By The Rio Times | Created at 2025-03-13 08:24:09 | Updated at 2025-03-13 11:51:09
3 hours ago
SLC Agrícola (SLCE3) reported a R$51.4 million ($8.6 million) loss for the fourth quarter of 2024. The Brazilian agricultural producer significantly improved from its R$153.0 million ($25.5 million) loss in the same period of 2023.
The company grew its net revenue by 3% to R$1.9 billion ($316.7 million) despite challenging market conditions throughout Brazil. Cotton emerged as the standout performer with revenue surging 61.1% compared to Q4 2023.
Cottonseed revenue also rose by 11.8%, while cattle operations jumped 43.1% year-over-year. These gains helped offset major decreases in soybean revenue, which fell 35.2%, and corn revenue, which dropped 16%.
Adjusted EBITDA declined 9.2% to R$611.2 million ($101.9 million) as Brazilian agriculture faced numerous headwinds. The country experienced a 7.2% overall production decline in 2024 due to adverse weather conditions.
Excessive rainfall in southern regions and drought elsewhere severely disrupted harvests across key agricultural areas. SLC Agrícola demonstrated strategic planning for the upcoming 2025/26 crop season that begins in September 2025.
SLC Agrícola Narrows Q4 Losses While Securing Resources for 2025/26 Season. (Photo Internet reproduction)The company has already secured 77% of phosphate fertilizers, 82% of potassium chloride, and 57% of nitrogen-based fertilizers. Management took advantage of favorable market conditions to lock in these critical resources at competitive prices.
SLC Agrícola Strengthens Market Position
The company established hedging positions for 45.7% of estimated soybean production and 6.6% of cotton production. Executives also leveraged periods of dollar strength to secure advantageous exchange rates for future crop sales.
Brazil surpassed the United States as the world’s largest cotton exporter in 2024, shipping 2.7 million tons compared to America’s 2.4 million tons. SLC Agrícola’s strong cotton performance perfectly aligns with this national achievement.
Agricultural forecasts suggest a 10% increase in Brazil’s grain, bean, and oilseed production for 2025. SLC Agrícola operates approximately 670,000 hectares across multiple Brazilian states, positioning itself to capitalize on regional advantages and spread climate risks.
