For the six months ended 30 June 2015, the Brazilian pulp producer Bracell’s revenue from continuing operations declined by 9% to US$221 million despite a 5% increase in the sales volume, owing to a 13% drop in the ASPs of both rayon-grade DWP and specialty-grade DWP. Cost of sales declined notably by 11%, while gross profit declined by 6% to US$75 million with an improved gross profit margin of 34% from 33% in 2014. The EBITDA of the Group’s continuing operations dropped slightly by 2% to US$92 million with an improved EBITDA margin of 42% from 39% in 2014.
Profit from continuing operations for the first six months of 2015 was US$32 million, representing a 18% decline from the same period in 2014. Profit attributable to shareholders increased by 32% to US$32 million, as there were losses from discontinued operations for the same period in 2014. Earnings per share increased by 29% to US0.9 cent from US0.7 cent in 2014.
Bracell Limited is one of the largest specialty cellulose producers in the world. Bracell’s operations in Brazil consist of a secure renewable plantation that grows eucalyptus trees on its 150,000 hectares of freehold land, and a state-of-the-art mill to produce both specialty-grade and rayon-grade dissolving wood pulp.
