Management Report 2020
Management Report 2020
SLC Agrícola
another straight year, positive cash generation, of R$415.1 million,
with a low leverage ratio of 0.74x (Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA).
We ended 2020 with excellent levels of profitability and robust free cash
generation. Cash generation in the year enabled the distribution of
R$147.5 million in dividends and R$32.3 million in interest on equity, as
well as the maintenance of very low financial leverage, which assures us
the capacity to grow with financial solidity. A highlight was the signifi-
cant increase in another important indicator, Return on Invested Capital,
which ended the year at 13.6%, compared to 9.7% in 2019.
Innovation Strategy
In the revision of the 2020 Strategic Planning with the Directors, Of-
ficers and Managers, we approved a plan for investments in new busi-
nesses with a digital focus that adopt the latest technological trends
in our agro-industry. The initiative confers a new mandate to our In-
novation Strategy with the aim of renewing the business with a long-
term vision, and complements the various efforts already being
adopted to reinforce the existing business (early-adopter of new tech-
nologies). The vehicle for these investments will be SLC Ventures.
Leadership in ESG
In 2020, we made our first issue of green bonds, in the form Agri-
business Receivables Certificates (CRA), with a second-party opinion
and report, in the amount of R$480 million. The notes are due in 2025
and all proceeds will be used in eligible projects approved and in-
cluded in the Digital Agriculture, Low Carbon and Soil Conservation,
and Green Fertilizer programs.
Covid-19
In the face of the new coronavirus pandemic, we take assertive ac-
tions in order to minimize the impacts on our employees and our
business. One of these important actions was the rapid creation of
a Crisis Committee, which was responsible for preparing and moni-
toring continuously the "Covid-19 Contingency Plan" and the “Guide
to Combating Covid-19". We also created a work protocol for identi-
fying suspected cases of Covid-19. We did have cases of Covid-19
among employees, but our operations were not affected and contin-
ued normally. During the first half of 2020, a total of R$1.6 million
was donated to support measures to combat the pandemic, through
the newly created SLC Institute.
Outlook 2020/21 Crop Year
The 2020/21 crop year started with some delay due to below-average
rainfall, especially in western Mato Grosso state. However, we set a new
record of planted area for the current cycle, 468,200 hectares, which
represents expansion of 4.4% on 2019/20. The delay in the start of
rains in the Midwest led to a revision of the agricultural plan, in order
to optimize the window for planting second-crop cotton and corn. De-
spite this, our expectation is positive, especially for the delivery of the
expected productivity in soybeans and cotton.
In recent months, international cotton, soybean and corn prices have
improved significantly, which, combined with the BRL/USD exchange
rate remaining above R$5.00, supported an advance in the hedge
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