The Long Case for Sugar-Based Brazilian Ethanol Producer Cosan Limited

 |  About: Cosan Limited (CZZ)

The long term bull case for sugar prices relates to global sugar-based ethanol use. Sugar is attractive in absolute terms as well as versus oil and corn prices on a 2 to 3 year view. It is also bullish for Brazil. The catalyst is a rising floor under the price of energy which increases "food for fuel" demand for sugar based ethanol. Although the world has greatly increased its share of sugar for energy use over the past 20 years, the levels of ethanol replacement in the US (1.5%) and the rest of the world (0.4%) is still greatly lagging that of Brazil (14.0%). Simply put, skyrocketing oil prices and growing concerns over climate change will boost global demand for renewable and cheap bio-energy, where Brazilian sugar has a 35-year track record of economic feasability.

Cosan Limited (NYSE:CZZ) is the largest producer of sugar based bio-energy in the world and is the center of sugar based ethanol demand stemming from its integrated companies in Brazil in sugar production and bio-ethanol production. In October or 2007 the company raised $1.2 bn as an IPO on the NYSE.

Brazil has embraced sugarcane based ethanol and through CZZ it is the largest driver of global ethanol blending requirements. Moreover, the world demand for FFVs (flexible fuel vehicules) should keep CZZ in the forefront of world expansion based on its 30 year head start. the conversion rate per ton is 152 gallons ethanol per ton of Brazilian sugarcane which makes it the least expensive and most efficient alternative energy source. At present, sugarcane occupies just 0.6% of land area, but at least 12% of Brazil'e arable land could support sugarcane expansion. Brazil's massive arable land and low production costs ensures its leading position in the worldwide demand for sugar as an alternative fuel.

Brazil is responsible for about 20% of the world production and over 40% of the world's exports. Almost 80% of the total tonnage in lieu of delivery in the futures market at ICE is accounted for by Brazil. In year 2006 worldwide production of ethanol was 4.5 billion gallons compared with 12.7 billion gallons of consumed oil. Sugar based ethanol is attractive in absolute terms as well as versus oil and corn prices on a 2 to 3 year view. Wait for setbacks to accumulate sugar futures exposure, as well as CZZ and keep an eye on sugar/oil and sugar/corn spreads.

Disclosure: Long CZZ