CEO addressed project in Brazil CMPC: "Natureza is part of our long-term growth strategy"

The letter to investors from the CEO of Empresas CMPC, Francisco Ruiz-Tagle —who will leave the company in April 2027—, was one of the highlights of the results report through September from the company linked to the Matte family. In the document, he emphasized that the Natureza project, worth US$ 4.6 billion in Brazil, is part of the firm's long-term growth strategy.

The third quarter was negative for La Papelera on its bottom line. The firm recorded a loss of nearly US$ 7.2 million in July-September, compared with a profit of US$ 33.8 million in the same period of 2025. This was explained "mainly by an deferred tax expense of US$ 11 million, associated with the Corrugados sale agreement," explained Ruiz-Tagle. Through the ninth month, meanwhile, the company showed a profit of US$ 26.5 million, an 84% year-on-year decline.

The executive highlighted that in September and October, "we reached two asset monetization agreements for US$ 785.5

million." With this, he referred to the agreement to sell the corrugated business in Chile to the multinational Smurfit Westrock, for about US$ 420 million. Also, to the divestment of some 60,000 hectares of forest land in the Maule Region, for US$ 365.5 million, to J.P. Morgan Natural Capital.

Regarding the business, Ruiz-Tagle noted that "the pulp price cycle, together with higher fuel and other input costs, has kept quarterly Ebitda during this year between US$ 252 and US$ 270 million, limiting the ability to fully capture the business's potential. Even in this scenario, we managed to maintain positive cash generation after capex, reflecting the resilience of our operation."

He added that "strengthening our financial position continues to be a fundamental priority. We are committed to progressively reducing leverage through a combination of improving our operating results, capital discipline and the announced monetization actions that, once completed, will provide resources and financial flexibility."

Another highlight in the CEO's letter was related to the Natureza pulp project, which would be added to the Guaíba plant in Brazil. The initiative received preliminary approval in October.

"The Natureza project is advancing in its environmental processing, after obtaining the preliminary license. In parallel, we are working on enabling conditions such as engineering development, the forest base, logistics and its financing. Natureza is part of our long-term growth strategy and represents an opportunity to continue positioning ourselves as one of the most competitive players in the industry globally."

Source:El Mercurio