Suzano, the world’s largest hardwood pulp producer, announced its financial statements for the first quarter of 2023 (1Q23).
The start of the 2023 period has seen pulp prices significantly decline, reflecting the expectation of new market supply. Within this challenging context, Suzano was able to deliver solid results, demonstrating the company’s ability to navigate on a more acid market scenario.
The quarterly results contributed to a flat net debt balance, even during company’s largest investment cycle to date. Between January and March, Suzano invested R$3.7 billion, R$1.9 billion of which has been allocated to the construction of a pulp mill in the municipality of Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul state. Between 2019 and 2022, the total capital expenditure in new projects, maintenance, modernization and others reached R$32.7 billion.
At the same time, Suzano’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage in US dollars fell from 2.0x at the end of 2022 to 1.9x at the end of 1Q23. Net debt totaled US$10.9 billion at the end of March.
CEO Comments
Walter Schalka, CEO of Suzano, said, “Throughout 2022, Suzano took advantage of a strong cash generation as a result of a high pulp environment to advance its strategic agenda while also preparing for a price correction cycle such as the one that we have seen at the start of this year. Due to our financial discipline and structural competitiveness, we remain well-placed to continue ahead with our planned investments, which will be the largest in our history.”
Suzano has also launched its 2022 Sustainability Report and its Sustainability Center, a hub of resources dedicated exclusively to the company’s sustainability aspects.
Suzano’s complete first quarter 2023 financial report can be found on the company’s website: www.suzano.com.br (Source: press release / image courtesy Suzano)