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 May, 2024
(Commission File No. 1-14862 )
BRASKEM S.A.
(Exact Name as Specified in its Charter)
N/A
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
Rua Eteno, 1561, Polo Petroquimico de Camacari
Camacari, Bahia - CEP 42810-000 Brazil
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F ______
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). _____
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). _____
Indicate by check mark whether the
registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant
to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ______ No ___X___
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below
the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _____.
CONTENTS
1. MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF 1Q24 |
5 |
2. KEY INDICATORS |
6 |
3. MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION |
7 |
4. GLOBAL PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY |
9 |
5. PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT |
11 |
5.1 BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA |
11 |
5.2 UNITED STATES & EUROPE |
19 |
5.3 MEXICO |
22 |
6. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL OVERVIEW |
28 |
6.1 CONSOLIDATED REVENUE |
28 |
6.2 COST OF GOODS SOLD (COGS) |
29 |
6.3 OTHER REVENUE (EXPENSE), NET |
29 |
6.4 RECURRING EBITDA |
30 |
6.5 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULT |
31 |
6.6 NET INCOME (LOSS) |
32 |
6.7 INVESTMENTS |
32 |
6.8 CASH FLOW |
34 |
6.9 DEBT MATURITY PROFILE AND RATING |
35 |
7. CAPITAL MARKETS |
36 |
8. LIST OF ANNEXES |
38 |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Earnings Release may
contain forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on the current view and estimates
of the Company's management regarding future economic and other circumstances, industry conditions, financial performance and results,
including any potential or projected impact regarding the geological event in Alagoas and related legal procedures on the Company's business,
financial condition and operating results. The words “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,”
“plan,” “aim” and other similar expressions, when referring to the Company, are used to identify forward-looking
statements. Statements related to the possible outcome of legal and administrative proceedings, implementation of operational and financing
strategies and investment plans, guidance on future operations, the objective of expanding its efforts to achieve the sustainable macro
goals disclosed by the Company, as well as factors or trends that affect the financial condition, liquidity or operating results of the
Company are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company's management and are subject
to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. There is no guarantee that the events, trends
or expected results will actually occur. The statements are based on various assumptions and factors, including, but not limited to, general
economic and market conditions, industry conditions, operating factors, and availability, development and financial access to new technologies.
Any change in these assumptions or factors, including the projected impact from the geological event in Alagoas and related legal procedures
and the unprecedented impact on businesses, employees, service providers, shareholders, investors and other stakeholders of the Company
could cause actual results to differ significantly from current expectations. For a comprehensive description of the risks and other factors
that could impact any forward-looking statements in this document, especially the factors discussed in the sections, see the reports filed
with the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM). This Earnings Release is not an offer of securities for sale in Brazil. No
securities may be offered or sold in Brazil without being registered or exempted from registration, and any public offering of securities
carried out in Brazil will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Braskem and that will contain detailed information
on Braskem and management, as well as its financial statements.
BRASKEM S.A. (B3:
BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the leading resins producer in the Americas and the world leader in biopolymers, announces
the calendar for its 1Q24 disclosures, as follows.
Conference
Call
Portuguese (original
audio) with simultaneous translation into English
May 9, 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 11 a.m. Brasília
| 10 a.m. US ET | 3 p.m. London
Link Zoom:
Click here
Investor
Relations Channels
Investor
Relations Website: http://ri.braskem.com.br
IR mailbox:
braskem-ri@braskem.com.br
Telephone:
+55 (11) 3576-9531
Braskem
Invest: podcast for investors, available on Spotify (in Portuguese) at this
link.
Braskem posts Recurring EBITDA
of US$230 million in the quarter, 9% higher than 4Q23 and 12% higher than 1Q23
The utilization rate of Brazil's
petrochemical plants was 74%, 8 p.p. higher than the previous quarter
| 1. | MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF 1Q24 |
| 3. | MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION |
During 1Q24, most spreads
in the international petrochemical market increased compared to 4Q23. In the polyethylene (PE) market, the increase in the cost of feedstock,
due to the drop in production levels at petrochemical plants impacted by winter storm Heather, which occurred in January in the US Gulf
region, associated with the increase in international freight, such as consequence of the conflicts in the Red Sea, supported the increase
in the price of PE in the USA (+12%), resulting in a 21% PE naphtha spread increase. Additionally, the PE ethane spread increased (+20%)
compared to 4Q23, mainly impacted by the lower ethane price during 1Q24 due to higher availability in the region. On the other hand, the
PVC spread was lower (-2%) compared to 4Q23, influenced by lower demand in Asia, while the PP spread remained in line in the USA.
In relation to the operational
performance in the first quarter of 2024, utilization rates were higher when compared to 4Q23 in the petrochemical plants in Brazil and
remained in line in Mexico, influenced by the normalization of production after the maintenance shutdown in Bahia and supply stability
of feedstock in Mexico, respectively. In relation to the USA and Europe, the utilization rate in the quarter was lower than the previous
one mainly due to the unscheduled shutdown in a PP plant in the USA, which production was normalized at the end of February.
Sales volume was higher
in Brazil and Mexico, as a result of the availability of product for sale in the period and the adjustment of demand after the seasonality
observed in the last quarter of 2023. In the USA & Europe, sales volume remained in line with the previous quarter and presented a
reduction compared to 1Q23.
In this context, Recurrent
EBITDA in 1Q24 was US$230 million (R$1,140 million), representing an increase compared to 4Q23 (+9%), mainly due to: (i) the increase
in sales volume in the Mexico segment; (ii) the increase in sales volume of resins and main chemicals in the Brazil/South America segment,
in line with the strategy of prioritizing Brazilian market; and (iii) increase in international PE and PP spreads in Brazil, and PE in
Mexico.
During the period, the
Company had operating cash generation of R$972 million in 1Q24, explained by: (i) the higher Recurring EBITDA; (ii) lower disbursements
with operating and strategic CAPEX due to investment prioritization initiatives; and (iii) the positive change in working capital due
mainly to the higher price of naphtha in the international market associated with the depreciation of the real against the dollar.
Considering the payments
related to Alagoas and the interest on debt in the international market, the Company presented a cash consumption of approximately US$190
million (R$939 million).
The corporate gross debt
ended the quarter at US$8.6 billion, below the previous quarter (-2%), with 95% of maturities concentrated in the long term and 5% in
the short term. Net debt at the end of 1Q24 was US$ 5.3 billion, an increase of 3% compared to the previous quarter. Corporate leverage
remained stable at 8.12x.
Safety is a permanent
and non-negotiable value for the Company. Therefore, the global frequency rate of accidents with and without lost time (CAF + SAF) was
0.78 events per million hours worked in 1Q24, lower in relation to 4Q23 (-23%) and 1Q23 (-28%), and below the sector average[1].
In addition, since 2019,
safety continues to be the Company's greatest commitment to Maceió and its residents, maintaining diligence in implementing actions
to repair, mitigate and compensate for the effects of soil subsidence in Maceió. In this context, the advances related to the
Financial Compensation and Relocation Support Program, by April 30, 2024, 99.7% of properties had already been relocated, with 100% of
properties in criticality area 00 having already been relocated. Additionally, 19,139 financial compensation proposals were presented
by the Company, with a general global acceptance rate of 98.0%, and with 18,786 compensations paid (98% of the expected total). At the
end of March 2024, the balance of provisions related to the geological event in Alagoas was approximately R$4.9 billion.
[1]
The industry average is 3.25 per million hours worked, according to the American Chemistry Council. The most recent figure is for 2018.
In conclusion, Braskem
and its Team Members remain focused on implementing initiatives to maximize cash generation, and prioritizing investments aligned with
its growth strategy, through the traditional, bio-based and recycling business avenues.
Management would, once
again, like to thank Shareholders for the trust placed in Braskem; to our Customers, for your fundamental partnership in continuing to
seek solutions through chemistry and plastic to improve people's lives, and to our Team Members, Partners, and Suppliers, for your dedication
and competence, essential for us to accomplish our results and achievements in order to reinforce Braskem’s global footprint and
resilience.
| 4. | GLOBAL PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY |
International
Market Petrochemical Spreads – 1Q24 vs. 4Q23
BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA
PE spread was
higher (+21%) compared to 4Q23, impacted by the higher PE price in the US (+12%), impacted by (i) the increase in the cost of local feedstock,
due to the drop in the level production at petrochemical plants in the region, as a result of unscheduled shutdowns caused by winter storm
Heather, which occurred in January in the US Gulf Coast region; and (ii) increase in the price of PE, due to higher export opportunities
by United States producers, as a consequence of the conflicts in the Red Sea. Regarding the price of naphtha ARA, the increase (+6%) compared
to 4Q23, the increase in the price of brent on the international market, impacted by (i) geopolitical tensions in the Middle East; and
(ii) lower refinery operating rates, due to the weather event in the United States in January (winter storm Heather).
PP spread was
higher (+4%) compared to 4Q23, as a consequence of the higher PP price in Asia (+5%), mainly explained by (i) the lower supply of PP imported
to the region; and (ii) the increase in propylene and naphtha costs in the period, as mentioned above.
The PVC spread Par
was lower (-2%) compared to 4Q23. The PVC price in Asia decreased (-2%), impacted by lower demand due to (i) the Chinese New Year;
and (ii) the crisis in China's real estate sector. These effects were partially offset by the increase in the price of caustic soda in
the US (+2%), explained by the balance between stable demand and limited supply, as a result of maintenance stoppages in assets located
in the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Spreads on Main
Basic Chemicals was higher (+4%) compared to the previous quarter, mainly impacted by (i) the higher price of gasoline (+13%), supported
by lower product inventory levels in the United States as a result of maintenance shutdowns in the region; (ii) the higher price of propylene
(+18%), impacted by lower supply due to scheduled and unscheduled shutdowns at PDHs[2] in the United States; and (iii) the
recovery of butadiene (+6%), due to lower supply of the product. The price of ethylene in Europe remained in line (-1%) compared to the
previous quarter.
UNITED STATES & EUROPE
PP spreads in the
U.S. remained in line with 4Q23, while the PP spreads in Europe were higher (+23%) due to the increase in PP prices in Europe
(+3%), as a result of the conflicts in the Red Sea which caused a lower volume of import of this resin in the region. Nonetheless, the
price of propylene in Europe remained in line compared to 4Q23.
MEXICO
PE spreads in Mexico
were higher (+20%) than in 4Q23, impacted by higher PE prices in the US (+12%), as explained above. Additionally, Ethane prices were lower
(-15%), mainly due to the reduction in the price of natural gas due to a milder winter, and the extraction of associated gas in the Permian.
For more information
on the petrochemical scenario in the quarter, see appendix 8.1 from this document.
[2]
PDH (Propane Dehydrogenation): propane dehydrogenation plant that uses an on-purpose process to produce propylene.
Recurring EBITDA in 1Q24
was US$210 million (R$1,041 million), higher (+70%) than in 4Q23, representing 66% of the Company’s consolidated Recurring EBITDA
in dollar in the quarter. This increase is mainly explained by: (i) the increase of 21%, 4% and 3% in PE, PP and main chemicals spreads
in the quarter, respectively; (ii) increase of 104 thousand tons, or 19%, in the sales volume of main chemicals in the Brazilian market;
and (iii) increase of 53 thousand tons, or 7%, in the volume of resin sales in the Brazilian market.
Compared to 1Q23, the increase
in Recurrent EBITDA (+71%) was mainly due to (i) the 4% increase in the PE spread; (ii) the increase of 8 thousand tons, or 22%, in the
sales volume of Green PE; (iii) prioritizing sales with higher added value; (iv) the reduction of approximately US$180 million, or 7%,
in the segment's COGS due to the implementation of initiatives to reduce fixed costs in the period; and (v) the recognition in REIQ's
results in the amount of around US$12 million (R$61 million) in 1Q24.
| 5.1.1 | OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW |
a)
Demand
for resins in Brazil (PE, PP, and PVC):
increase (+11%) compared to 4Q23 mainly explained by (i) higher demand for PE, PP and PVC due to the movement of inventory build-up in
the chain; (ii) higher demand for PVC mainly from the pipe sector; and (iii) higher demand for PE by the packaging, bags and beverage
sectors. The increase compared to 1Q23 (+4%) is mainly explained by (i) higher demand for PE and PP due to the improvement in consumption
of non-durable goods by families; (ii) higher demand for PVC by the pipe sector, driven by the Basic Sanitation Framework; and (iii) the
resumption of import taxes in Brazil.
b)
Average utilization rate of petrochemical crackers:
increase compared to 4Q23 (+8 p.p.) explained by (i) resumption of operations at the Bahia petrochemical plant after a scheduled maintenance
shutdown occurred in 4Q23; and (ii) higher availability of feedstock at the petrochemical plant in Rio Grande do Sul. In relation to 1Q23,
the drop (-3 p.p.) is mainly explained by the adequacy of production in face of lower global demand.
c)
Resin sales volume:
in the Brazilian market, the increase in resin sales volume compared to 4Q23 (+7%) is mainly explained by the higher demand for PE and
PP due to the movement of restocking in the chain. In relation to 1Q23, the reduction (-5%) is mainly explained by the lower volume of
resin sales due to the prioritization of sales with higher added value in the period.
The exports in 1Q24
were lower when compared to 4Q23 (-8%) and 1Q23 (-10%), mainly explained by the prioritization of service to the Brazilian market.
d)
Sales volume of main chemicals[3]:
in the Brazilian market, sales were higher compared to 4Q23 (+19%) mainly due to (i) higher volume of gasoline sales, explained by better
opportunities in the Brazilian market; (ii) higher sales volume of paraxylene, due to the normalization of production at customers that
were on scheduled shutdowns in 4Q23; (iii) higher sales volume of benzene, due to higher demand from customers in the plastics and fibers
sector; and (iv) higher demand for butadiene from customers in the elastomers sector. In relation to 1Q23, the reduction (-5%) is mainly
explained by (i) lower sales volume of benzene and cumene, due to lower demand; and (ii) lower volume of gasoline sales, due to lower
availability of product for sale.
Exports were
lower (-9%) compared to 4Q23 and 1Q23 (-5%), mainly explained by (i) lower sales volume of toluene, due to better opportunities in the
Brazilian market; and (ii) prioritizing service to the Brazilian gasoline market.
3 The
following are considered the main chemicals: ethylene, propylene, butadiene, cumene, gasoline, benzene, toluene and paraxylene due to
the representation of these products in net revenue in this segment.
UPDATES ABOUT ALAGOAS
Braskem’s Management,
based on its assessment and that of its external advisers, considering the short- and long-term effects shown in technical studies, and
the best estimate of expenses for implementing diverse measures connected with the geological event in Alagoas, presents the provision
with the following changes in the period ended March 31, 2024:
The amounts included
in the accounting provision for the geological event in Alagoas, until March 31, 2024, can be segregated between the following areas of
activity and their respective net balances of accounting provision: (a) support in reallocation and compensation, R$ 1.3 billion; (b)
actions to close, monitor salt cavities, environmental actions and other technical topics, R$1.5 billion; (c) socio-urban measures, R$1.3
billion; and (d) additional measures, R$870 million.
Braskem continued to
advance on the operational fronts in Maceió, and until the end of April (i) 99.7% of properties had already been relocated, with
100% of properties in criticality area 00 already relocated; (ii) reached 99.4% in the general acceptance rate of proposals for the Financial
Compensation and Relocation Support Program (PCF); (iii) 17 wells with completed closure status, out of 35 wells, and another 10 in the
filling confirmation stage; and (iv) 47 actions validated with the signatory authorities in the Socio-urban Action Plan (PAS).
For more information
on advances made on the action fronts related to the geological event in Alagoas during the quarter, see appendix 8.2 on this same document.
A) Net Revenue: increase
compared to 4Q23 in Dollars (+9%) and in Reais (+9%), mainly explained by (i) the increase of 12% and 5% in the quarter's average price
of PE and PP, respectively; (ii) the increase of 104 thousand tons, or 19%, in the sales volume of main chemicals in the Brazilian market;
and (iii) the increase of 53 thousand tons, or 7%, in the volume of resin sales in the Brazilian market.
Compared to 1Q23, the decrease
in Dollars (-3%) and in Reais (-8%) is mainly explained by (i) the reduction of 46 thousand tons, or 7%, in the volume of resin sales
in the Brazilian market; (ii) the reduction of 31 thousand tons, or 5%, in the sales volume of main chemicals in the Brazilian market;
(iii) reduction of 21 thousand tons, or 10%, in the volume of export resins sales; (iv) reduction of 4 thousand tons, or 5%, in the sales
volume of main chemicals in the extern market; and (v) reduction in the average price of international references for PP, PVC and main
chemicals of 6%, 12% and 3% in the quarter, respectively. These combined effects resulted in R$803 million lower revenue compared to 1Q23.
In addition, the drop in Reais, is also explained by the appreciation of the average Real against the average Dollar for the period, of
5%.
Resin sales by sector (%)
Resin sales by region (% in tons)
B) Cost of Goods
Sold (COGS): increase in dollars (+6%) and in reais (+6%) compared to 4Q23, mainly explained by (i) the 19% increase in sales volume
of main chemicals; (ii) the 7% increase in resin sales volume in the Brazilian market; and (iii) due to the increase in the price of naphtha
in the international market in COGS by 1%, considering the moving average in the quarter.
Compared to 1Q23, the
drop in Dollars (-7%) and in Reais (-11%) is mainly explained by (i) the 7% reduction in resin sales volume in the Brazilian market; (ii)
the 5% reduction in sales volume of main chemicals in the Brazilian market; (iii) the 10% reduction in the volume of export resins sales;
(iv) the 5% reduction in sales volume of main chemicals in the foreign market; and (v) due to the reduction in the price of naphtha in
the international market in COGS (-2%), considering the moving average in the quarter. In addition, the drop in Reais is also explained
by the appreciation of the average Real against the average Dollar for the period, of 5%.
In 1Q24, COGS was impacted
by the PIS/COFINS credit on the purchase of raw materials (REIQ) in the amount of approximately US$12 million (R$61 million) and by the
Reintegra credit in the total of approximately US$0.4 million (R$1.9 million).
C) SG&A EXPENSES:
reduction in Dollars (-12%) and in Reais (-11%) compared to 4Q23, mainly due to lower marketing expenses and third-party expenses.
Compared to 1Q23, the increase
in Dollars (+5%) is mainly explained by the appreciation of the average Real against the Dollar in the period, of 5%. In Reais it remained
in line.
D) Recurring EBITDA:
represented 66% of the consolidated Recurring EBITDA of the Company's segments in Dollars in the quarter.
| 5.1.3.1 | OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW |
a) Utilization
rate Green Ethylene[4]4:
compared to 4Q23, the increase (+36 p.p.) is mainly explained by the normalization of ethanol supply after restrictions in 4Q23 due to
weather conditions in the region. The increase compared to 1Q23 (+89 p.p.) is explained by the scheduled maintenance shutdown that occurred
during 1Q23 to complete the project to expand 30% of green ethylene production capacity.
4 Due
to the completion of the 30% expansion project of green ethylene capacity at the Rio Grande do Sul unit, the calculation of the utilization
rate for 1Q23 considers the production capacity of 200kt/year, and for 4Q23 and 1Q24 it considers the capacity production of 260 kt/year.
b) Sales volume Green
PE (I’m greenTM biobased): decrease compared to 4Q23 (-8%), mainly due to seasonality during the Chinese New Year.
Compared to 1Q23, the increase in sales volume (+22%), is due to the higher availability of product for sale given the return of operations
after the scheduled maintenance shutdown in 1Q23, to complete the production capacity expansion project.
| 5.1.3.2 | FINANCIAL OVERVIEW |
A) Green
PE and ETBE[5] net sales revenue: in
line with 4Q23. In relation to 1Q23, the increase (+29%) is explained by the higher sales volume due to greater product availability in
the period, due to the scheduled maintenance shutdown in 1Q23 to expand the production capacity by 30% of the Rio Grande do Sul green
ethylene complex.
| 5.2 | UNITED STATES & EUROPE |
Recurring EBITDA was US$69
million (R$343 million), 20% lower than 4Q23 and 30% lower than 1Q23, representing 22% of the consolidated Recurrent EBITDA of the Company's
segments in Dollar in the quarter. This reduction is mainly explained by the lower sales volume available in the segment, due to the unscheduled
shutdown during 1Q24, and the increase in international propylene references.
[5] Product
that uses renewable raw materials, ethanol in its composition
| 5.2.1 | OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW |
a) PP
demand: PP demand in North America was higher (+8%) compared to 4Q23, mainly due to the process of
building stocks in the transformation chain in the region, after destocking in the previous quarter. Compared to 1Q23, demand in North
America was higher (+7%), mainly due to (i) the improvement in the economic scenario; and (ii) the process of recovering stocks in the
transformation chain in the region.
In Europe, demand for PP was
higher (+9%) when compared to 4Q23, due to the greater demand for local product, due to delays in receiving imported product resulting
from logistical restrictions in the Red Sea. Compared to 1Q23, demand remained in line.
b) Average utilization
rate of PP plants: decrease compared to 4Q23 (-6 p.p.) and 1Q23 (-5 p.p.) mainly explained by the unscheduled shutdown at a plant
in the United States, lasting around a month between January and February. The plant production was normalized in February.
c) PP sales volume:
compared to 4Q23, sales volume remained in line (-1%). In relation to 1Q23, the decrease (-2%) is mainly explained by the lower availability
of product for sale in the United States due to the unscheduled shutdown in the region.
A) Net Revenue: compared
to 4Q23, higher in Dollars (+15%) and in Reais (+15%), mainly due to the increase in the average price of the international PP reference
in the United States by 13% in the quarter.
In relation to 1Q23, it was
higher in Dollars (+10%) and in Reais (+5%), mainly explained by the increase in the average price of the international PP reference in
the United States by 6% in the quarter.
B) Cost of Goods Sold
(COGS): higher in Dollars (+17%) and in Reais (+17%) compared to 4Q23, mainly due to the increase in international references of propylene
in the United States in COGS by 18%, considering the moving average in the quarter.
In relation to 1Q23, the
increase in Dollars (+14%) and in Reais (+9%) is mainly explained by the increase in international propylene references in the United
States in COGS by 23% considering the moving average in the quarter.
C) SG&A EXPENSES:
in Dollars, a drop compared to 4Q23 (-16%) due to lower expenses with consultancies and third-party services. In relation to 1Q23, the
increase in Dollars (+4%) is explained by higher expenses with logistics, storage and third-party services.
D) Recurring EBITDA:
represented 22% of the consolidated Recurring EBITDA of the Company's segments in Dollars in the quarter.
Recurring EBITDA was US$37
million (R$181 million), higher (+39%) when compared to 4Q23, representing 12% of the consolidated Recurring EBITDA of the Company's segments
in Dollars in the quarter. This increase is mainly explained by (i) a 20% increase in the PE spread in the international market; and (ii)
increase of 31 thousand tons, or 17%, in PE sales volume during the period.
In relation to 1Q23, Recurrent
EBITDA was higher in dollars (+36%), mainly explained by (i) a 5% increase in the PE spread in the international market; and (ii) increase
of 12 thousand tons, or 6%, in PE sales volume.
| 5.3.1 | OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW |
a) PE demand in
the Mexican market: lower compared to 4Q23 (-5%) and 1Q23 (-6%), mainly due to (i) the seasonality of the Easter period, which occurred
in different quarters in 2023 and 2024; and (ii) the Red Sea conflict, which influenced the increase in PE prices compared to 4Q23.
b) Average utilization
rate of PE plants: in line with 4Q23 (-1 p.p.), due to the increase in the volume of ethane imported through the Fast Track solution,
which was offset by the lower supply of ethane by PEMEX, but in line with the contractual average of 30 thousand barrels per day. Increase
compared to 1Q23 (+11 p.p.) mainly due to the greater volume of ethane imports through the Fast Track solution, of approximately 23 thousand
barrels per day, compared to 12 thousand barrels per day during 1Q23.
c) PE sales volume
sales volume was higher when compared to 4Q23 (+17%), mainly explained by the rebuilding of PE stocks and seasonality observed in 4Q23.
In relation to 1Q23, the increase (+6%) is mainly explained by the greater availability of product for sale in the period.
A) Net Revenue: increase
in dollars (+15%) and in reais (+15%) in relation to 4Q23, mainly due to (i) the increase of 31 thousand tons, or 17%, in PE sales volume
during the period; and (ii) the 14% increase in the price of the international PE reference in the quarter.
In relation to 1Q23, the
drop in dollars (-2%) and in reais (-7%) is mainly explained by the maintenance of PE prices in the international market, which negatively
impacted revenue by US$44 million. In reais, the decreased is also explained by the appreciation of the average Real against the average
Dollar for the period, of 5%.
Sales by sector (%)
Sales by region (% in
tons)
B) Cost of Goods Sold
(COGS): increase compared to 4Q23, mainly due to (i) an increase of 31 thousand tons, or 17%, in the volume of PE sales in the period.
Compared to 1Q23, the decrease
in dollars (-7%) and in reais (-12%) is mainly explained by the reduction in the price of ethane on the international market in COGS by
33%, considering the moving average in the quarter. In Reais, the decrease is also explained by the appreciation of the average Real against
the average dollar for the period, of 5%.
C) SG&A EXPENSES:
reduction in Dollars (-55%) and in Reais (-54%) compared to 4Q23, mainly due to commercial expenses related to the ethane resale operation
in the international market during 4Q23.
Compared to 1Q23, the increase
in Dollars (+52%) and in Reais (+46%) is explained, mainly, by higher expenses with marketing, logistics and storage.
D) Recurring EBITDA:
represented 12% of the consolidated Recurring EBITDA of the Company's segments in Dollars in the quarter.
The investment planned
for 2024 by Braskem Idesa is US$252 million (R$1.3 billion), of which US$201 million refers to the construction of the ethane import terminal,
which is financed through the Syndicated Project Finance Loan, contracted by Terminal Química Puerto México (TQPM).
Operating Investments
in 1Q24: The main operational investments made by Braskem Idesa were in reliability initiatives and investments in spare parts,
totaling US$7 million (R$35 million) in the quarter.
Strategic Investments
in 1Q24: It refers to the continued construction of the ethane import terminal through Terminal Química Puerto México
(TQPM), which are financed by the Syndicated Project Finance Loan.
| 5.3.3.1 | ETHANE IMPORT TERMINAL |
In 2021, Braskem Idesa approved
and began the project to build the ethane import terminal in Mexico, with a capacity of up to 80 thousand barrels of ethane per day, which
will allow Braskem Idesa to operate at up to 100% of its capacity of production. In the same year, a Joint-Venture was formed between
Braskem Idesa and Advario, through the subsidiary Terminal Químico Puerto México (“TQPM”), with a 50% stake
for each shareholder.
The total estimated value
for the construction of the terminal is US$446 million (CAPEX ex-VAT), of which US$408 million will be financed, in the Syndicated Project
Finance Loan modality, announced by TQPM in November 2023.
The total amount disbursed
at the ethane import terminal from the beginning of the project until 1Q24 was US$228 million with Braskem Idesa disbursing around US$95
million[6]. In 2024, disbursements through the financing obtained, without the need for additional cash disbursement by Braskem
Idesa. The amount invested by TQPM in the ethane import terminal during the first quarter of 2024 was US$39 million (R$192 million), using
the financing obtained as sources of resources.
Construction of the terminal,
which began in July 2022, reached physical progress of 62% by March 2024. Construction of the project is expected to be completed by the
end of 2024, with operations beginning during the first quarter of 2025.
| 5.3.4 | DEBT MATURITY PROFILE AND RATING |
As of March 31, 2024, the
average debt term was approximately 6.7 years, with 54% maturing in 2030. The weighted average cost of Braskem Idesa's debt was exchange
rate variation +7.3% p.a.
[6]
Includes Value Added Tax (VAT)
The liquidity level of US$243
million guarantees coverage of debt maturities over the next 31 months.
Ratings
CORPORATE CREDIT RATING - BRASKEM IDESA |
Agency |
Rating |
Outlook |
Date |
FITCH |
B+ |
Negative |
12/20/2023 |
S&P |
B |
Negative |
07/07/2023 |
| 6. | CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL OVERVIEW |
| 6.2 | COST OF GOODS SOLD (COGS) |
| 6.3 | OTHER REVENUE (EXPENSE), NET |
The
Company recorded net revenue of R$14 million in 1Q24, mainly due to the tax regularization carried out through the Agreement Paulista[7]
program during the quarter, which impacted other revenues by around R$98 million.
[7] In February
2024, the São Paulo State Attorney General's Office ("PGE") published Resolution 6/24 regulating the "Paulista Agreement",
a program created with the enactment of State Law No. 17,843 that allows the settlement of ICMS debts with discounts on interest, fines,
and legal fees. In March 2024, the PGE granted the Company's request to include two lawsuits, reducing the total amount of the contingency
from R$349 million to R$66 million and authorizing its payment in 120 monthly installments, from April 2024 to March 2034.
Braskem's Recurring EBITDA
in 1Q24 was US$230 million (R$1.1 billion), 9% higher than 4Q23, mainly due to (i) increases of 21%, 4% and 3% in PE, PP and main chemicals
spreads in the international market, respectively; (ii) increase of 104 thousand tons, or 19%, in the sales volume of main chemicals in
the Brazilian market; (iii) increase of 53 thousand tons, or 7%, in the volume of resin sales in the Brazilian market; (iv) 20% increase
in the PE spread in Mexico; (v) increase of 31 thousand tons, or 17%, in PE sales volume in Mexico; and (vi) the reduction of US$13 million
(R$66 million) in sales and distribution expenses, despite of the increase of sales volume.
In relation to 1Q23, the
increase in Recurrent EBITDA (+12%) is mainly explained by (i) the 4% increase in the PE spread in the Brazil/South America segment; (ii)
5% increase in the PE spread in the Mexico segment; (iii) the increase of 8 thousand tons, or 22%, in the sales volume of Green PE; (iv)
increase of 12 thousand tons, or 6%, in PE sales volume in Mexico; (v) prioritizing sales with the highest added value in all segments;
(vi) the reduction of approximately US$197 million, or 7%, in the COGS of the Brazil/South America and Mexico segments due to the implementation
of initiatives to reduce fixed costs in the period; and (vii) the recognition in REIQ's results in the amount of around US$12 million
(R$61 million), referring to the calculation of tax credits for 1Q24; and (viii) the reduction of US$4 million (R$18 million) in sales
and distribution expenses.
[8] Braskem’s
consolidated result corresponds to the sum of the results in Brazil, United States & Europe and Mexico, less eliminations and reclassifications
of purchases and sales among the segments reported by the Company.
| 6.5 | CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULT |
Financial expenses:
reduction (-13%) compared to 4Q23 mainly due to the positive effect of tax regularization through the Paulista Agreement7.
The increase compared to 1Q23 (+4%) is mainly explained by higher interest expenses due to the increase in the gross debt balance in the
period.
Financial income:
decrease (-14%) compared to 4Q23 mainly explained by the reduction in the balance of financial investments in reais associated with the
reduction in the basic interest rate in Brazil. Increase compared to 1Q23 (+18%), mainly due to the higher balance in financial investments.
Net exchange variation:
the negative variation in 4Q23 is mainly explained by the depreciation of the real at the end of the period against the dollar on the
average net exposure to this currency in the amount of US$4.6 billion. This effect was partially offset by the appreciation of the Mexican
peso at the end of the period against the dollar on the average net exposure to the dollar at Braskem Idesa in the amount of US$2.2 billion.
Transactions in financial
instruments under hedge accounting
In relation to the hedge accounting
of Braskem S.A. exports, the Company realized US$ 113.9 million (R$ 365 million) in exports from a discontinued flow from 2023 in the
quarter. The initial designation rate was R$/US$ 2 .0017, defined in March 2013, while the realization rate was R$/US$ 5.2078, defined
in February 2023. The balance of financial instruments designated for this hedge accounting at the end of 1Q24 was US$ 5 .3 billion.
Regarding the hedge accounting
of Braskem Idesa's exports, the Company realized US$88.6 million (MXN 573.6 million) in exports from discontinued flows between 2016 and
2021 in the quarter. The average initial designation rate was MXN/US$ 13.6517 and the average realization rate was MXN/US$20.1246. The
balance of instruments designated for this hedge accounting at the end of 1Q24 was US$2.3 billion.
Long-term Currency Hedge
Program:
Braskem's inputs and products
have prices denominated in or strongly influenced by international commodity prices, which are usually denominated in US dollars. Starting
in 2016, Braskem contracted derivative financial instruments to mitigate part of the exposure of its cash flow denominated in reais. The
program's main form of mitigation is dollar purchase and sale option contracts, protecting expected flows for a horizon of up to 18 months.
On March 31, 2024, Braskem
had a total outstanding value of operations (notional) purchased in puts of US$1.5 billion, at an average exercise price of R$/US$4.47.
At the same time, the Company also had a total outstanding value of operations (notional) sold in calls of US$1.01 billion, at an average
exercise price of R$/US$ 6.58. The contracted operations have a maximum maturity period of 18 months. The fair value marking of these
Zero Cost Collar (“ZCC”) operations was negative by R$6.4 million at the end of the quarter.
Due to the low volatility of
the dollar during the period, options were exercised. There was no cash effect in 1Q24.
Cash Flow Hedge |
Term |
Strike Put
(average) |
Strike Call
(average) |
Notional
(R$ million) |
Zero-Cost Collar |
2Q24 |
4.61 |
6.86 |
1,533 |
Zero-Cost Collar |
3Q24 |
4.50 |
6.67 |
1,306 |
Zero-Cost Collar |
4Q24 |
4.36 |
6.43 |
1,414 |
Zero-Cost Collar |
1Q25 |
4.44 |
6.51 |
1,025 |
Zero-Cost Collar |
2Q25 |
4.39 |
6.44 |
937 |
Zero-Cost Collar |
3Q25 |
4.53 |
6.36 |
435 |
Total |
|
4.47 |
6.58 |
6,650 |
In the quarter, the Company recorded a net loss[9]
of US$273 million, or R$1.3 billion.
Braskem's (formerly Braskem
Idesa) expected investment for 2024 is US$440 million (R$2.2 billion). At the end of 1Q24, Braskem made investments worth approximately
US$118 million (R$581 million).
Operating Investments
of 1Q24: the main operational investments made to date include (i) payments related to the scheduled maintenance stoppage of the
petrochemical plant in Bahia, carried out in the last quarter of 2023; (ii) investments to improve the mechanical integrity of assets
in Brazil; and (iii) investments related to increasing the reliability and operational safety of industrial assets.
Strategic Investments
1Q24: the resources were mainly directed to (i) projects associated with the energy efficiency of industrial assets; (ii) initiatives
to develop new technologies in innovation and technology.
[9]
Based on net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders
of the Company
In 1Q24, the main investments
related to the Macro-Objectives for Sustainable Development were (i) projects associated with the reduction of CO2 emissions and the energy
efficiency of industrial assets; and (ii) projects related to industrial safety.
| 6.7.1 | GLOBAL GROWTH STRATEGY |
Aligned with the Company's
Corporate Growth Strategy, in the quarter, Braskem remained focused on the development of various projects related to its growth avenues,
highlighting the following:
| a. | Construction of an Ethane
Import Terminal in Mexico |
The project to build
an ethane import terminal in Mexico, with a capacity of up to 80 thousand barrels of ethane per day, which will allow Braskem Idesa to
operate at up to 100% of its production capacity. This project is a joint venture between Braskem Idesa and Advario, through the subsidiary
Terminal Químico Puerto México (“TQPM”), with a 50% stake for each shareholder.
The total estimated
value for the construction of the terminal is US$446 million (CAPEX ex-VAT), of which US$408 million will be financed, in the Syndicated
Project Finance Loan modality, which were announced by TQPM in November 2023.
Construction of
the terminal, which began the construction phase in July 2022, reached, by March 2024, physical progress of 62%.
Construction of
the terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, and operations will begin during the first quarter of 2025.
More details about
the project are available in section 5.3.3.1.
| b. | Decarbonization of the Rio
Grande do Sul petrochemical complex. |
In March, Braskem
and Veolia announced another agreement to work together on research and implementation of high-impact solutions for decarbonization at
the Triunfo petrochemical complex, in Rio Grande do Sul. The two companies will research and develop new adapted impact initiatives the
need for the operation, aiming to enable the replacement of fossil fuels, currently used in steam production, with renewable energy solutions,
with the potential to reduce 500 thousand tons of CO2e¹ per year.
| c. | Innovation for decarbonization
of Crackers |
New partnership
with Lummus Technology was signed to develop an electrification study of the Company's cracking furnaces. Expanding the use of electricity
and renewable materials will allow Braskem to reduce its carbon footprint in the production of ethylene, propylene, and other chemical
products.
| a. | Diversification of raw materials in the United States
and Europe |
Signing a contract for
circular propylene in Europe: in January 2024, Braskem signed a contract with Shell Chemicals Europe to produce circular polypropylene
from mixed plastic waste. Shell Chemicals Europe will supply Braskem with circular propylene to produce circular polypropylene at its
plants in Wesseling, Germany. This contract is part of Braskem's Wenew ecosystem.
Supply of bio-attributed
and bio-circular propylene in the United States: in March 2024, Shell Chemicals began supplying bio-attributed and bio-circular propylene
certified by independent third parties to Braskem America, which will use this feedstock to produce bio-attributed and bio-circular polypropylene.
This initiative is in line with the company's following objectives: (i) carbon neutrality by 2050; (ii) diversification of raw materials
and expansion of industrial presence; and (iii) developing more sustainable solutions in the circular economy.
More information about
our value creation strategy is presented in the ESG Report and the Integrated Report for the year 2023 (Integrated Report 2023), available
on the Investor Relations website.
The Company presented an
operational cash generation[10] of R$972 million in 1Q24. The increase in R$636 million compared to 4Q23 (+189%) is mainly
explained by: (i) the lower disbursement with operational and strategic CAPEX of R$363 million; and (ii) the positive variation in working
capital exceeding R$181 million; and (iii) the increase of R$91 million in Recurrent EBITDA (+9%).
In relation to 1Q23, operational
cash generation was higher by R$1,277 million, mainly explained by: (i) the positive variation in working capital, which increased by
R$899 million; (ii) the lower disbursement with operational and strategic CAPEX of R$295 million; and (iii) the increase of R$83 million
in recurring EBITDA (+8%).
During 1Q24, the positive
variation in working capital is mainly explained by: (i) the increase in the price of naphtha on the international market associated with
the depreciation of the real against the dollar; (ii) increased purchase of naphtha from international suppliers; (iii) monetization of
PIS and COFINS credits.
The recurring cash generation
in 1Q24 resulted in a lower consumption of R$22 million (-4%) compared to 4Q23, due to: (i) the higher operational cash generation, mentioned
above. This effect was offset by higher interest payments explained by the semi-annual payments of debt securities issued on the international
market by the Company.
Compared to 1Q23, consumption
was lower by R$492 million (-49%) due to: (i) the higher operational cash generation, mentioned above; (ii) lower income tax payments.
These effects were partially offset by the increase in interest payments.
Considering the disbursements
related to the geological event in Alagoas, the Company presented a cash consumption of R$939 million in 1Q24.
[10] Operating
Cash Generation (=) Recurring EBITDA (-) Operational CAPEX (-) Strategic Investments (+/-) Changes in Working Capital.
| 6.9 | DEBT MATURITY PROFILE AND RATING |
On March 31, 2024, the balance
of gross corporate debt was US$8.5 billion, with 95% of maturities concentrated in the long term and 5% in the short term. In relation
to net debt, the balance at the end of March 2024 was US$5.3 billion. Corporate debt in foreign currency represented, at the end of the
period, 88% of the Company's total debt.
As of March 31, 2024, the
average term of corporate debt was around 11.6 years, with 63% of debt concentrated from 2030 onwards. The weighted average cost of the
Company's corporate debt was exchanging variation + 6.1% p.a.
The liquidity position of
US$3.3 billion, in March 2024, is sufficient to cover the payment of all debts coming due in the next 69 months, not considering the international
stand-by credit facility of US$1.0 billion available through 2026.
Ratings
CORPORATE CREDIT RATING - GLOBAL SCALE |
Agency |
Rating |
Outlook |
Date |
FITCH |
BB+ |
Rating Watch Negative |
12/14/2023 |
S&P |
BB+ |
Stable |
02/26/2024 |
|
|
|
|
CORPORATE CREDIT RATING - NATIONAL SCALE |
Agency |
Rating |
Outlook |
Date |
FITCH |
AAA(bra) |
Rating Watch Negative |
12/14/2023 |
S&P |
brAAA |
Stable |
02/26/2024 |
On March 28, 2024, Braskem’s
stock was quoted at R$26.40/share (BRKM5) and US$10.53/share (BAK). The Company’s shares are listed on Level 1 corporate
governance segment of B3 – Brasil, Bolsa e Balcão and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) through Level 2 American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs), with each Braskem ADR (BAK) corresponding to two class “A” preferred shares issued by
the Company, and on the Madrid Stock Exchange (LATIBEX) under the ticker XBRK.
| 7.2 | PERFORMANCE OF CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES |
BRAZIL
| · | PE Spreads9: increased
from 4Q23 (+21%). |
| o | PE The price of PE in the USA
was higher (+12%) compared to 4Q23, impacted by (i) the increase in the cost of local feedstock, due to the drop in the level of production
at petrochemical plants in the region, as a result of stoppages unscheduled events caused by winter storm Heather, which occurred in January
in the US Gulf region; and (ii) increase in the price of PE, due to greater export opportunities by United States producers, as a consequence
of the conflicts in the Red Sea. |
| o | The price of naphtha ARA increased
(+6%) compared to 4Q23, following the increase in the price of oil on the international market, impacted by (i) geopolitical tensions
in the Middle East; and (ii) lower refinery operating rates, due to the weather event in the United States in January (winter storm Heather). |
| o | In relation to the first quarter
of 2023, the spread was higher (+4%), mainly due to the lower naphtha price (-3%) in the period. |
| · | PP Spread10: increased
from 4Q23 (+4%). |
| o | The price of PP in Asia was
higher (+5%) compared to 4Q23, impacted by (i) the lower supply of resin imported to the region; and (ii) the increase in propylene and
naphtha costs in the period. |
| o | The price of ARA naphtha increased
(+6%) compared to 4Q23 due to the factors mentioned above. |
| o | Compared to the same quarter
in 2023, the spread reduced (-13%) due to the lower PP price in Asia (-6%), as a consequence of (i) lower demand; and (ii) the increase
in supply due to the new capacities that came into operation. |
| · | PVC Par Spreads11: decreased
from 4Q23 (-2%). |
| o | The price of PVC in Asia decreased
(-2%) compared to 4Q23, impacted by lower demand due to (i) Chinese New Year; and (ii) the crisis in China's real estate sector. These
effects were partially offset by the increase in the price of caustic soda in the USA (+2%), explained by the balance between stable demand
and limited supply, as a result of maintenance shutdowns in assets located in the Gulf of the United States. |
| o | Compared to 1Q23, the Par PVC
spread was lower (-53%), impacted by (i) lower demand; and (ii) the lower price of caustic soda in the United States (-51%), mainly explained
by lower demand from the paper, pulp and aluminum sectors. |
| · | Spreads on Main Basic Chemicals[11]:
increased compared to 4Q23
(+4%). |
| o | The price of main chemicals
was higher (+5%) compared to 4Q23, mainly impacted by (i) the higher price of gasoline (+13%) due to lower stock levels in the United
States, as a result of shutdowns maintenance of refineries in the region; (ii) the higher propylene price (+18%), impacted by lower supply
due to scheduled and unscheduled shutdowns at PDHs in the United States; and (iii) the increase in the price of butadiene (+6%), due to
supply restrictions due to operational problems at a producer in the region. |
| o | In relation to 1Q23, the Main
Basic Chemicals spread was lower (-2%), mainly impacted by (i) lower gasoline prices in Brazil (-6%), and (ii) the lower price of Butadiene
(- 28%) as a consequence of the greater imbalance between global supply and demand. |
[11] Average
price of base chemicals (Ethylene (20%), Butadiene (10%), Propylene (10%), Cumene (5%), Benzene (20%), Paraxylene (5%), Gasoline (25%)
and Toluene (5%), based on Braskem’s sales mix) – naphtha ARA price.
UNITED STATES & EUROPE
| · | U.S. PP Spread15: in
line with 4Q23 levels. |
| o | Compared to the same quarter
last year, spread remained in line. |
| · | Europe PP Spreads16: increase
compared to 4Q23 (23%). |
| o | The price of PP in Europe was
higher (+3%) compared to 4Q23, due to the lower volume of resin imported into the region, as a consequence of logistical restrictions
related to the conflict in the Red Sea. On the other hand, the price of propylene in Europe remained in line compared to 4Q23. |
| o | Compared to the same quarter
of the previous year, the spread was higher (+8%) mainly impacted by the lower propylene price in Europe (-5%) in 1Q24, explained by lower
demand at the beginning of 2024, associated with the increase in production after lower production levels in 2023. |
MEXICO
| · | North America PE Spreads17: increased
from 4Q23 (+20%). |
| o | The PE price in the US was higher
(+14%) compared to 4Q23, as explained above. |
| o | Additionally,
the price of ethane was lower (-15%), following the reduction in the price of natural gas due to the milder winter, excess supply as a
result of the extraction of associated gas in the Permian. |
| o | In relation to
the same period last year, spreads increased
(+5%) mainly due to lower ethane prices (-23%), explained by (i) the lower demand for gas in the United States and Europe, associated
with the milder winter in the North Hemisphere than in 4Q22; and (ii) the higher supply in the region, due to transportation problems
in the Panama Canal, which limited gas exports from United States. |
The Company operated, since
its formation and subsequently as the successor of the company Salgema, salt mining wells located in Maceió city, state of Alagoas,
with the purpose of supplying raw material to its chlor-alkali and dichloroethane plant. In March 2018, an earthquake hit certain districts
of Maceió, where the wells are located, and cracks were found in buildings and public streets of Pinheiro, Bebedouro, Mutange and
Bom Parto districts.
In May 2019, the Geological
Survey of Brazil (“CPRM”) issued a report, indicating that the geological phenomenon observed in the region, could be related
to the rock salt exploration activities developed by Braskem. In view of these events, on May 9, 2019, Braskem preventively decided to
suspend its salt mining activities and the operation of its chlor-alkali and dichloroethane plant.
Since then, the Company
has been devoting its best efforts to understand the geological event: (i) possible surface effects; and (ii) the analyses of cavities’
stability. The results are being shared with the Brazilian National Mining Agency (“ANM”) and other pertinent authorities,
which the Company has been maintaining constant dialogue.
Braskem presented to ANM
the measures for shutting down its salt mining fronts in Maceió, with measures for the closure of its cavities, and, on November
14, 2019, it proposed the creation of a protective area surrounding certain cavities as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
These measures are based on a study conducted by the Institute of Geomechanics of Leipzig (IFG), in Germany, an international reference
in the geomechanical analysis of areas of salt extraction by dissolution and are being adopted in coordination with the Civil Defense
of Maceió and other authorities.
As a result of the geological
phenomenon, negotiations were conducted with public and regulatory authorities that resulted in the Agreements executed, including:
| i. | Instrument of Agreement to Support
the Relocation of People in Risk Areas (“Agreement for Compensation of Residents”), entered into with State Prosecution Office
(“MPE”), the State Public Defender’s Office (“DPE”), the Federal Prosecution Office (“MPF”)
and the Federal Public Defender’s Office (“DPU”), which was ratified by the court on January 3, 2020, adjusted by its
resolutions and subsequent amendments, , which establish cooperative actions for relocating residents from risk areas, defined in the
Map of Sectors of Damages and Priority Action Lines by the Civil Defense of Maceió (“Civil Defense Map”), as updated
in December 2020 (version 4), and guaranteed their safety, which provides support, under the Financial Compensation and Support for Relocation
Program (“PCF”) implemented by Braskem to the population in the areas of the Civil Defense Map, as well as the dismissal of
the Public-Interest Civil Action (Reparations for Residents), as detailed in Note 23.1 of the Consolidated and individual financial statements
for the year ended March 31, 2024. |
| ii. | Agreement with the Labor Prosecution
Office in Alagoas (MPT-AL) on February 14, 2020, in the amount of R$40 million for implementation of the Program for Recovery of Business
and Promotion of Educational Activities for residents and workers in the districts affected by the geological phenomenon. The program
consists of support for the construction of daycare centers and schools and for administering professional training programs, as well
as support for the Civil Defense to hire skilled professionals to continue monitoring the risk areas in the districts affected. On March
3, 2020, with the ratification of the agreement by the courts, the Public-Interest Civil Action (Reparation for Workers) was extinguished; |
| iii. | Agreement to Dismiss the Public-Interest
Civil Action on Socio-Environmental Reparation (“ACP Socio-Environmental Reparation”) and the Agreement to define the measures
to be adopted regarding the preliminary injunctions of the Public-Interest Civil Action on Socio-Environmental Reparation (jointly referred
to as “Agreement for Socio-Environmental Reparation”), signed with the MPF with the MPE as the intervening party, on December
30, 2020, in which the Company mainly undertook to: (i) adopt measures to stabilize and monitor the subsidence phenomenon arising from
salt mining; (ii) repair, mitigate or compensate possible environmental impacts and damages arising from salt mining in the Municipality
of Maceió; and (iii) repair, mitigate or compensate possible socio-environmental impacts and damages arising from salt mining in
the Municipality of Maceió, as well as the termination of the Public-Interest Civil Action (Socio-environmental Reparation) related
to the Company, detailed in Note 23.1 of the Consolidated and individual financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2024. Moreover,
the Agreement for Socio-Environmental Reparation envisages the inclusion of other parties, which depends on specific negotiation with
such potential parties; |
| iv. | Agreement for Implementation
of Social and Economic measures for Requalification of the Flexal Area (“Flexal Agreement”), entered into with MPF, MPE, DPU
and the Municipality of Maceió and ratified on October 26, 2022, by the 3rd Federal Court of Maceió, which establishes the
actions to requalify the Flexal region, payment of compensation to the Municipality of Maceió and indemnifications to residents
in the region; and |
| v. | Global Agreement with the Municipality
of Maceió (“Global Agreement”) ratified on July 21, 2023 by the 3rd Federal Court of Maceió, which establishes,
among other things: (a) payment of R$1.7 billion as indemnity, compensation and full reimbursement for any property and non-property damages
caused to the Municipality of Maceió; (b) adherence of the Municipality of Maceió to the terms of the Socio-environmental
Agreement, including the Social Actions Plan (PAS). |
The Company's Management,
based on its assessment and that of its external advisors, considering the measures recommended on technical studies in the short and
long-term and the existing information and refined estimates of expenses for implementing several measures connected with the geological
event in Alagoas, presents the following changes in the period:
The current provision can
be broken down into the following action fronts:
| a. | Support for relocating and
compensation: Refers to actions to support for relocating and compensating for the residents, business and real state owners of properties
located in the Civil Defense Map (version 4) updated in December 2020, including establishments that requires special measures for their
relocation, such as hospitals, schools and public equipment. |
These actions have
a provision of R$1.3 billion (2023: R$1.3 billion) comprises expenses related to relocation actions, such as relocation allowance, rent
allowance, household goods transportation and negotiation of individual agreements for financial compensation.
| b. | Actions for closing and monitoring
the salt cavities, environmental actions and other technical matters: Based on the findings of sonar and technical studies, stabilization
and monitoring actions were defined for all 35 existing mining areas. On December 10, 2023, after an atypical microseismic activity, cavity
18 collapsed. Technical information available so far indicates that the direct impacts from this event are restricted to the location
of this cavity, within the protection area, which has been vacant since April 2020. The event at cavity 18 led to the preventive suspension
of activities in the protection and surrounding areas, which resumed in February 2024 after the release of access to the area by the Civil
Defense of Maceió. |
The closure plan
of 35 mining areas currently considers the following:
| (i) | 13 cavities are recommended
to be filled with sand, of which, 5 have been already filled, one of which will require an additional volume of sand due to the accommodation
process. There are 2 in process of being filled. The 6 other cavities, that previously would be monitored by sonar, will be filled with
sand as a definitive solution, a measure that has the agreement of the ANM technical group and is in the planning phase; |
| (ii) | 6 cavities do not require additional
measures, of which 5 were already filled naturally and one cavity (cavity 18) is being evaluated, with indications that sand filling will
not be necessary; |
| (iii) | 16 cavities must be closed by
buffering, a technique that consists of promoting pressurization of the cavity, and for 9 of them the pressurization was confirmed. In
the other 7, actions are in progress to check pressure, and eventual additional measures may be necessary. |
In summary, the
main activities of the closure plan to be completed, based on the information available so far, are the sand filling of 8 cavities and
pressurization confirmation actions for 7 cavities. The closure plan is currently under review to incorporate additional measures after
the events that occurred in December 2023.
All of the Company’s
actions are based on technical studies prepared by specialists contracted, whose recommendations are presented to competent authorities
and follow the execution timeframe agreed under the closure plan, which is public and regularly revaluated with ANM. The plan to close
mining areas is being revised to incorporate additional measures after the events occurred in December 2023.
The provisioned
balance amount of R$ 1.5 billion (2023: 1.6 billion) to implement actions for closing and monitoring the salt cavities, environmental
actions and other technical matters was calculated based on existing techniques and the solutions planned for the current conditions of
the cavities, including expenses with technical studies and monitoring, as well as environmental actions already identified. The provision
amount may be changed based on new information, such as: results of the monitoring of the cavities, progress of implementing the plans
to close mining areas, possible changes to be made to the environmental plan, monitoring of the ongoing measures and other possible natural
alterations. The monitoring system implemented by Braskem envisages actions developed during and after the closure of mining areas, focusing
on safety and monitoring of region’s stability.
Regarding environmental
actions, in June 2022, in compliance with the Agreement for Socio-environmental Reparation, Braskem submitted to the MPF the environmental
diagnosis containing the assessment of the potential environmental impacts and damages arising from salt mining activities and the environmental
plan with proposals of the measures required. As established in the agreement, the parties jointly defined the specialized company that
will evaluate and monitor the environmental plan. In December 2022, an additional report on the environmental plan was filed with the
MPF. In February 2023, this environmental plan was approved, incorporating the suggestions provided in the additional report. Braskem
initiated the actions foreseen by the plan, implementing the commitments established in the agreement and sharing the results of its actions
with the authorities. Also agreed was that the environmental diagnosis will be updated in December 2025.
As one of the
results of the event in cavity 18, as agreed in the Socio-Environmental Reparation Agreement, a specialized company was engaged to identify
potential impacts caused by the collapse of said cavity. In the initial assessments performed, no alteration in quality of the lake water
has been identified.
| c. | Social and urban measures:
Refers to actions in compliance with social and urban measures, under the Agreement for Socio-environmental Reparation signed on December
30, 2020, allocating R$1.6 billion for the adoption of actions and measures in vacated areas, urban mobility and social compensation actions,
of which R$300 million to indemnification for social damages and collective pain and suffering and possible contingencies related to the
actions in the vacated areas and urban mobility actions. On June 30, 2022, the Company filed with MPF the social diagnosis report and
the respective social action plan that will support the definition of measures to be adopted. To date, 47 actions had already been validated
with the signatory authorities. The balance of the provision is R$1.3 billion (2023: R$1.4 billion). |
| d. | Additional measures:
Refers to actions regarding: (i) actions related to the Technical Cooperation Agreements entered into by the Company; (ii) expenses with
managing the geological event in Alagoas relating to communication, compliance, legal services, etc.; (iii) additional measures to assist
the region and maintenance of areas, including actions for requalification and indemnification directed to Flexais region; and (iv) other
matters classified as a present obligation for the Company, even if not yet formalized. The balance of additional measures described in
this item totals R$ 870 million (2023: R$935 million). |
The provisions of the Company
are based on current estimates and assumptions and may be updated in the future due to new facts and circumstances, including, but not
limited to: changes in the execution time, scope and method and the success of action plans; new repercussions or developments arising
from the geological event, including possible revision of the Civil Defense Map; studies that indicate recommendations from specialists,
including the Technical Monitoring Committee, according to Agreement for Compensation of Residents, detailed in Note 23.1 of the Consolidated
and individual financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2024, and other new developments in the matter.
The measures related to
the plans to close mining areas are also subject to the analysis and approval by the ANM, the monitoring of results of the measures under
implementation as well as changes related to the dynamic nature of the geological event.
Continuous monitoring is
essential for confirming the results of the current recommendations. Accordingly, the plan to close the mining areas may be updated based
on the need to adopt technical alternatives to stabilize the subsidence phenomena arising from the extraction of salt. In addition, the
assessment of the future behavior of cavities monitored mainly using sonar and piezometers could indicate the need for certain additional
measures to stabilize them.
The actions to repair,
mitigate or offset potential environmental impacts and damages, as provided for in the Socio-environmental Reparation Agreement, were
defined considering the environmental diagnosis already prepared by a specialized and independent company. After the conclusion of all
discussions with authorities and regulatory agencies, as per the process established in the agreement, an action plan was agreed to be
part of the measures for a Plan to Recover Degraded Areas (“PRAD”).
On December 13, 2023, the
Senate set up a Parliamentary Investigative Committee ("CPI") regarding the geological event in Alagoas. There are also administrative
procedures related to the geological event in Alagoas in progress with the Federal Audit Court (“TCU”) and the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“CVM”). The Company has been monitoring the matters and their developments.
The Federal Police of Alagoas
has been conducting an investigation under secrecy for approximately four years. In December 2023, a search and seizure of documents was
carried out under this investigation, so-called “Lágrimas de Sal” Operation. In this sense, the Company informs that
it has always been at the disposal of authorities and has been providing all information related to salt mining over the course of the
investigation.
The Company has been making
progress in negotiations with public entities about other indemnification requests to understand them better. Although future disbursements
may occur as a result of said negotiations, as of the reporting date, the Company is unable to predict the results and timeframe for concluding
these negotiations or its possible scope and the total associated costs in addition to those already provisioned for.
It is not possible to anticipate
all new claims, related to damages or other nature, that may be brought by individuals or groups, including public or private entities,
that understand they suffered impacts or damages somehow related to the geological phenomenon and the relocation of people from risk areas,
as well as new notices of infraction or administrative penalties of diverse natures. Braskem continues to face and could still face administrative
procedures and various lawsuits filed by individuals or legal entities not included in the PCF or that disagree with the financial compensation
offer for individual settlement, as well as new collective actions and new lawsuits filed by public utility concessionaires, entities
of the direct or indirect administration of the State, Municipality or Federal level. Therefore, the number of such actions, their nature
or the amounts involved cannot be estimated at this moment.
Consequently, the Company
cannot eliminate the possibility of future developments related to the geological event in Alagoas, the relocation process and actions
in vacated and adjacent areas, so the expenses to be incurred may differ from its estimates and provisions.
In February 2023, the Company
signed a settlement agreement with the insurance companies related to the claim for the geological event in Alagoas.
For more information, see
Note 23 (“Liability of geological event - Alagoas”) of the Individual and Consolidated Financial Statements of March 31, 2024.
| b) | Advances
on Actions Fronts |
Realocation and compensation
of residents
By April 30, 2024, 99.7%
of properties had already been relocated, with 100% of properties in criticality area 00 having already been relocated. 19,139 proposals
were presented (99.9% of the expected total), with the general acceptance rate of proposals being 99.4%. Additionally, 18,786 financial
compensation proposals were accepted (98.0% of the total predicted). Under the Financial Compensation and Relocation Support Program (PCF),
more than R$4 billion were disbursed from the start of the program until the end of April 2024.
Closuring, monitoring
of salt wells, environmental actions and other technical matters
All of the Company's actions
are based on technical studies by recognized experts in different fields of knowledge, whose recommendations are presented to the competent
authorities, and such actions follow the deadlines agreed within the scope of the closure plan, which is public and regularly reevaluated
by the National Agency of Mining (ANM). The Company has a closure plan for its 35 mining fronts approved by ANM and periodically issues
reports on its execution, which meets established standards and recommendations, and is regularly reevaluated by this agency.
On December 10, 2023,
after an atypical microseismic activity, cavity 18 collapsed. Considering the best technical information available to date, there is an
indication that the direct impacts of this occurrence are restricted to the location of this cavity, within the protection area, which
has been unoccupied since April 2020. The cavity 18 event led to the preventive stoppage of activities in the protection area and surrounding
areas, which were resumed in February 2024, after access to the area was granted by the Civil Defense of Maceió.
The closure plan for the
35 mining fronts currently considers:
| (i) | 13 cavities are recommended
to be filled with sand. Of these, 5 have already been filled (cavities 07, 17, 19, 04 and 11), one of which will require an additional
volume of sand due to the accommodation process. There are 2 that have the filling process underway (cavity 25 with 71.3% and cavity 27
with 26.7% until April 30, 2024). The remaining 6 cavities, which were previously planned for sonar monitoring, will be filled with sand
as a definitive solution, a measure that has the agreement of the ANM technical group and is in the planning phase; |
| (ii) | 6 cavities do not have an indication
of additional measures, with 5 cavities having confirmation of their natural filling status and 1 cavity, cavity 18, has its evaluation
in progress, with an indication that no sand filling measures will be necessary; |
| (iii) | 16 cavities must be closed by buffering,
a technique that consists of promoting pressurization of the cavity, 9 of which have pressurization confirmed. In other 7 cavities, actions
are underway to check pressure, and additional measures may be necessary depending on the results found. |
In summary, the main activities
from the closure plan to be completed, based on the information available to date, are the backfilling of 8 cavities and confirmation
of the pressurization for 7 cavities. The closure plan for the mining fronts is under review in order to incorporate additional measures
after the events that occurred in December 2023.
The Company continues to implement
the actions provided for in the Environmental Plan approved in February 2023 by the MPF, and sharing the results of its actions with the
authorities, as provided for in the agreement, which also includes updating the environmental diagnosis after 5 years. As one of the consequences
of the cavity 18 event, as provided for in the Socio-Environmental Reparation Agreement, a specialized company was hired to prepare a
specific Environmental Diagnosis to assess potential impacts caused by the collapse of that cavity. The initial assessments carried out
did not indicate any changes in the water quality of the lagoon.
Socio-urban measures
As an integral part of the
unoccupied area transformation agenda, Braskem continues to advance socio-urban measures, which encompass a set of actions focusing on
Urban Mobility, Social Compensation and actions in the unoccupied areas.
Regarding Urban Mobility
Projects, of the total set of 11 planned actions, 07 are in progress of physical execution, and the Traffic Lights implemented with the
intelligent system are in the assisted operation phase. The total urban mobility actions are expected to be completed by 2026.
Regarding actions in unoccupied
areas, the general progress of the Mutange Slope Stabilization project is 72.7% by April 30, 2024, and activities related to demolition
have already been completed. Other actions, such as earthworks, construction of a drainage system and planting of vegetation cover in
the area involved, are still being carried out, with completion scheduled for 2024. Other activities related to emergency demolitions
of the areas continue as requested by DCM. In addition, the Company maintains actions to care for neighborhoods, including property security,
waste management and pest control.
The execution of the Socio-urban
Action Plan (PAS), built from the Technical-Participatory Diagnosis prepared by an independent consultancy, began in December 2023 with
a support program for the acquisition of goods or services for cultural groups operating in the affected neighborhoods. To date, 47 actions
have been validated, 2 of which are in progress (Cultural Support Program and Cultural Heritage Inventory) with 7 actions remaining under
discussion with the signatory parties to the Agreement.
Regarding the Urban Integration
and Development of Flexais Project, the progress in the process of paying compensation to residents (Financial Support Program - PAF)
stands out, in which, until April 30, 2024, 1,784 proposals were presented (98.9% of the total) and 1,759 payments have already been completed
(98.6% of proposals). In relation to urban requalification actions, of the 23 actions foreseen in the Agreement, 14 have already been
implemented and 2 are in progress, with emphasis on the Youth Training Program which, after completing the first courses, 7 people are
already employed, 4 new existing entrepreneurship initiatives and some students from courses linked to civil works are in the selection
process with the company that will carry out the works in the region. Furthermore, of the 7 planned civil works, 2 are in the execution
phase (road rehabilitation and Basic Health Unit - UBS) and the others are scheduled to begin in the coming months. The objective of the
project is to promote access to essential public services and encourage the local economy of Flexais, aiming to solve the socioeconomic
islanding of the region.
| 8.3 | CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT |
| 8.4 | CONSOLIDATED RECURRING EBITDA CALCULATION |
| 8.5 | RECURRING EBITDA BY SEGMENT |
| 8.7 | CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET |
| 8.8 | CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW |
| 8.9 | BRASKEM IDESA INCOME STATEMENT |
| 8.10 | BRASKEM IDESA BALANCE SHEET |
| 8.11 | BRASKEM IDESA CASH FLOW |
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: May 8, 2024
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BRASKEM S.A. |
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By: |
/s/ Pedro van Langendonck Teixeira de Freitas |
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Name: |
Pedro van Langendonck Teixeira de Freitas |
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Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
DISCLAIMER ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
report on Form 6-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on our management’s current view and estimates
of future economic and other circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, including any potential
or projected impact of the geological event in Alagoas and related legal proceedings and of COVID-19 on our business, financial
condition and operating results. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,”
“plans” and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Statements regarding the potential outcome of legal and administrative proceedings, the implementation of principal operating and
financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting our
financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the
current views of our management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the our control.
There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions
and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such
assumptions or factors, including the projected impact of the geological event in Alagoas and related legal proceedings and the
unprecedented impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our business, employees, service providers, stockholders, investors and other stakeholders,
could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to our annual report on Form 20-F for the
year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC, as well as any subsequent filings made by us pursuant to the Exchange Act, each
of which is available on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov), for a full discussion of the risks and other factors that may impact
any forward-looking statements in this presentation.
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