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Suzano Invests R$18.6 Billion in 2023

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Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, reveals its financial performance for the fiscal year 2023, showcasing significant investments and strategic moves despite challenges. The company invested R$18.6 billion in 2023, with a focus on future growth and competitiveness. Despite a decline in global pulp prices, Suzano remains resilient and committed to generating value for stakeholders through strategic investments and operational enhancements.
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  • FY23 Net revenues decreased by 20% compared to FY22
  • FY23 Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 35% compared to FY22
  • FY23 Operating cash generation decreased by 49% compared to FY22

Insights

The financial statements of Suzano, indicating a substantial 14% increase in total investment for FY23, reflect a strategic decision to bolster future growth despite the current downturn in revenues and EBITDA. The 20% decrease in net revenues and 35% decrease in adjusted EBITDA suggest a challenging market environment, likely influenced by the global decline in pulp prices. However, the company's decision to proceed with significant investments, particularly in the Cerrado Project, can be seen as a long-term play to enhance market position once operational.

Investors should note the company's effort to maintain strong cash generation and a sustainable net debt level, which are critical for enduring the capital-intensive phase of expansion. The operational start-up of the Cerrado Project, expected to increase the company's production capacity significantly, is a pivotal factor that could improve Suzano's economies of scale and potentially lead to better cost efficiency. The acquisition of Kimberly-Clark's tissue assets and expansion in fluff pulp production capacity are also strategic moves to diversify and strengthen the company's product portfolio, which could mitigate risks associated with pulp price volatility.

The global pulp industry is facing price pressures, which is evident from Suzano's reported decrease in pulp and paper sales. However, Suzano's expansion through the Cerrado Project and the diversification into tissue paper and fluff pulp production are strategic moves to capture new market segments and reduce dependency on traditional pulp markets. The expansion of forestry estate is a significant step to secure raw material supply, which may provide Suzano with a competitive advantage in cost management and supply chain stability.

From a market perspective, the investments in modernization and expansion could position Suzano to meet the rising demand for sustainable and renewable raw materials. The focus on enhancing structural competitiveness through such large-scale projects may appeal to stakeholders interested in long-term growth and sustainability initiatives.

As a sustainability expert, the long-term implications of Suzano's investment in the Cerrado Project and expansion of its forestry estate are noteworthy. The pulp and paper industry is at the forefront of discussions on sustainable practices due to its environmental impact. Suzano's approach to expand its operations with what could be the world’s largest single-line pulp mill indicates a commitment to economies of scale that can reduce the environmental footprint per unit of product.

The company's investment in modernizing facilities and port terminals can also be seen as a move towards improving efficiency and reducing waste. Moreover, the focus on fluff pulp, an essential component in personal hygiene products, aligns with global trends towards more sustainable and biodegradable products. These initiatives could enhance Suzano's reputation as a leader in sustainable practices within the industry, which is increasingly important to consumers, investors and regulatory bodies.

SÃO PAULO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, announces its financial statements for the full fiscal year of 2023.

  • Total investment of R$18.6 billion in 2023, a 14% increase on FY22
  • FY23 Net revenues of R$39.8 billion, a 20% decrease on FY22
  • FY23 Adjusted EBITDA of R$18.3 billion, a 35% decrease on FY22
  • FY23 Operating cash generation of R$11.6 billion, a 49% decrease on FY22
  • FY23 Pulp sales totalled 10.2 million tons, a 4% decrease on FY22
  • FY23 Paper sales totalled 1.3 million tons, a 1% decrease on FY22

Despite the marked decline in global pulp prices over the course of 2023, Suzano has invested over R$18bn to guarantee its future success. It is currently finalising the construction of the Cerrado Project, the world’s largest single-line pulp mill, and has expanded its forestry estate, safeguarding supply and enhancing future competitiveness.

Walter Schalka, CEO of Suzano, said:

“Our investment cycle, including the highest annual investment ever, in 2023, represents the largest in our centennial history with over R$50 billion spent between 2019 and 2023. A further R$16.5 billion will be invested in 2024. In parallel, we have maintained strong cash generation and kept net debt at a sustainable level of US$11.5 billion, reflecting our commitment to strategic growth and financial discipline. We faced a challenging scenario in 2023 and our results demonstrate the company’s resilience to generate value for our stakeholders. With the start-up of Cerrado Project, our structural competitiveness will be more robust in the coming years.”

As the main initiative in Suzano’s current investment plan, the Cerrado Project will be operational by June 2024 and involves total investment of R$22.2 billion. The new mill will add 2.55 million tons of pulp to the company’s current installed capacity of 10.9 million tons of pulp per year.

Other major investments in 2023 include the acquisition of Kimberly-Clark’s tissue assets in Brazil, the expansion of its forests and landholdings base and the modernization of the Jacareí and Aracruz units and port terminals. The company also announced investments to build a tissue paper mill in Aracruz and a project to quadruple the fluff pulp production capacity in Limeira mill. Fluff pulp is the raw material used for manufacturing personal hygiene products, such as baby and adult diapers and sanitary napkins.

Hawthorn Advisors

Jamie Plotnek

suzano@hawthornadvisors.com

Source: Suzano

FAQ

What was Suzano's total investment in 2023?

Suzano invested R$18.6 billion in 2023.

What were Suzano's net revenues for FY23?

FY23 Net revenues were R$39.8 billion, a 20% decrease from FY22.

Who is the CEO of Suzano?

Walter Schalka is the CEO of Suzano.

What is the Cerrado Project?

The Cerrado Project is the world's largest single-line pulp mill, part of Suzano's investment plan.

What are some major investments made by Suzano in 2023?

Suzano made major investments in the Cerrado Project, acquisition of Kimberly-Clark's tissue assets, forest expansion, and mill modernization.

Suzano S.A. American Depositary Shares (each representing one Ordinary Share ) representing one Ordinary Share)

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