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 

 

 

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

Page 2 of 40

 

 

 

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  4Q22ΔY-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   8831    8601    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$   3.0x   2.6x   0.4x   2.0x   1.0x
Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA1 (x) – US$   3.1x   2.7x   0.4x   2.0x   1.1x

 

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.

 

Page 40 of 40

 


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