Q23   Δ Q-o-Q       4Q22   Δ Y-o-Y       2023     2022     Δ Y-o-Y  
Net Revenue     10,371,545     8,948,013     16 %     14,369,707     -28 %     39,755,575     49,830,946     -20 %
Cost of Goods Sold     (6,775,564 )   (6,104,256 )   11 %     (6,792,853 )   0 %     (25,076,675 )   (24,821,288 )   1 %
Gross Debt     3,595,981     2,843,757     26 %     7,576,854     -53 %     14,678,900     25,009,658     -41 %
Gross Margin     35 %   32 %   3 p.p.       53 %   -18 p.p.       37 %   50 %   -13 p.p.  
                                                       
Operating Expense/Income     (438,153 )   (1,160,262 )   -62 %     (277,969 )   58 %     (2,462,612 )   (2,786,877 )   -12 %
Selling Expenses     (711,641 )   (653,574 )   9 %     (660,372 )   8 %     (2,596,377 )   (2,483,194 )   5 %
General and Administrative Expenses     (614,892 )   (490,893 )   25 %     (615,872 )   0 %     (1,923,228 )   (1,709,767 )   12 %
Other Operating Income (Expenses)     901,929     (9,546 )   -       980,852     -8 %     2,076,372     1,121,716     85 %
Equity Equivalence     (13,549 )   (6,249 )   -       17,423     -       (19,379 )   284,368     -  
EBIT     3,157,828     1,683,495     88 %     7,298,885     -55 %     12,216,288     22,222,781     -45 %
                                                       
Depreciation, Amortization & Depletion     1,787,944     1,939,646     -8 %     1,910,259     -6 %     7,321,110     7,407,890     -1 %
                                                       
EBITDA     4,945,772     3,623,141     37 %     9,209,144     -46 %     19,537,398     29,630,671     -34 %
EBITDA Margin (%)     48 %   40 %   7 p.p.       64 %   -16 p.p.       49 %   59 %   -10 p.p.  
                                                       
Adjusted EBITDA1     4,504,505     3,694,966     22 %     8,175,098     -45 %     18,272,970     28,194,902     -35 %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin1     43 %   41 %   2 p.p.       57 %   -13 p.p.       46 %   57 %   -11 p.p.  
                                                       
Net Financial Result     2,269,458     (3,494,316 )   -       1,999,957     13 %     5,780,928     6,432,800     -10 %
Financial Expenses     610,005     425,746     43 %     344,938     77 %     1,825,649     967,010     89 %
Financial Revenues     (1,175,488 )   (1,175,608 )   0 %     (1,190,425 )   -1 %     (4,659,162 )   (4,590,370 )   1 %
Exchange Rate Variation     1,492,094     (864,399 )   -       1,251,053     19 %     5,526,714     6,761,567     -18 %
Net Proceeds Generated by Derivatives     1,342,847     (1,880,055 )   -       1,594,391     -16 %     3,087,727     3,294,593     -6 %
Earnings Before Taxes     5,427,286     (1,810,821 )   -       9,298,842     -42 %     17,997,216     28,655,581     -37 %
                                                       
Income and Social Contribution Taxes     (912,564 )   1,082,064     -       (1,839,952 )   -50 %     (3,890,835 )   (5,260,694 )   -26 %
                                                       
Net Income (Loss)     4,514,722     (728,757 )   -       7,458,890     -39 %     14,106,381     23,394,887     -40 %
Net Margin     44 %   -8 %   52 p.p.       52 %   -8 p.p.       35 %   47 %   -11 p.p.  

 

1 Excluding non-recurring items and PPA effects.

 

Goodwill amortization - PPA (R$ ‘000)     4Q23     3Q23     Δ Q-o-Q       4Q22     Δ Y-o-Y  
COGS     (145,285 )     (142,885 )     3 %     (113,657 )     1 %
Selling Expenses     (207,467 )     (206,831 )     0 %     (207,740 )     0 %
General and administrative expenses     (2,377 )     (2,456 )     0 %     (2,625 )     -6 %
Other operational revenues (expenses)     20,782       (3,106 )     -       (2,161 )     -82 %
Financial results     -       -       0 %     (4,722 )     -100 %

 

Page 34 of 40


 

 

APPENDIX 3 – Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

Assets (R$ ’000)     12/31/2023     09/30/2023     12/31/2022  
Current Assets                    
Cash and cash equivalents     8,345,871     5,526,463     9,505,951  
Financial investments     12,823,886     14,947,272     7,546,639  
Trade accounts receivable     6,848,454     6,650,210     9,607,012  
Inventories     5,946,948     6,478,233     5,728,261  
Recoverable taxes     888,539     933,616     549,580  
Derivative financial instruments     2,676,526     2,849,012     3,048,493  
Advance to suppliers     113,743     111,547     108,146  
Dividend’s receivable     -     -     7,334  
Other assets     925,105     730,267     1,021,234  
Total Current Assets     38,569,072     38,226,620     37,122,650  
                     
Non-Current Assets                    
Financial investments     443,400     453,301     419,103  
Recoverable taxes     1,373,647     1,393,137     1,406,363  
Deferred taxes     545,213     1,294,389     3,986,415  
Derivative financial instruments     1,753,928     1,537,438     1,825,256  
Advance to suppliers     2,242,229     2,113,874     1,592,132  
Judicial deposits     361,693     354,142     362,561  
Other assets     182,463     354,913     279,955  
                     
Biological assets     18,278,582     17,383,360     14,632,186  
Investments     608,013     643,452     612,516  
Property, plant and equipment     59,289,069     57,718,542     50,656,634  
Right of use on lease agreements     5,196,631     5,267,493     5,109,226  
Intangible     14,749,085     14,877,234     15,192,971  
Total Non-Current Assets     105,023,953     103,391,275     96,075,318  
Total Assets     143,593,025     141,617,895     133,197,968  
                     
Liabilities and Equity (R$ ’000)     12/31/2023     09/30/2023     12/31/2022  
                     
Current Liabilities                    
Trade accounts payable     5,572,219     5,905,156     6,206,570  
Loans, financing and debentures     4,758,247     4,619,083     3,335,029  
Accounts payable for lease operations     753,399     755,867     672,174  
Derivative financial instruments     578,763     600,355     667,681  
Taxes payable     443,454     399,623     449,122  
Payroll and charges     766,905     767,434     674,525  
Liabilities for assets acquisitions and subsidiaries     93,405     93,167     1,856,763  
Dividends payable     1,316,528     2,682     5,094  
Advance from customers     172,437     132,668     131,355  
Other liabilities     339,683     294,974     494,230  
Total Current Liabilities     14,795,040     13,571,009     14,492,543  
                     
Non-Current Liabilities                    
Loans, financing and debentures     72,414,445     73,931,955     71,239,562  
Accounts payable for lease operations     5,490,383     5,633,226     5,510,356  
Derivative financial instruments     1,857,309     2,109,636     4,179,114  
Liabilities for assets acquisitions and subsidiaries     93,782     96,038     205,559  
Provision for judicial liabilities     2,860,409     3,198,343     3,256,310  
Actuarial liabilities     833,683     704,258     691,424  
Deferred taxes     11,377     24,312     1,118  
Share-based compensation plans     268,489     251,089     162,117  
Advance from customers     74,715     91,423     136,161  
Other liabilities     83,093     128,853     157,339  
Total Non-Current Liabilities     83,987,685     86,169,133     85,539,060  
Total Liabilities     98,782,725     99,740,142     100,031,603  
                     
Shareholders’ Equity                    
Share capital     9,235,546     9,235,546     9,235,546  
Capital reserves     26,744     24,664     18,425  
Treasury shares     (1,484,014 )   (1,484,014 )   (2,120,324 )
Retained earnings reserves     35,376,198     22,690,645     24,207,869  
Other reserves     1,538,296     1,637,970     1,719,516  
Retained earnings     -     9,657,484     -  
Controlling shareholders’     44,692,770     41,762,295     33,061,032  
Non-controlling interest     117,530     115,458     105,333  
Total Equity     44,810,300     41,877,753     33,166,365  
Total Liabilities and Equity     143,593,025     141,617,895     133,197,968  

 

Page 35 of 40


 

 

APPENDIX 4 – Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

 

Cash Flow (R$ ’000)     4Q23     4Q22     2023       2022  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                
Net income (loss) for the period     4,514,723       7,458,890       14,106,382       23,394,887  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization     1,705,090       1,853,927       6,999,838       7,206,125  
Depreciation of right of use     82,855       61,056       321,271       231,966  
Sublease of ships     -       -       -       (11,314 )
Interest expense on lease liabilities     107,797       112,247       441,596       433,613  
Result from sale and disposal of property, plant and equipment and biological assets, net     157,277       27,136       331,285       509  
Income (expense) from associates and joint ventures     13,549       (17,423 )     19,379       (284,368 )
Exchange rate and monetary variations, net     (1,342,847 )     (1,594,391 )     (3,087,727 )     (3,294,593 )
Interest expenses on financing, loans and debentures, net     1,259,595       1,105,200       4,797,094       4,007,737  
Capitalized loan costs     (343,601 )     (152,963 )     (1,160,364 )     (359,407 )
Accrual of interest on marketable securities     (510,591 )     (219,321 )     (1,352,522 )     (707,211 )
Amortization of transaction costs     17,358       16,474       67,353       69,881  
Derivative gains, net     (1,492,094 )     (1,251,053 )     (5,526,714 )     (6,761,567 )
Fair value adjustment of biological assets     (733,516 )     (1,028,141 )     (1,989,831 )     (1,199,759 )
Deferred income tax and social contribution     779,975       1,655,730       3,495,443       4,749,798  
Interest on actuarial liabilities     17,242       14,815       69,231       59,258  
Provision for judicial liabilities, net     58,923       (13,519 )     139,934       88,198  
Tax litigation reduction program     (14,031 )     -       -       -  
Provision for doubtful accounts, net     12,088       (979 )     35,202       1,652  
Provision for inventory losses, net     17,115       41,915       31,419       56,060  
Provision for loss of ICMS credits, net     86,450       (4,004 )     348,628       58,003  
Tax credits     15,108       -       15,108       1,324  
Other     22,502       (5,074 )     51,830       2,794  
Decrease (increase) in assets     (59,197 )     (1,300,874 )     1,768,894       (4,712,141 )
Trade accounts receivable     (431,979 )     (1,192,715 )     2,155,448       (3,267,356 )
Inventories     314,714       124,806       (48,673 )     (967,995 )
Recoverable taxes     (47,361 )     (39,397 )     (666,681 )     (381,408 )
Other assets     105,429       (193,568 )     328,800       (95,382 )
Increase (decrease) in liabilities     525,688       (430,328 )     588,117       2,030,444  
Trade accounts payable     398,533       (817,018 )     463,003       1,533,118  
Taxes payable     103,405       136,100       329,556       422,591  
Payroll and charges     (529 )     26,984       73,096       83,742  
Other liabilities     24,279       223,606       (277,538 )     (9,007 )
 Cash provided by operating activities     4,897,458       6,329,320       20,510,846       25,421,296  
Payment of interest on financing, loans and debentures     (792,060 )     (600,035 )     (4,728,998 )     (4,019,072 )
Capitalized loan costs paid     343,601       152,963       1,160,364       359,407  
Interest received on marketable securities     165,267       196,313       681,268       544,849  
Payment of income taxes     (52,559 )     (90,389 )     (308,002 )     (306,453 )
Cash provided by operating activities     4,561,707       5,988,172       17,315,478       21,640,620  
                                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                
Additions to property, plant and equipment     (2,849,649 )     (2,644,002 )     (11,674,183 )     (9,791,238 )
Additions to intangible     (99,205 )     (9,848 )     (104,931 )     (90,499 )
Additions to biological assets     (1,445,859 )     (1,434,505 )     (5,777,952 )     (4,957,380 )
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment     38,360       85,126       183,576       251,183  
Capital increase in subsidiaries and affiliates     (13,387 )     (34,876 )     (48,462 )     (67,020 )
Marketable securities, net     1,995,227       3,163,941       (5,296,370 )     67,426  
Advances for acquisition (receipt) of wood from operations with development and partnerships     (137,050 )     (123,726 )     (690,908 )     (355,362 )
Dividends received     39,920       -       44,789       6,604  
Asset acquisition     -       -       (1,615,140 )     -  
Acquisition of subsidiaries     -       -       (1,060,718 )     (2,090,062 )
Net cash from acquisition of subsidiaries     -       -       5,002       10,590  
Cash used in investing activities     (2,471,643 )     (997,890 )     (26,035,297 )     (17,015,758 )
                                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                
Proceeds from loans, financing and debentures     973,054       994,234       10,944,794       1,335,715  
Receipt of derivative transactions     1,174,172       255,879       3,559,286       282,225  
Payment of loans, financing and debentures     (812,456 )     (843,949 )     (4,296,447 )     (2,517,934 )
Payment of leases     (348,426 )     (300,500 )     (1,218,399 )     (1,044,119 )
Payment of dividends     (190,120 )     (2,349,203 )     (192,532 )     (4,150,782 )
Liabilities for assets acquisitions and subsidiaries     -       (368 )     (116,924 )     (107,888 )
Shares repurchased     -       -       (880,914 )     (1,904,424 )
Cash provided (used) by financing activities     796,224       (2,243,907 )     7,798,864       (8,107,207 )
                                 
EXCHANGE VARIATION ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     (66,880 )     (198,585 )     (239,125 )     (602,480 )
                                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, net     2,819,408       2,547,790       (1,160,080 )     (4,084,825 )
At the beginning of the period     5,526,463       6,958,161       9,505,951       13,590,776  
At the end of the period     8,345,871       9,505,951       8,345,871       9,505,951  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, net     2,819,408       2,547,790       (1,160,080 )     (4,084,825 )

 

Page 36 of 40


 

 

APPENDIX 5 – EBITDA

 

(R$ '000, except where otherwise indicated)     4Q23     4Q22     2023       2022  
Net income     4,514,722       7,458,890       14,106,381       23,394,887  
Net Financial Result     (2,269,458 )     (1,999,957 )     (5,780,928 )     (6,432,800 )
Income and Social Contribution Taxes     912,564       1,839,952       3,890,835       5,260,694  
EBIT     3,157,828       7,298,885       12,216,288       22,222,781  
Depreciation, Amortization and Depletion     1,787,944       1,910,259       7,321,110       7,407,890  
EBITDA1     4,945,772       9,209,144       19,537,398       29,630,671  
EBITDA Margin     48 %     64 %     49 %     59 %
                                 
COVID-19 - Expenses related to social actions to combat the virus     -       -       -       178  
Fair Value Update - Biological Asset     (733,516 )     (1,028,141 )     (1,989,831 )     (1,199,759 )
Write-off of wood inventory     22,998       -       22,998       -  
Tax credits - Exclusion of ICMS in the PIS and COFINS calculation base     15,108       -       15,108       1,324  
Equity method     13,549       (17,423 )     19,379       (284,368 )
Extension of the PCHM grant     -       (7,711 )     -       (7,711 )
Extinction of packaging business line     8,974       -       8,974       -  
Provision of the Barge Contract with Norsul     -       16,000       49,737       16,000  
Tissue Operation Kimberly Clark Brazil     829       -       25,171       -  
Effective loss of the development contract advance program     52       -       3,265       -  
Accruals for losses on ICMS credits     86,451       (16,978 )     348,628       58,003  
Income from disposal and write-off of property, plant and equipment and biological assets     159,395       20,207       232,143       (19,436 )
Adjusted EBITDA     4,504,504       8,175,098       18,272,970       28,194,902  
Adjusted EBITDA Margin     43 %     57 %     46 %     57 %

 

1 The Company's EBITDA is calculated in accordance with CVM Instruction 527 of October 4, 2012.

 

Page 37 of 40


 

 

APPENDIX 6 – Segmented Income Statement

 

    4Q23     4Q22  
Segmented Financial Statement
(R$ '000)
  Pulp     Paper     Non
Segmented
    Total
Consolidated
    Pulp     Paper     Non
Segmented
    Total
Consolidated
 
Net Revenue     7,769,888       2,601,657       -       10,371,545       11,974,913       2,394,794       -       14,369,707  
Cost of Goods Sold     (5,155,822 )     (1,619,742 )     -       (6,775,564 )     (5,497,058 )     (1,295,795 )     -       (6,792,853 )
Gross Profit     2,614,066       981,915       -       3,595,981       6,477,855       1,098,999       -       7,576,854  
Gross Margin     34 %     38 %     -       35 %     54 %     46 %     -       53 %
                                                                 
Operating Expense/Income     (128,762 )     (309,391 )     -       (438,153 )     (182,770 )     (95,199 )     -       (277,969 )
Selling Expenses     (453,103 )     (258,538 )     -       (711,641 )     (483,324 )     (177,048 )     -       (660,372 )
General and Administrative Expenses     (426,723 )     (188,169 )     -       (614,892 )     (431,950 )     (183,922 )     -       (615,872 )
Other Operating Income (Expenses)     764,588       137,341       -       901,929       735,712       245,140       -       980,852  
Equity Equivalence     (13,524 )     (25 )     -       (13,549 )     (3,208 )     20,631       -       17,423  
EBIT     2,485,304       672,524       -       3,157,828       6,295,085       1,003,800       -       7,298,885  
                                                                 
Depreciation, Amortization & Depletion     1,570,420       217,524       -       1,787,944       1,744,893       165,366       -       1,910,259  
                                                                 
EBITDA     4,055,724       890,048       -       4,945,772       8,039,978       1,169,166       -       9,209,144  
EBITDA Margin     52 %     34 %     -       48 %     67 %     49 %     -       64 %
                                                                 
Adjusted EBITDA1     3,756,297       748,208       -       4,504,505       7,273,957       901,141       -       8,175,098  
Adjusted EBITDA Margin1     48 %     29 %     -       43 %     61 %     38 %     -       57 %
                                                                 
Net Financial Result     -       -       2,269,458       2,269,458       -       -       1,999,957       1,999,957  
                                                                 
Earnings Before Taxes     2,485,304       672,524       2,269,458       5,427,286       6,295,085       1,003,800       1,999,957       9,298,842  
                                                                 
Income and Social Contribution Taxes     -       -       (912,564 )     (912,564 )     -       -       (1,839,952 )     (1,839,952 )
                                                                 
Net Income (Loss)     2,485,304       672,524       1,356,894       4,514,722       6,295,085       1,003,800       160,005       7,458,890  
Net Margin     32 %     26 %     -       44 %     53 %     42 %     -       52 %

 

1 Excluding non-recurring items and PPA effects.

 

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    2023     2022  
Segmented Financial Statement
(R$ '000)
  Pulp     Paper     Non
Segmented
    Total
Consolidated
    Pulp     Paper     Non
Segmented
    Total
Consolidated
 
Net Revenue     30,677,265       9,078,310       -       39,755,575       41,384,322       8,446,624       -       49,830,946  
Cost of Goods Sold     (19,694,674 )     (5,382,001 )     -       (25,076,675 )     (19,958,000 )     (4,863,288 )     -       (24,821,288 )
Gross Profit     10,982,591       3,696,309       -       14,678,900       21,426,322       3,583,336       -       25,009,658  
Gross Margin     36 %     41 %     -       37 %     52 %     42 %     -       50 %
                                                                 
Operating Expense/Income     (1,537,433 )     (925,179 )     -       (2,462,612 )     (2,065,877 )     (721,000 )     -       (2,786,877 )
Selling Expenses     (1,842,818 )     (753,559 )     -       (2,596,377 )     (1,858,371 )     (624,823 )     -       (2,483,194 )
General and Administrative Expenses     (1,338,831 )     (584,397 )     -       (1,923,228 )     (1,211,539 )     (498,228 )     -       (1,709,767 )
Other Operating Income (Expenses)     1,678,929       397,443       -       2,076,372       768,556       353,160       -       1,121,716  
Equity Equivalence     (34,713 )     15,334       -       (19,379 )     235,477       48,891       -       284,368  
EBIT     9,445,158       2,771,130       -       12,216,288       19,360,445       2,862,336       -       22,222,781  
                                                                 
Depreciation, Amortization & Depletion     6,606,870       714,240       -       7,321,110       6,737,864       670,026       -       7,407,890  
                                                                 
EBITDA     16,052,028       3,485,370       -       19,537,398       26,098,309       3,532,362       -       29,630,671  
EBITDA Margin     52 %     38 %     -       49 %     63 %     42 %     -       59 %
                                                                 
Adjusted EBITDA1     15,194,660       3,078,310       -       18,272,970       25,098,535       3,096,367       -       28,194,902  
Adjusted EBITDA Margin1     50 %     34 %     -       46 %     61 %     37 %     -       57 %
                                                                 
Net Financial Result     -       -       5,780,928       5,780,928       -       -       6,432,800       6,432,800  
                                                                 
Earnings Before Taxes     9,445,158       2,771,130       5,780,928       17,997,216       19,360,445       2,862,336       6,432,800       28,655,581  
                                                                 
Income and Social Contribution Taxes     -       -       (3,890,835 )     (3,890,835 )     -       -       (5,260,694 )     (5,260,694 )
                                                                 
Net Income (Loss)     9,445,158       2,771,130       1,890,093       14,106,381       19,360,445       2,862,336       1,172,106       23,394,887  
Net Margin     31 %     31 %     -       35 %     47 %     34 %     -       47 %

 

1 Excluding non-recurring items and PPA effects.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

 

This release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties due to which such expectations may not happen at all or may substantially differ from what was expected. These risks include, among others, changes in future demand for the Company’s products, changes in factors affecting domestic and international product prices, changes in the cost structure, changes in the seasonal patterns of markets, changes in prices charged by competitors, foreign exchange variations, changes in the political or economic situation of Brazil, as well as emerging and international markets. The forward-looking statements were not reviewed by our independent auditors.

 

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