Sugar prices hit 17-month high, weaker baht lift KSL outlook
World sugar prices at 17-month high Global sugar prices have climbed to about 18.9 cents per pound, a 17-month high, as El Niño drought cuts output in Brazil and other countries while demand stays strong. Higher prices mean KSL will earn more from sugar it sells next season, though this year's crop is already sold forward.
This is the main force behind the positive outlook for KSL's earnings and share price.
Weaker baht boosts export revenue The Thai baht has weakened to around 33.6 per US dollar. Since about 70% of KSL's revenue comes from selling sugar overseas, a weaker baht means each export dollar converts into more baht, directly lifting revenue and profit.
A weaker baht is a direct, company-specific boost to KSL's export earnings.
Bigger sugarcane crush expected next season KSL expects to crush more than 8.3 million tonnes of sugarcane in the 2026/27 season, helped by good water supply and more cane from farmers. Higher volumes mean more sugar to sell into strong prices, supporting future profit.
Rising crush volumes show KSL's operations are expanding, which supports future earnings.
Sa Kaeo factory licence revoked, appeal ongoing A court revoked the operating licence for KSL's Sa Kaeo sugar plant, creating uncertainty for that project. KSL is appealing. This is a real risk that could hurt operations and sentiment, even as sugar prices and the baht help the core business.
This is the main counterweight to the positive price and currency drivers, and readers need to know the risk.