Core Insights - Cosan, Brazil's largest sugar and ethanol producer, is planning to raise up to 10 billion reais (approximately $1.9 billion) through a public offering to manage its growing debt burden [1] Company Summary - The company is facing an increasing debt burden, prompting the need for a significant capital raise [1] - The public offering aims to address financial challenges and improve the company's balance sheet [1] Industry Context - The sugar and ethanol industry in Brazil is experiencing financial pressures, which may lead to similar capital-raising efforts by other companies in the sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - Cosan plans to raise up to 10 billion reais ($1.9 billion) through public offerings, with the sole purpose of reducing its debt, and none of the funds will be allocated to its joint venture with Shell [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Strategy - The capital raised will be exclusively used for de-leveraging Cosan, as stated by CFO Rodrigo Araujo during an investor call [1]. - The capital increase plan includes a 4.5 billion-real investment from BTG Pactual Holding and an additional 2 billion reais from Perfin Infra Fund [2]. - Cosan's founder, Rubens Ometto, will contribute 750 million reais through his family office, with a follow-up offering of up to 2.75 billion reais also planned [3]. Group 2: Joint Venture and Performance - Raizen, the joint venture with Shell, is one of the largest energy companies in Latin America but has faced challenges due to low sugarcane yields affecting its financial performance [2]. - Cosan reported a net debt of 17.5 billion reais ($3.3 billion) at the end of June, which remained stable compared to the end of the first quarter [4]. Group 3: Leadership and Succession - The financial restructuring is also intended to facilitate leadership succession at Cosan, with Ometto or a successor expected to remain chairman for the next six years [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA reached $36 million, marking a 60% year-over-year decrease [17][18] - Net sales totaled $324 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, driven by higher volumes sold, mainly ethanol [17][18] - Net debt amounted to $679 million, a 6% increase year-over-year, attributed to an increase in short-term debt [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rice operations achieved record productivity, but rice prices are declining [14] - Sugar, Ethanol, and Energy business saw a 31% year-over-year decrease in crushing volume due to dry weather [18][19] - Farming division reported a 25% year-over-year increase in total production, driven by higher planted area and record productivity in rice [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ethanol sales increased by 15% year-over-year, attributed to a commercial strategy that capitalized on last year's carry of ethanol [20] - Sugar production mix stood at 42% with lower sugar content due to previous weather conditions affecting yields [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies to transform traditional agribusiness and explore new projects [6][12] - Tether's investment is focused on supporting sustainable developments and maximizing long-term value through disciplined capital allocation [12] - The company is exploring organic and inorganic growth opportunities in Latin America [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery of yields due to recent rainfall and expects to accelerate crushing in the second half of the year [23][48] - The macroeconomic environment in Argentina is perceived positively, with improved export conditions and a more realistic dollar system [84] Other Important Information - The company has committed to a minimum distribution of 40% of cash generated from operations, with $64 million to be distributed this year [30] - The new board has been formed to support the company's strategic direction and ensure high standards of governance and transparency [60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for sugarcane crushing volumes - Management expects to meet last year's sugarcane crushing volumes through improved yields and potentially higher harvested area [37][46][48] Question: Unit economics for different crops - The economic performance of crops is analyzed over a campaign, with corn being prioritized for better economic results [38][50] Question: Opportunities for growth in Latin America - Tether sees potential for both organic and inorganic growth opportunities across all business segments, particularly in energy and agricultural inputs [39][44] Question: Transparency and governance with new control group - The new control group is committed to maintaining high standards of transparency and governance, with protections for minority shareholders [57][60] Question: Plans for land monetization and stock liquidity - The company is exploring mechanisms to unlock value from land holdings and aims to maintain liquidity despite changes in shareholder structure [71][76] Question: Timeline for new investment projects - Projects will be carefully analyzed and executed without haste, with results expected over the next twelve months [80][89] Question: Size and capital requirements for future growth - The company is open to significant growth opportunities, with access to financing supported by Tether's substantial profits [92][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 reached $103 million, with a total of $444 million for the year, marking an 8% year-over-year increase [14][5][10] - Gross sales totaled $368 million in Q4, with annual revenues reaching almost $1.5 billion, a 2% increase year-over-year [14][10] - Net cash from operations for 2024 was $161 million, allowing for a minimum distribution of $64 million in 2025 [10][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record results were achieved in the rice and dairy segments, while the sugar, ethanol, and energy business marked operational records despite challenges [14][15] - Adjusted EBITDA for the farming business totaled $4 million in Q4 and $103 million for the year, consistent with the previous year [35][36] - In the sugar, ethanol, and energy business, adjusted EBITDA was $105 million in Q4 and $364 million for the year, impacted by losses in biological assets [28][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sugar mix reached 52.2%, with total sugar production hitting 832,000 tons, both new records for the company [19][28] - Ethanol prices have been recovering due to strong domestic consumption, although still below the previous year due to the depreciation of the Brazilian real [22][81] - The company sold over 600,000 carbon credits at an average price of $14 per credit, totaling $9 million in net sales [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on vertical integration to cater to both export and domestic markets, enhancing its product portfolio [6] - Investments are being made in expanding sugarcane plantations and developing biomethane production in Brazil, alongside rice and dairy operations in Argentina and Uruguay [10][43] - The company aims to maximize sugar production due to its attractive premium over ethanol, with a strategy to gradually increase hedges as prices rise [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the Brazilian sugar production is expected to be smaller due to adverse weather conditions, which may lead to higher sugar prices [54][30] - The company anticipates a slight increase in annual crushing figures for 2025, assuming normal weather conditions [30] - Management emphasized the importance of community engagement and talent development through various programs [11] Other Important Information - The company distributed $102 million in 2024, exceeding its distribution policy by $32 million, with a 9.4% distribution yield [39] - Net debt remained at $522 million, with a liquidity ratio of 4.5 times, indicating strong capacity to repay short-term debt [41][42] - The company is currently in discussions regarding a proposal from Tether Investments to acquire a majority stake, but no further comments can be made due to legal restrictions [44][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the main triggers for positive price action on sugar? - Management highlighted disappointing crops in the Northern Hemisphere and a smaller Brazilian crop as key factors that could drive sugar prices higher [52][54] Question: What are the potential impacts of U.S. import tariffs on Adecoagro's business? - Management noted potential benefits for South American soy and corn production due to tariffs, as well as opportunities in rice and dairy markets [56][58] Question: When can more clarity be expected regarding the Tether offer? - Management stated that no further comments would be made until deemed appropriate, emphasizing normal operations and focus on delivering results [74] Question: What are the constraints around raising sugarcane crushing volumes? - Management indicated that weather conditions and the selection of sugarcane for harvesting would impact crushing volumes, with expectations for improvement in the second half of the year [70][72] Question: What are the expectations for margins in the sugar and ethanol division for 2025? - Management expects production costs to be similar to last year in real terms, with a slight decrease in dollar terms due to various cost components [91][92] Question: How are production costs calculated with tax credits? - Management clarified that production costs are calculated based on the ethanol sold during the year, with expectations for similar production costs moving forward [102][106]