Results Release 1Q07

United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of
April 2007

Aracruz Celulose S.A.

Aracruz Cellulose S.A.
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2,277—4th floor
São Paulo, SP 01452-000, Brazil
(Address of principal executive office)

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

(Check One) Form 20-F þ  Form 40-F o

(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1))

(Check One) Yes o  No þ

(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7))

(Check One) Yes o  No þ

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)

(Check One) Yes o  No þ

(If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b). 82- ..)


[image]

São Paulo - April 9, 2007.
CFO's COMMENTS
P.2
GLOBAL PULP MARKET UPDATE
P.3
PRODUCTION AND SALES
P.4
INCOME STATEMENT 1Q07
P.5
DEBT AND CASH STRUCTURES
P.8
EBITDA ANALYSIS
P.10
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
P.10
VERACEL INFORMATION
P.11
DIVIDENDS
P.14
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
P.16
ECONOMIC & OPERATIONAL DATA
P.23
Additional information: (55-11) 3301-4131 Denys Ferrez or André Gonçalves invest@aracruz.com.br
Conference Call: April 9, 2007 -
12:00h (US EST). To join us, please dial:
(+1-973) 935-8512 Code: 8644849
The call will also be web cast on Aracruz's website: www.aracruz.com.br/ir

[image]

Highlights of the first quarter 2007

  • In March, Moody's placed the Baa3 Global Local Currency Issuer Rating of Aracruz under review for a possible upgrade.
  • Improved financial risk profile, with the ratio of "total debt to the last twelve months' adjusted EBITDA" decreasing to 1.93x, from 2.66x in the 1Q05, just before Veracel's start-up.
  • Pulp production of 784,000 MT, including Veracel, was 2% higher than in the 1Q06 and 1% lower than in the 4Q06. The 2007 production target is 3.15 million MT. The cash production cost in the quarter, including Veracel, was $191/ton.
  • Pulp sales² of 676,000 MT in the quarter were in line with the average of 22% of total annual sales volume recorded for the first quarter since the year 2000.
  • Cash flow currency protection strategy continues to follow the right course, generating a positive impact of $20 million in the first quarter of 2007.
  • Net income totaled $99 million, equivalent to $0.97 per ADR, 26% higher than in the same period of last year. This was down 22% in relation to the 4Q06, due to seasonal sales factors.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $200 million, with a 50.7% margin, up 280 bps and 290 bps, respectively, over the 1Q06 and 4Q06.
  • Average daily trading volume of US$ 31.4 million in the first quarter (NYSE+Bovespa), 16% higher than in the same period of 2006.
  •  

    Aracruz – Summary Unit of Measure 1Q07 4Q06 1Q06 1Q07 vs. 4Q06 1Q07 vs. 1Q06 LTM
    Net revenue $ million 395.4 457.4 389.4 (14%) 2% 1,686.8
    Adjusted EBITDA (including Veracel) 1 $ million 200.3 218.9 186.3 (8%) 8% 826.8
    Adjusted EBITDA margin (including Veracel) 1 Percentage 50.7% 47.8% 47.9% 2.9p.p. 2.8p.p. 49.0%
    Income before Taxes, minority interest and equity in
    results of affiliated companies
    $ million 143.4 148.6 159.8 (3%) (10%) 522.6
    • Current income tax
    $ million 21.0 7.2 34.8 - - 16.9
    • Deferred income tax
    $ million 16.1 12.7 28.5 - - 26.4
    Net Income $ million 99.5 127.1 79.1 (22%) 26% 475.7
    Earnings per ADR $ per ADR 0.97 1.23 0.77 (22%) 26% 4.62
    Adjusted pulp sales volume 2 '000 Tons 676 806 744 (16%) (9%) 2,952
    Paper sales volume '000 Tons 14 13 13 8% 8% 56
    Pulp production volume (including Veracel) '000 Tons 784 791 766 (1%) 2% 3,121
    Total debt (including Veracel) $ million 1,599.7 1,663.9 1,583.5 (4%) 1% -
    Net debt (including Veracel) $ million 1,034.4 1,081.4 1,082.9 (4%) (4%) -

    1 See page 20 for discussion of Non-GAAP measures used in this press release. – 2 Aracruz sales plus 50% of Veracel's sales to non-affiliated parties (see breakdown on page 4).

    Aracruz Celulose S.A. (NYSE: ARA) presents its consolidated first quarter 2007 results, according to US GAAP and stated in US dollars. The company uses the equity method of accounting for Veracel Celulose S.A., in which it owns a 50% stake.

    1


     

    CFO's comments

    "This quarter, revenues were at $395.4 million, 2% higher than in the 1Q06, as a result of 11% higher net pulp prices and 9% lower pulp sales volume. The pulp sales volume represented approximately 22% of the annual sales target for 2007, which is in line with the average since the year 2000. When compared to the 4Q06, revenues were 14% lower, mainly due to seasonal factors that affected the sales volumes, and net pulp prices increased by 1.5%. The company has maintained its commitment to the budget prepared at the end of last year. Comments about the pulp market may be found in the next section of this release.

    The adjusted EBITDA margin was 50.7% ($200 million), showing an improvement of 280 bps over the 1Q06, as a result of better net pulp prices (+11%), partially offset by higher cash production cost, largely due to the Brazilian currency’s appreciation against the US dollar. When compared to the previous quarter, the improvement in the adjusted EBITDA margin was 290 bps, due to higher net pulp prices and lower administrative expenses, partially offset by higher cash production cost (due to maintenance).

    We increased the level of our cash flow currency protection strategy, during the quarter, to a $400 million short position in dollars at the end of the 1Q07 ($289 million at the end of the 4Q06), which generated a positive impact in the quarter of $20 million (4Q06: $13 million and 1Q06: $62 million). We also decided to swap the interest rates on our investments from floating to fixed rates, using futures contracts, which generated a positive impact of $13 million in the quarter. Both impacts have been recorded in the income statement under financial income.

    The company declared interest on stockholders' equity (ISE) in March/07, in the amount of R$67 million, in anticipation of the annual dividend for the fiscal year 2007. Since last year, the company has declared ISE on a quarterly basis. It should be noted that the proposed supplementary dividend distribution of R$167 million, related to the fiscal year 2006, is still to be submitted for approval at a General Meeting of the stockholders, to be held on April 24, 2007.

    During the quarter, income tax effective rate were equivalent to 25% of the pre-tax profit, largely affected by the Brazilian currency’s 4.1% appreciation against the dollar, as also occurred in the 1Q06, to a greater degree, and in the 4Q06, to a lesser one.

    As a result of the factors described above, our net income in the 1Q07 totaled $99.5 million, or $0.97 per ADR, compared to $0.77 and $1.23 per ADR, respectively, for the 1Q06 and the 4Q06.

    On the financial side, we are proceeding with our liability management, to improve the company's financial risk profile. In the last twelve months (LTM) ratios such as "cash to short-term debt", "total debt to adjusted EBITDA" and "net debt to adjusted EBITDA" improved considerably, compared to two years ago, the period just before the Veracel start-up (see ratios on page 23). Furthermore, during the quarter, Moody's placed the Baa3 Global Local Currency Issuer Rating of Aracruz under review for a possible upgrade. Currently, it compares to a similar rating from Standard & Poor’s and to a rating one notch higher from FITCH."

    Isac Zagury - CFO

    2



    Global Pulp Market Update

    During the first quarter of 2007, world demand for market pulp was strong, though held back by supply limitations. Consumer inventories remained at a low historical level and the market pulp held by producers showed a slight dip in February, in comparison with the same period of last year.

    [image]

    Overall hardwood pulp shipments were down, as a result of tight hardwood supply in the northern hemisphere, due to a variety of reasons that include a wood shortage caused by climate conditions in the region, as well as the repercussions of mill closures during 2006. Indonesia’s integrated use of its market pulp for the production of paper also helped to constrict supply. Shipments of eucalyptus pulp up to February remained stable in relation to the same period of last year.

    The strong performance in the tissue and uncoated printing and writing paper segments was key to sustaining a buoyant level of demand for eucalyptus pulp.

    The softwood segment saw similar, but more intense restrictions to those in the hardwood segment, involving production and distribution problems and wood supply shortages, on top of the reduced pulp supply brought about by mill closures.

    In the short term, it is expected that the limited supply of wood and the continued closure of mills that have already been shut down will continue to restrict the supply of softwood and hardwood pulp. This scenario will be exacerbated by the maintenance downtime that is usually scheduled for the second quarter, further constraining supply at a time when demand is traditionally strong. The forecast for the coming months of the utilization of installed capacity for tissue and printing and writing paper, segments with a higher consumption of virgin fiber, presents a positive outlook.

    The expected expansion of supply, mainly of hardwood pulp from Latin America, should bring some relief from the present supply constraints.

    Taking all these factors into consideration, the outlook for the global pulp market in 2007 indicates a balanced supply and demand scenario.

    3



    Production and Sales

    Aracruz pulp production, without the 50% of Veracel, totaled 653,000 tons in the first quarter of 2007, compared to 667,000 tons in the 4Q06 and 652,000 tons in the 1Q06.

    During the first quarter, Veracel Celulose S.A. (50% owned by Aracruz) produced 261,000 tons of pulp, of which 122,000 tons were sold to Aracruz. A planned maintenance downtime (10 days) at Veracel was initiated on March 26th and concluded on April 4th.

    [image]

    At the Guaíba unit, paper production in the quarter totaled 15,000 tons, consuming approximately 12,000 tons of the pulp produced. Paper inventories were at 1,000 tons at the end of March 2007, while paper sales in the first quarter of 2007 totaled 14,000 tons.

    Aracruz pulp sales totaled 676,000 tons in the first quarter, with 569,000 tons of the pulp being produced internally, at the Barra do Riacho and Guaíba units, and 105,000 tons being supplied by Veracel and resold in the market by Aracruz, plus an additional 2,000 tons of direct sales by Veracel to unrelated parties (representing 50% of Veracel's total direct sales).

    Although the pulp sales volume represented about 22% of the annual sales target for 2007, which is in line with the average since the year 2000, it was 9% lower than that for the same period of last year. The total was down 16% in comparison with the 4Q06, mainly due to seasonal fluctuations in sales volumes .

    [image]

    At the end of March, inventories at Aracruz were at 512,000 tons, compared to 423,000 tons at the end of December 2006, representing 59 days of production. The inventory level at Veracel, at the end of March 2007, represented an additional 4 days of production for Aracruz.

    4


    Income Statement 1Q07

    Total net operating revenue came to $395.4 million, $6 million higher than in the 1Q06 and $62 million lower in than in the 4Q06.

    Net paper operating revenue in the quarter amounted to $13.7 million, $2.4 million and $1.5 million higher, respectively, than in the same period of 2006 and in the 4Q06.

    Net pulp operating revenue during the quarter amounted to $378.5 million, similar to that of the same period last year. Revenues were almost flat as a result of the 11% higher prices and 9% lower sales volume. When compared to the 4Q06 revenue of $445.2 million, the $66.7 million decrease was the result of 1.5% higher pulp prices and the 16% lower sales volume, caused by seasonal factors.

    The total cost of sales was $240.4 million in the first quarter of 2007, compared to $249.7 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to the 9% lower pulp sales volume partially offset by higher costs on a per ton basis. When compared to the total of $278.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2006, the decrease was mainly due to seasonally lower sales volume (-16%).

     

    Cost of goods sold – breakdown
    1Q07
    4Q06
    1Q06
    Pulp produced
    65.8%
    67.5%
    66.4%
    Pulp purchased
    16.0%
    15.0%
    15.9%
    Inland and ocean freight plus insurance
    14.0%
    14.5%
    14.4%
    Paper produced
    3.5%
    3.0%
    3.3%
    Port services
    0.7%
    -
    -

    Note: "Pulp purchased" refers to pulp produced by Veracel, transferred to Aracruz and subsequently resold by Aracruz to the final customer.

    The Aracruz pulp production cost in the quarter was $281/ton, compared to $268/ton in the same period of 2006. The combined pulp cash production cost of the Barra do Riacho and Guaíba units (net of depreciation and depletion) in the quarter was $200/ton, compared to $186/ton in the same period of 2006 and $192/ton in the fourth quarter of 2006. When supplemented by Veracel's figures, the pulp cash production cost in the 1Q07 was $191/ton (1Q06: $181/ton and 4Q06: $187/ton).

    Note: The information provided in this paragraph does not include gains with transactions of cash flow currency protection.

     

    5


     

     

    Starting this quarter, a detailed analysis of the cash production cost will be provided, including our portion of Veracel's figures, shown on a weighted average basis.

     

    Barra do Riacho and Guaíba Units , plus 50% of Veracel - 1Q07 vs. 4Q06 US$ per ton
    4Q06 - Cash production cost
    187
    Higher maintenance cost - (1)
    8
    Brazilian currency appreciation against the US dollar
    4
    Wood cost - mainly related to transportation cost
    (3)
    Lower labor expenses
    (2)
    Lower costs with areas related to the production
    (2)
    Other
    (1)
    1Q07 - Cash production cost
    191

    (1) Usually, any excess provision in the year is adjusted in the last quarter, just after the maintenance downtime, to reflect cash maintenance cost, thus explaining the difference in this comparison.

     

    Barra do Riacho and Guaíba Units , plus 50% of Veracel - 1Q07 vs. 1Q06 US$ per ton
    1Q06 - Cash production cost
    181
    Brazilian currency appreciation against the US dollar
    6
    Wood cost - mainly related to transportation cost
    6
    Higher costs related to maintenance
    2
    Lower consumption of raw materials
    (3)
    Fixed cost dilution – higher production volume
    (1)
    1Q07 - Cash production cost
    191

    Note: Including Veracel figures; see reconciliation to GAAP figures on page 21.

    (US$ per ton) 4Q06 1Q07
    Barra do Riacho and Guaíba Units only - cash production cost 192 200

    Note: Not including Veracel figures; see reconciliation to GAAP figures on page 21.

    Approximately 70% of the company's cash production cost is presently correlated to the local currency (real - R$).

    Sales and distribution expenses came to $17.1 million, or $2.0 million lower than in the same period of 2006, mainly due to lower sales volume (-9%). The figure was down $1.1 million in comparison to that of the 4Q06, due to the seasonal sales factors, partially offset by higher terminal expenses.

    Administrative expenses came to $10.4 million, $1.1 million higher than in the 1Q06, mainly due to the negative impact of the appreciation of the real against the dollar and higher services expenses. The figure was $6.9 million lower than that of the 4Q06, mainly due to lower marketing expenses.

    The result for other net operating expenses in the quarter was up $5.7 million when compared with the same period of 2006, mainly due to a $1.7 million higher provision for losses on ICMS credits, $2.0 million lower net results from chemicals and wood sales and a $0.9 million higher provision for labor indemnities. When compared to the 4Q06, the figure was up $7.7 million, mainly due to the reversal of a provision for losses on ICMS credits, in the fourth quarter of 2006, and a $1.1 million higher provision for labor indemnities.

    6


     

    The sum of the financial and currency re-measurement results in the quarter showed a net credit of $23.6 million, compared to a net credit of $50.4 million in the same period of last year and a net credit of $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 (see table below).

    (US$ million) 1Q07 4Q06 1Q06
    Financial Expenses 25.6 30.5 44.1
    Interest on financing 20.2 22.5 24.1
    Miscellaneous (CPMF, interest on fiscal contingency provisions and other) 5.4 8.0 20.0
    Financial Income (49.9) (34.8) (86.0)
    Currency re-measurement - (gain)/loss 0.7 (0.7) (8.5)
    Total (23.6) (5.0) (50.4)

    The "Interest on Financing" results in the first quarter were $2.3 million lower than those of the 4Q06, mainly due to a lower average debt balance and lower interest rates. There was a reduction of $3.9 million compared to the 1Q06, due to lower interest rates.

    The "Financial Income" in the quarter was $15.1 million higher than in the 4Q06, due to the increased results of our cash flow currency protection transactions, showing a gain of $20 million in the quarter (the 4Q06 showed a gain of $13 million) and to a gain of $13 million from the change from floating to fixed interest rates on our investments, partially offset by a lower average cash balance and lower interest rates.

    In comparison to the 1Q06, the financial income was down $36.1 million, mainly due to the smaller gain on our cash flow currency protection transactions (1Q07: $20 million and 1Q06: $62 million), partially offset by a gain of $13 million from the change from floating to fixed interest rates on our investments.

    At the end of the quarter, the cash flow currency protection strategy was maintained, with a short position in dollars totaling $400 million, representing approximately 7 months of cash flow exposure to the local currency (real - R$).

    The results of such positions have been recorded as financial income. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting under USGAAP.

    The cash flow currency protection transaction results (dollar futures contracts) accumulated in 2007, with the gain of $20 million, would be equivalent to approximately $6/ton, if divided by the 2007 production volume target of 3.15 million tons of pulp (including volumes from Veracel). – It is important to mention that this is not a guarantee of future performance.

    The equity result showed a loss of $6.3 million from Veracel (see the Veracel Information section for more details).

    Income tax and social contribution accruals in the first quarter amounted to an expense of $37.1 million, compared to an expense of $63.3 million in the same period of 2006, mainly due to a reduced impact of exchange rate volatility on the BRGAAP financial results and smaller gains on cash flow currency protection transactions. Measured against an expense of $19.9 million in the 4Q06, the $16 million higher tax provision is explained basically by an increased impact of exchange rate volatility on the BRGAAP financial results.

    Since 2005, the company has opted to make cash settlement of income tax and social contribution liabilities, arising from currency variations, in the period that the underlying assets/ liabilities are settled, and not in the period that such tax liabilities arise. This allows the company to defer tax payments on currency variations reported in the Brazilian financial statements, denominated in reais (BR GAAP).

    A statement of the deferred income tax, broken down to show the Brazilian GAAP currency variation impact, and current taxes, is provided below.

     

    (US$ million) 1Q07 4Q06 1Q06
    INCOME TAX & SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION 37.1 19.9 63.3
    Deferred income tax 16.1 12.7 28.5
          BR GAAP exchange rate impact 21.4 5.6 29.5
          Other (5.3) 7.1 (1.0)
    Current income tax 21.0 7.2 34.8

     At the end of the first quarter, the net balance of deferred taxes payable, deriving from the BR GAAP exchange rate impact, amounted to $93 million (4Q06: $72 million). These should become payable in accordance with foreign debt repayments up to 2016, if not reversed by future BR GAAP foreign currency variations.

    7


    Debt and Cash Structure

    The company's total debt amounted to $1,256.3 million at the end of March 2007, $11.5 million higher than at the end of December 2006 and $97.5 million higher than at the end of March 2006.

    (US$ million) March 31,
    2007
    December 31, 2006 March 31,
    2006
    Short-term debt 88.7 89.8 125.8
                Current portion of long-term debt 69.7 67.2 63.6
                Short term debt instruments 4.9 4.7 53.6
                Accrued financial charges 14.1 17.9 8.6
          Long-term debt 1,167.6 1,155.0 1,033.0
          Total debt 1,256.3 1,244.8 1,158.8
          Cash, cash equivalent and short-term investments (565.3) (582.3) (500.4)
    NET DEBT OF ARACRUZ 691.0 662.5 658.4
          50% of Veracel's cash, cash equivalent and investments - (0.2) (0.2)
          50% of Veracel's total debt 343.4 419.1 424.7
    50% OF VERACEL'S NET DEBT 343.4 418.9 424.5
    NET DEBT INCLUDING 50% OF VERACEL 1,034.4 1,081.4 1,082.9

    The local currency debt corresponds basically to long-term BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) loans. The debt maturity profile, as at March 31, 2007, was as follows:

    (US$ million)

    Aracruz

    Aracruz + 50% of Veracel

    Local Currency

    Foreign Currency

    Total Debt

    %

    50% of Veracel's debt

    Total Debt

    %

    2007

    51.8

    20.1

    71.9

    5.7%

    44.5

    116.3

    7.3%

    2008

    57.8

    14.0

    71.9

    5.7%

    54.8

    126.7

    8.0%

    2009

    31.0

    13.8

    44.8

    3.6%

    54.6

    99.4

    6.2%

    2010

    4.4

    34.6

    39.0

    3.1%

    51.8

    90.8

    5.7%

    2011

    4.4

    115.2

    119.6

    9.5%

    55.3

    174.8

    10.9%

    2012

    3.4

    270.5

    273.9

    21.8%

    54.0

    327.9

    20.5%

    2013

    18.3

    246.6

    264.9

    21.1%

    27.6

    292.5

    18.3%

    2014 onwards

    107.3

    263.1

    370.5

    29.5%

    0.8

    371.3

    23.2%

    Total

    278.3

    978.0

    1,256.3

    100%

    343.4

    1,599.7

    100%

    With regard to the liquidity target, which aims for cash investments to equal at least twelve months of future debt amortization, at the end of March 2007 this ratio was at 4.3 times.

    Benefiting from the company's growth, the adjusted EBITDA in the last twelve months increased, thus improving the ratios (including 50% of Veracel's figures), such as "Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA", down to 1.25x from 1.80x two years ago (before the Veracel' start-up), and "Total Debt / Adjusted EBITDA", down to 1.93x from 2.66x at the end of the 1Q05.

    Debt structure (not including Veracel's figures) Principal (US$ million) % of total Average interest rate Remaining average life (months)
    Floating rate (spread over Libor - % p.a.)
    876
    71%
    0.70%
    71
          Trade Financing
    874
    71%
    0.70%
    71
          Import Financing
    2
    0%
    0.40%
    3
    Floating rate (% p.a.)
    315
    25%
     
    51
          BNDES - Local currency
    276
    22%
    TJLP(²) + 2.90%
    51
          BNDES - Foreign currency (currency basket)
    39
    3%
    (¹) + 2.58%
    48
    Fixed rate (% p.a.)
    51
    4%
     
    51
          Export Credit Notes
    51
    4%
    5.985%
    51
    Total
    1,242
    100%
     
    59

    (1) BNDES's interest rate for foreign currency contracts; (²) Brazilian long-term interest rate.

    Cash, cash equivalent and short-term investments, at the end of the quarter, totaled $565.3 million, of which $502.8 million was invested in Brazilian currency instruments and $62.5 million was invested in US dollar time deposits. Of the total amount at the end of the quarter, 70% was invested locally and 30% was invested abroad.

    Net debt (total debt less cash holdings) amounted to $691.0 million at the end of the quarter, $28.5 million higher than at the end of the previous quarter, mainly due to positive operating cash generation, partially offset by $98.5 million of capital expenditure, $87.0 million of capital increase in affiliated companies and $34.8 million of Interest on Stockholders’ Equity.

    8



    EBITDA Analysis

    Adjusted EBITDA comparison 1Q07 vs. 1Q06 (not including results of cash flow currency protection )

    The first quarter 2007 adjusted EBITDA, including 50% of Veracel, totaled $200.3 million, compared to $186.3 million for the same period of last year. This was mainly a consequence of 11% higher net pulp prices, partially offset by 9% lower sales volume and the negative impact of the higher cash production cost (see details on page 6), and resulted in an adjusted margin of 50.7% for the first quarter (47.9% in the 1Q06). Because of the mismatch between "the volume purchased from Veracel" and "the volume re-sold by Aracruz in the market", the methodology used to incorporate 50% of Veracel's EBITDA had a positive impact in the quarter of approximately $4.0 million. It is expected that the impact of the methodology will be minimized over time and have little effect on the full year’s figures.

    Adjusted EBITDA comparison 1Q07 vs. 4Q06 (not including results of cash flow currency protection )

    When compared against the 4Q06 figure, the first quarter 2007 adjusted EBITDA of $200.3 million, including 50% of Veracel, was down $18.6 million. This was mainly due to 16% lower pulp sales volume, partially offset by lower administrative expenses. The issue regarding the consolidation of 50% of Veracel's EBITDA, explained above, also impacted positively in the comparison of the 1Q07 versus the 4Q06.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the 1Q07, including cash flow currency protection gains in proportion to the production volume, would be $204.4 million, representing a 52% margin.

    Capital Expenditure - Realized

    Capital expenditure and investment were as follows:

    (US$ million) 1Q07 FY 2006
    Silviculture
    31.2
    113.1
    On-going industrial investment
    7.0
    23.4
    Forest and land purchases
    22.8
    80.5
    Other forestry investments
    4.4
    25.5
    Barra do Riacho and Guaíba unit optimization
    26.7
    43.9
    Miscellaneous projects
    6.4
    14.6
    Total Capital Expenditure
    98.5
    301.0
    Aracruz capital increase in affiliated companies
    (1) 87.0
    24.5
    Total Capital Expenditure and Investment
    185.5
    325.5

    (1) mainly used to pay down debt .

    Capital Expenditure - Forecast

    The capital expenditure forecast also shows 50% of Veracel's figures, as follows:

    (US$ million) 2Q-4Q 2007E 2008E 2009E 2010E
    • Barra do Riacho Unit optimization
    113 - - -
    • Regular investments (Barra do Riacho and Guaíba) - including silviculture, mill maintenance and corporate investments
    97 135 135 135
    Sub-total - (Aracruz only) 210 135 135 135
    • 50% of the regular investment to be made by Veracel (Aracruz's stake)
    20 20 20 20
    Total - including Aracruz's stake in Veracel 230 155 155 155

    Note: Forecast investments do not include capital expenditure on expansion projects, such as for Guaíba and Veracel, as they have not been fully approved by the Board of Directors.

    9


    Veracel Information

    Veracel's pulp production volume showing strong performance

    Veracel pulp production totaled 261,000 tons in the first quarter of 2007. At the end of March, inventory stood at 62,000 tons of pulp. A planned maintenance downtime (10 days) at Veracel was initiated on March 26th and concluded on April 4th.

    Veracel pulp sales reached 265,000 tons in the first quarter, of which 122,000 tons went to Aracruz, 138,000 tons went to the other controlling shareholder and 5,000 tons went to unrelated parties.

    VERACEL CELULOSE S.A. BALANCE SHEET (in millions of US dollars)

    ASSETS Mar.31, 2007 Dec.31, 2006 Mar.31, 2006 LIABILITIES Mar.31, 2007 Dec.31, 2006 Mar.31, 2006
    Current assets 139.2 132.0 134.3 Current liabilities 142.4 161.0 93.2
    Cash investments 0.1 0.4 0.5 Short-term debt 117.9 131.6 65.6
    Other current assets
    139.1 131.6 133.8 Other accruals
    24.5
    29.4
    27.6
    Long term assets 155.6 151.9 117.1 Long-term liabilities 578.4 715.2 799.5
    Other long term assets
    155.6 151.9 117.1 Long-term debt 569.0 706.6 783.9
    Permanent assets 1,183.6 1,188.7 1,180.9
    Other long-term liabilities
    9.4 8.6 15.6
           
    Stockholders' equity
    757.6 596.4 539.6
    TOTAL 1,478.4 1,472.6 1,432.3 TOTAL 1,478.4 1,472.6 1,432.3

    VERACEL'S TOTAL DEBT MATURITY, AS AT MARCH 31, 2007

    (US$ million) Local Currency Foreign Currency Total Debt %
    2007
    62.6
    26.4
    89.0
    12.9%
    2008
    74.5
    35.2
    109.7
    16.0%
    2009
    74.2
    35.0
    109.2
    15.9%
    2010
    68.7
    35.0
    103.7
    15.1%
    2011
    75.5
    35.0
    110.5
    16.1%
    2012
    77.1
    30.9
    108.0
    15.7%
    2013 onwards
    39.3
    17.5
    56.8
    8.3%
    Total
    471.9
    215.0
    686.9
    100%

    Aracruz is a several guarantor of 50% of the indebtedness incurred by Veracel, and Stora Enso is the several guarantor of the other 50% of such indebtedness.

    VERACEL CELULOSE S.A. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in millions of US dollars)

    Income statement
    1Q 07
    4Q 06
    1Q 06
    Gross operating income
    32.5
    27.0
    22.5
    Sales expenses
    3.5
    4.4
    3.0
    Administrative expenses
    3.0
    3.0
    3.3
    Other, net
    (0.5)
    2.8
    (0.4)
    Operating income
    26.5
    16.8
    16.6
    Financial income
    (0.1)
    (0.2)
    (0.5)
    Financial expenses
    19.2
    20.3
    20.7
    Loss (gain) on currency re-measurement, net
    15.4
    (0.8)
    25.3
    Other, net
    0.4
     
    -
    Income before income taxes
    (8.4)
    (2.5)
    (28.9)
    Income tax expense (benefit)
    4.4
    0.3
    5.6
    Net income
    (12.8)
    (2.8)
    (34.5)

    10



    VERACEL CELULOSE S.A. - STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (in millions of US dollars)

    Statement of cash flow
    1Q 07
    4Q 06
    1Q 06
    Cash flow from operating activities      
          Net income (loss)
    (12.8)
    (2.8)
    (34.5)
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
    37.3
    15.9
    45.6
          (Increase) decrease in assets
    (7.7)
    32.8
    (13.7)
          Increase (decrease) in liabilities
    (11.3)
    (18.3)
    (5.2)
    Net cash provided by operating activities
    5.5
    27.6
    (7.8)
    Cash flow from investments
     
     
     
          Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (15.4)
    (23.0)
    (12.1)
          Other
    0.6
    0.2
    0.1
    Net cash (used in) investments
    (14.8)
    (22.8)
    (12.0)
    Cash flow from financing
     
     
     
    Short-term and long-term debt, net
    (165.2)
    (5.3)
    20.0
    Capital increase
    174.0
     
    -
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing
    8.8
    (5.3)
    20.0
    Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    0.2
    -
    -
    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalent
    (0.3)
    (0.5)
    0.2
    Cash and cash equivalent, beginning of period
    0.4
    0.8
    0.3
    Cash and cash equivalent, end of period
    0.1
    0.3
    0.5

    Adjusted EBITDA of VERACEL (in millions of US dollars)

    (US$ million)
    1Q 07
    4Q 06
    1Q 06
    Net income (loss)
    (12.8)
    (2.8)
    (34.5)
    Financial income
    (0.1)
    (0.2)
    (0.5)
    Financial expenses
    19.2
    20.3
    20.7
    Income tax
    4.4
    0.3
    5.6
    Loss (gain) on currency re-measurement, net
    15.4
    (0.8)
    25.3
    Other
    0.4
     
    -
    Operating income
    26.5
    16.8
    16.6
    Depreciation and depletion in the results
    20.4
    14.9
    19.5
    EBITDA
    46.9
    31.7
    36.1
    Non-cash charges
    (0.2)
    0.2
    0.2
    Adjusted total EBITDA
    46.7
    31.9
    36.3

    Veracel's capital expenditure was as follows:

    (US$ million) 1Q07 FY 2006
    Silviculture
    7.4
    39.4
    Land purchases
    2.5
    41.1
    On-going industrial investment
    5.5
    33.8
    Miscellaneous projects
    -
    4.4
    Total Capital Expenditure
    15.4
    118.7

    Veracel's capital expenditure forecast:

    (US$ million) 2Q-4Q 2007E 2008E 2009E 2010E
    Regular investments 40 40 40 40

    Veracel, located in the state of Bahia (Brazil), is jointly-controlled by Aracruz (50%) and Stora Enso OYJ (50%) and both shareholders must together approve all significant ordinary course of business actions, in accordance with contractual arrangements.

    11


    Stock Performance

    From March 31, 2006 to March 30, 2007, Aracruz's ADR price decreased by 1%, from $52.94 to $52.47. In the same period, the Dow Jones Industrial Average index increased by 11% and the S&P Paper and Forest index increased by 4%.

     

    [image][image]

     

    Stock information March 31, 2007
    Total number of shares outstanding 1,030,587,806
    Common shares 454,907,585
    Preferred shares 575,680,221
    ADR Ratio 1 ADR = 10 preferred shares
    Market capitalization $5.4 billion
    Average daily trading volume – 2007 YTD (Bovespa and NYSE)* $31.4 million

    *Source: Bloomberg

    Results According to Brazilian GAAP

    The local currency consolidated result, according to Brazilian GAAP - the accounting principles adopted in Brazil, was a net income of R$278.0 million for the quarter. Aracruz has publicly released the unconsolidated financial results in Brazil, which under Brazilian GAAP serve as the basis for the calculation of minimum dividends and income taxes. In the first quarter of 2007, Aracruz Celulose S.A. reported an unconsolidated net income of R$277.6 million (net income of R$174.1 million, excluding equity results).

    Dividends/Interest on Stockholders' Equity

    Dividends

    Among other subjects to be discussed at the Ordinary General Meeting of the stockholders to be held on April 24, 2007, will be the allocation of the net profit for the 2006 fiscal year. The proposal is as follows:

    Ratification of Interest on Stockholders' Equity payment, totaling R$ 318 million, declared in 2006 and paid in 2006 and January 2007; and

    Payment of dividends, additional to the Interest on Stockholders' Equity already distributed, to the sum of R$167 million, to be paid out of the adjusted net profit, without monthly correction, as follows:

    • Each block of 1,000 (one thousand) common shares shall be entitled to the amount of R$153.47066634; and

    • Each block of 1,000 (one thousand) preferred shares of classes "A" and "B" shall be entitled to the amount of R$168.81773297.

    Over the last five years, Aracruz has maintained a policy of paying out sustainable and growing dividends (including interest on stockholders’ equity), based on the company’s cash generation, while preserving its investment and growth capacity.

    12


    Interest on Stockholders' Equity

    The management intends to continue the policy of paying dividends in advance, as Interest on Stockholders’ Equity, within the base year. On March 21, 2007, the management declared Interest on Stockholders’ Equity amounting to R$ 67 million, based on the profit for the fiscal year 2007.

    Exercising the powers granted by the company’s Board of Directors, in accordance with the decision taken in a meeting held on March 21st, the Executive Board intends, in principle, to declare Interest on Stockholders’ Equity on a quarterly basis. The potential amount that could still be declared, up to the end of December 2007, is governed by article 9 of Law nº 9,249/95.

    Declaration Date Fiscal Year of Reference Dividends and Interest (1) EX-DATE Gross Amount (R$ thousand) Gross Amount per ADR (US$) Initial Payment Date
    Mar.21, 2007
    2007(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Mar. 28, 2007
    67,000
    0.33
    Apr. 24, 2007
    Dec. 22, 2006
    2006(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Dec. 27, 2006
    75,000
    0.35
    Jan. 19, 2007
    Sep. 19, 2006
    2006(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Sep. 27, 2006
    80,000
    0.38
    Oct. 17, 2006
    Jun. 20, 2006
    2006(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Jun. 28, 2006
    74,000
    0.33
    Jul. 20, 2006
    Apr. 28, 2006
    2005
    DIVIDENDS
    May 3, 2006
    150,000
    0.72
    May 11, 2006
    Mar. 23, 2006
    2006(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Mar. 30, 2006
    89,000
    0.42
    Apr. 20, 2006
    Dec. 20, 2005
    2005(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Dec. 28, 2005
    168,800
    0.72
    Jan. 13, 2006
    Jun. 20, 2005
    2005(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Jun. 28, 2005
    28,000
    0.12
    Jul. 13, 2005
    May 19, 2005
    2005(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    May 25, 2005
    42,900
    0.18
    Jun. 13, 2005
    Apr. 29, 2005
    2004
    DIVIDENDS
    May 2, 2005
    150,000
    0.60
    May 9, 2005
    Apr. 19, 2005
    2005(*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Apr. 27, 2005
    81,000
    0.31
    May 13, 2005
    Dec. 21, 2004
    2004 (*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Dec. 29, 2004
    28,500
    0.11
    Jan. 11, 2005
    Nov. 16, 2004
    2004 (*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Nov. 23, 2004
    32,000
    0.12
    Dec. 10, 2004
    Oct. 19, 2004
    2004 (*)
    INTEREST(1)
    Oct. 27, 2004
    198,000
    0.69
    Nov. 11, 2004
    Apr. 29, 2004
    2003
    DIVIDENDS
    Apr. 30, 2004
    360,000
    1.24
    May14, 2004
    Apr. 29, 2003
    2002
    DIVIDENDS
    May 7, 2003
    315,000
    1.09
    May 15, 2003
    Apr. 30, 2002
    2001
    DIVIDENDS
    May 2, 2002
    180,000
    0.77
    May 13, 2002
    Mar. 30, 2001
    2000
    DIVIDENDS
    Apr. 2, 2001
    136,878
    0.64
    Apr. 12, 2001

    (1) Interest on Stockholders' Equity

    (*) advance payment of dividends

    13


    Additional Information

    Moody's places Aracruz's ratings under review for upgrade

    Moody’s Investors Service has placed the Baa3 Global Local Currency and Aa1.br National Scale Issuer Ratings of Aracruz Celulose S.A. (“Aracruz”) under review for a possible upgrade.

    According to the press release of March 29th, "Aracruz's ratings reflect the company’s favorable production profile and high margins that are supported by its scale, self-sufficiency in electricity and fiber, and its efficient logistics. In addition, the company’s prudent financial management is governed by strict liquidity and leverage policies that have ensured a healthy balance-sheet structure and strong credit metrics, even during downturn periods."

    Note: In the main body of the text (p.1 - 16), amounts are in US$ unless otherwise specified.

    Aracruz Celulose S.A., with operations in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, is the world's largest producer of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp. All of the high-quality hardwood pulp and lumber supplied by the company is produced exclusively from planted eucalyptus forests. The Aracruz pulp is used to manufacture a wide range of consumer and value-added products, including premium tissue and top quality printing and specialty papers. The lumber produced at a high-tech sawmill located in the extreme south of the state of Bahia is sold to the furniture and interior design industries in Brazil and abroad, under the brand name Lyptus. Aracruz is listed at the São Paulo Stock Exchange (BOVESPA), at the Latin America Securities Market (Latibex), in Madrid - Spain, and at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ADR level III program (ticker symbol ARA). Each ADR represents 10 underlying "Class B" preferred shares.

    14



    ARACRUZ CELULOSE S.A. – CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

    (in thousands of US dollars, except for per-share amounts)(unaudited) Three-month period ended
    Mar.31, 2007 Dec.31, 2006 Mar.31, 2006
    Operating revenues
    455,697
    532,457
    445,621
    Domestic
    29,076
    23,636
    16,613
    Export
    426,621
    508,821
    429,008
    Sales taxes and other deductions
    60,287
    75,048
    56,218
    Net operating revenue
    395,410
    457,409
    389,403
    Pulp
    378,486
    445,211
    378,118
    Paper
    13,711
    12,198
    11,285
    Other
    3,213
     
     
    Operating costs and expenses
    275,599
    313,814
    280,003
    Cost of sales
    240,374
    278,353
    249,683
    Pulp
    230,148
    269,912
    241,470
    Cost of sales relating to pulp production and purchases
    196,603
    229,466
    205,478
    Inland freight, ocean freight, insurance and other
    33,545
    40,446
    35,992
          Paper
    8,563
    8,441
    8,213
          Other
    1,663
     
     
    Selling
    17,076
    18,199
    19,089
    Administrative
    10,414
    17,251
    9,261
    Other, net
    7,735
    11
    1,970
    Operating income
    119,811
    143,595
    109,400
    Non-operating (income) expenses
    (23,588)
    (4,964)
    (50,428)
    Financial income
    (49,890)
    (34,803)
    (86,041)
    Financial expenses
    25,601
    30,551
    44,152
    Interest on financing
    20,173
    22,548
    34,632
    Other
    5,428
    8,003
    9,520
    (Gain) loss on currency re-measurement, net
    701
    (712)
    (8,539)
    Income before income taxes, minority interest and equity in results of affiliated companies
     
    143,399
     
    148,559
     
    159,828
    Income taxes
    37,091
    19,917
    63,331
    Current
    20,952
    7,213
    34,839
    Deferred
    16,139
    12,704
    28,492
    Minority interest
    462
    171
    (12)
    Equity results of affiliated companies
    6,324
    1,413
    17,386
    Net income for the period
    99,522
    127,058
    79,123
    Depreciation and depletion in the results:
    48,951
    57,940
    53,766
    Pulp production cost
    52,866
    53,996
    53,456
    Forests and other
    (1,421)
    186
    (2,460)
    Other operating costs and expenses
    1,269
    1,358
    1,370
    Sub-total
    52,714
    55,540
    52,366
    Inventory movement
    (3,763)
    2,400
    1,400
    EBITDA(*)
    168,762
    201,535
    163,166
    EBITDA (adjusted for other non-cash items) (*)
    176,979
    202,939
    168,152
    (*) does not include 50% of Veracel's EBITDA
     
     
     

     

    15


    ARACRUZ CELULOSE S.A. – CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    (in thousands of US dollars)

    ASSETS Mar.31, 2007 Dec.31, 2006 Mar.31, 2006 LIABILITIES Mar.31, 2007 Dec.31, 2006 Mar.31, 2006
    Current assets 1,164,457 1,200,924 1,053,462 Current Liabilities 270,512 286,819 313,286
    Cash and cash equivalents 85,626 48,414 37,254 Suppliers 93,985 95,574 81,726
    Short-term investments 476,820 531,229 460,724 Payroll and related charges 14,187 25,246 13,883
    Accounts receivable, net 252,868 285,795 243,755 Income and other taxes 34,944 38,391 40,490
    Inventories, net 231,308 202,704 185,347 Current portion of long-term debt      
    Deferred income tax 17,134 15,375 13,670 Related party 67,909 65,360 63,583
    Recoverable income and other taxes 92,056 109,165 104,171 Other 1,854 1,854 53,645
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   8,645   8,242   8,541 Short-term debt - export financing and other   4,877   4,677    
    Property, plant and equipment, net 2,196,663 2,151,212 2,067,368 Accrued financial charges 14,118 17,896 8,590
    Investment in affiliated company 405,412 324,736 296,555 Accrued dividends - Interest payable on stockholders’ equity   34,242   36,545   42,128
    Goodwill 192,035 192,035 192,035 Other current liabilities 4,396 1,276 9,241
    Other assets 134,794 127,021 100,738 Long-term liabilities 1,551,836 1,505,811 1,394,300
    Long-term investments 2,821 2,669 2,445 Long-term debt      
    Advances to suppliers 85,773 81,485 67,976 Related party 242,611 232,191 203,829
    Deposits for tax assessments 28,242 26,778 22,400 Other 924,946 922,859 829,201
    Recoverable taxes 16,962 15,093 4,391 Litigations, contingencies and Commitments   107,234   101,772   125,070
    Other 996 996 3,526 Liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits   75,557   71,727   77,518
            Interest and penalties on liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits   52,426   47,996   39,902
            Deferred income tax 113,927 96,035 84,083
            Suppliers 3,020 3,020 10,213
            Other long-term liabilities 32,115 30,211 24,484
            Minority interest 1,337 875 320
            Stockholders' equity 2,269,676 2,202,423 2,002,252
    TOTAL 4,093,361 3,995,928 3,710,158 TOTAL 4,093,361 3,995,928 3,710,158

    16


    ARACRUZ CELULOSE S.A. – CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (in thousands of US dollars)

     

        Three-month period ended
    Mar.31, 2007 Dec.31, 2006 Mar.31, 2006
    Cash flows from operating activities      
    Net income for the period 99,522 127,058 79,123
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
          Depreciation and depletion 52,714 55,540 52,366
          Equity results of affiliated company 6,324 1,414 17,385
          Deferred income tax 16,139 12,704 28,492
          Loss (gain) on currency re-measurement 701 (712) (8,539)
          Loss (gain) on sale of equipment 132 (105) (184)
    Decrease (increase) in operating assets      
          Accounts receivable, net 29,721 (30,135) 7,580
          Inventories, net (28,604) 14,445 (11,474)
          Interest receivable on short-term investments (17,154) (14,562) (4,572)
          Recoverable taxes 19,461 (9,188) (8,053)
          Other (439) 3,040 (900)
    Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities      
          Suppliers (2,832) (65) (4,233)
          Payroll and related charges (11,625) 526 (6,503)
          Litigation, contingencies and liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits
    (16) (4,905) 28,622
          Accrued financial charges (3,824) 1,849 1,420
          Other 3,858 (5,994) 8,229
    Net cash provided by operating activities 164,078 150,910 178,759
    Cash flows from investing activities      
    Short-term investments 88,818 (9,429) 105,158
    Proceeds from sale of equipment 200 239 217
    Investments in affiliate (87,000)    
    Additions to property, plant and equipment (98,516) (102,743) (51,218)
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (96,498) (111,933) 54,157
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Net borrowings (repayments) short-term debt, net 2,395 1,099 (78,902)
    Long-term debt      
          Issuance 18,307 72,776 350,000
          Repayments (16,405) (138,531) (433,820)
    Treasury stock      
    Dividends and interest on stockholders’ equity paid out (34,839) (36,965) (66,743)
    Net cash used in financing activities (30,542) (101,621) (229,465)
    Effect of exchange rate variations on cash and cash equivalents 174 482 (311)
    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37,212 (62,162) 3,140
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 48,414 110,576 34,114
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period 85,626 48,414 37,254

      

    17


     

    Reconciliation of Operating Results

    Brazilian GAAP v US GAAP (US$ million) 1Q 2007
    Net Income - Parent Company (Brazilian GAAP) 135.4
    Realized (Unrealized) profits from subsidiaries 0.2
    Net Income - Consolidated (Brazilian GAAP) 135.6
    Depreciation, depletion and asset write-offs 0.4
    Income tax provision - Fas 109 (4.6)
    Equity results of affiliated company (10.2)
    Reversal of goodwill amortization 13.7
    Foreign-exchange variation (35.4)
    Net Income - Consolidated (US GAAP) 99.5

    Exchange rate at the end of March/2007 (US$1.0000 = R$2.0504)

    Non-GAAP information - Disclosure and reconciliation to GAAP numbers

    The company believes that, in addition to the reported GAAP financial figures, the inclusion and discussion of certain financial statistics, such as Adjusted EBITDA, cash production cost and net debt, will allow the management, investors, and analysts to compare and fully evaluate the unaudited consolidated results of its operations.

    "Cash production cost"

    Cash production cost expresses the company's production costs adjusted for non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization. Cash production cost is not a financial measure under U.S. GAAP, does not represent cash flow for the periods indicated and should not be considered as an indicator of operating performance or as a substitute for cash flow as a measure of liquidity. Cash production cost does not have a standardized definition and our cash production cost calculation may not be comparable to the cash production cost of other companies. Even though cash production cost does not provide a measure of operating cash flow in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the company uses cash production cost as an approximation of actual production cost for the period. Moreover, the company understands that certain investors and financial analysts use cash production cost as an indicator of operating performance.

      1Q07 4Q06 1Q06
    US$ million Volume '000 tons US$ per ton US$ million Volume '000 tons US$ per ton US$ million Volume '000 tons US$ per ton
    Cost of sales 196.6 673.7   229.5 804.1   205.5 744.2  
    Pulp inventories at the beginning of the period (129.5) (423.1)   (142.0) (460.5)   (112.4) (395.5)  
    Pulp purchased (45.4) (122.1)   (39.2) (109.5)   (41.8) (116.6)  
    Pulp for paper production 3.0 11.8   3.0 10.3   2.8 10.7  
    Other 0.2     1.1     (2.2) -  
    Pulp inventories at the end of the period 158.3 512.5   129.5 423.1   122.5 408.9  
    Pulp production cost 183.2 652.8 281 181.9 667.5 273 174.4 651.7 268
    Depreciation and depletion in the production cost   (52.9)   -   (81)   (54.0)   -   (81)   (53.5)   -   (82)
    Cash production cost 130.3 652.8 200 127.9 667.5 192 120.9 651.7 186
    Cash production cost - Veracel 19.6 130.7   20.3 123.6   18.0 114.2  
    Combined cash production cost 149.9 783.5 191 148.2 791.1 187 138.9 765.9 181

    "Net debt"

    Net debt reflects the company’s total debt minus cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Net debt is not a financial measure under U.S. GAAP, does not represent cash flows for the periods indicated and should not be considered as a substitute for cash flow as a measure of liquidity or as an indicator of ability to fund operations. Net debt does not have a standardized definition and our net debt calculation may not be comparable to the net debt of other companies. Even though net debt does not provide a measure of cash flow in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the company uses net debt as an accurate measure of financial leverage, since the company keeps cash in excess of its working capital requirement. Furthermore, the company understands that certain investors and financial analysts use net debt as an indicator of financial leverage and liquidity.

     

    18


    "Adjusted EBITDA, including 50% of Veracel" 

    The inclusion of adjusted EBITDA information is to provide a measure for assessing our ability to generate cash from our operations. Adjusted EBITDA is equal to operating income adjusted for depreciation and depletion and non-cash charges. In managing our business, we rely on adjusted EBITDA as a means of assessing our operating performance. Because adjusted EBITDA excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation, currency re-measurement, equity equivalence, depletion and amortization, it provides an indicator of general economic performance that is not affected by debt restructuring, fluctuations in interest rates or effective tax rates, or levels of depreciation and amortization. We also adjust for non-cash items, to emphasize our current ability to generate cash from our operations. Accordingly, we believe that this type of measurement is useful for comparing general operating performance from period to period and making certain related management decisions. We also calculate adjusted EBITDA in connection with our credit ratios. We believe that adjusted EBITDA enhances the understanding of our financial performance and our ability to meet principal and interest obligations with respect to our indebtedness, as well as to fund capital expenditure and working capital requirements. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, as a measure of operating performance, as a substitute for cash flows from operations or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has material limitations that impair its value as a measure of a company's overall profitability, since it does not address certain ongoing costs of our business that could significantly affect profitability, such as financial expenses and income taxes, depreciation or capital expenditure and related charges. An adjusted EBITDA calculation is expressly permitted by the Brazilian regulators with respect to disclosures published in Brazil.

    (US$ million) 1Q 2007 4Q 2006 1Q 2006
    Net income 99.5 127.1 79.1
    Financial income (49.9) (34.8) (86.0)
    Financial expenses 25.6 30.5 44.1
    Income tax 37.1 19.9 63.3
    Equity in results of affiliated companies 6.3 1.4 17.4
    Loss (gain) on currency re-measurement, net 0.7 (0.7) (8.5)
    Other 0.5 0.2 -
    Operating income 119.8 143.6 109.4
    Depreciation and depletion in the results: 49.0 57.9 53.8
    Depreciation and depletion 52.7 55.5 52.4
    Depreciation and depletion - inventory movement (3.7) 2.4 1.4
    EBITDA 168.8 201.5 163.2
    Non-cash charges 8.2 1.4 5.0
    Provision for labor indemnity 1.1 - 0.2
    Provision (reversal) for loss on ICMS credits 6.7 0.9 4.9
    Provision for a tax contingency 0.3 0.1 -
    Fixed asset write-offs 0.1 (0.1) (0.2)
    Loss on the sale of obsolete spare parts - 0.8 0.1
    Discount on tax credit sales - 1.3 -
    Reversal of tax provision - (1.6) -
    Adjusted Aracruz EBITDA 177.0 202.9 168.2
    50% of Veracel Adjusted EBITDA 23.3 16.0 18.1
    Adjusted total EBITDA 200.3 218.9 186.3
    Adjusted EBITDA margin - % 51% 48% 48%

    19


     
    Eucalyptus pulp international list prices, by region (US$/t)
     
    Jun.06
    Jul.06
    Aug.06
    Sep.06
    Oct.06
    Nov.06
    Dec.06
    Jan.07
    Feb.07
    Mar.07
    North America
    675
    695
    695
    695
    695
    715
    715
    715
    715
    715
    Europe
    640
    660
    660
    660
    660
    680
    680
    680
    680
    680
    Asia
    610
    610
    630
    630
    630
    650
    650
    650
    650
    650

     

    Pulp sales distribution, by region
    1Q07
    4Q06
    1Q06
    1Q07 vs. 4Q06
    1Q07 vs. 1Q06
    LTM
    Europe
    41% 39% 39% 2 p.p. 2 p.p. 39%
    North America
    33% 34% 34% (1 p.p.) (1 p.p.) 34%
    Asia
    24% 24% 26% - (2 p.p.) 25%
    Brazil
    2% 2% 1% - 1 p.p. 2%
    Rest of Latin America
    - 1% - (1 p.p.) - -

     

    Exchange Rate (R$ / US$) 1Q07 4Q06 3Q06 2Q06 1Q06 4Q05 1Q07vs.1Q06 1Q07 vs. 4Q06 4Q06vs. 3Q06 1Q06vs.4Q05
    Closing 2.0504 2.1380 2.1742 2.1643 2.1724 2.3407 (5.6%) (4.1%) (1.7%) (7.2%)
    Average 2.0887 2.1520 2.1709 2.1879 2.1978 2.2520 (5.0%) (2.9%) (0.9%) (2.4%)

    Source: - Brazilian Central Bank (PTAX800).

    Cash flow currency protection results
      1Q07 YTD
    4Q06 YTD
    3Q06 YTD
    2Q06 YTD
    1Q06 YTD
    Nominal (US$ million)
    20
    86
    73
    65
    62
    US$ / t (*)
    6
    28
    24
    22
    21

    (*) based on annual production volume

    Credit ratios,
    including 50% of Veracel's figures
    1Q07
    4Q06
    3Q06
    2Q06
    1Q06
    4Q05
    3Q05
    2Q05
    1Q05
    Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM)
    1.25x
    1.33x
    1.42x
    1.52x
    1.51x
    1.67x
    1.75x
    1.81x
    1.80x
    Total Debt / Adjusted EBITDA (LTM)
    1.93x
    2.05x
    2.21x
    2.35x
    2.21x
    2.48x
    2.71x
    2.73x
    2.66x
    Total Debt / Total Capital (gross debt plus equity)
    41%
    43%
    45%
    46%
    44%
    46%
    49%
    49%
    47%
    Net debt / Total Capital (net debt plus equity)
    31%
    33%
    34%
    36%
    35%
    37%
    38%
    39%
    37%
    Cash / Short Term Debt
    4.28x
    4.37x
    4.30x
    3.71x
    3.44x
    1.87x
    1.91x
    2.08x
    2.59x
    Total debt average maturity – (months)
    59
    60
    58
    48
    48
    40
    29
    37
    39

    LTM = last twelve months 

    20



    This press release contains statements which constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily dependent on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and that may not be possible to realize. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, due to a variety of factors. The company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak only for the date they are made.
     

    21


    SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    Date: April 9, 2007

    ARACRUZ CELULOSE S.A.
    By: /s/ Carlos Augusto Lira Aguiar
    Name: Carlos Augusto Lira Aguiar
    Title: Chief Executive Officer