Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 19.2% to R39,755.6 million in 2023, driven by higher cellulose prices and sales volume [358]. - Net sales from pulp rose by 22.5% to R20,001.8 million in 2024, with a gross margin of 42.2% compared to 36.9% in 2023, primarily due to increased pulp sales prices and volume [365]. - Operating profit before net financial income rose by 28.4% to R7,044.7 million in 2024, compared to a gain of R2,938.5 million in 2024, attributed to higher sales volume and the acquisition of Kimberly Clark's tissue business in Brazil [366]. - General and administrative expenses surged by 36.2% to R7,677.4 million in maintenance capital expenditures for 2024, primarily financed by cash and cash generation [381]. - Capital expenditures totaled R18,576.6 million in 2023, with R12,380.8 million, reflecting a decrease primarily due to the Cerrado project's investment schedule [387]. Cash Flow and Indebtedness - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, were R20,604.4 million in 2024 from R3,288.9 million due to higher pulp prices and currency appreciation [383]. - Net cash used in investing activities decreased to R26,035.3 million in 2023, with R101,435.5 million as of December 31, 2024, with R174.0 million in 2024, focusing on increasing forestry productivity and developing new products [409]. - The company produced over 320,000 seedlings and 17 new potential clones in 2024 through its Transition Nursery initiative [411]. - FuturaGene's investments in R&D ensure significant independence from external sources for intellectual property and innovation [422]. - In 2024, the company filed 11 new technology patents and protected one new eucalyptus variety, focusing on biorefining and paper products [422]. Innovations and Sustainability - The company achieved a milestone in biorefinery with the sale of 20,000 tonnes of Ecolig lignin, diversifying its portfolio of certified applications [419]. - The Paper and Packaging projects in 2024 emphasized the replacement of fossil products and introduced biodegradable solutions for hot liquids [420]. - FuturaGene's Forest Management strategy focuses on increasing productivity and reducing operational costs through technological innovation [416]. - The company launched certified grammages for food in the Greenpack® Line and introduced the Bluecup Bio® line for biodegradable solutions [420]. Financial Instruments and Compliance - The company raised R166.0 million) on November 15, 2024, with a fixed interest rate of 2.8% [403]. - The company has no financial covenants as of December 31, 2024, and is in compliance with all other non-financial covenants [405]. Regulatory Approvals and Patents - In 2024, FuturaGene received three new commercial approvals for genetically modified eucalyptus varieties, bringing the total to eleven approvals by the end of the year [415]. - FuturaGene holds a total of 804 granted patents and patent applications, including 75 protected eucalyptus varieties and over 404 potential new varieties under evaluation [421]. Market Trends - The primary trends influencing sales and production include pulp purchase patterns, pulp prices, and global economic conditions [425].
Suzano S.A.(SUZ) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report