The idea that companies are efficient in using currency derivatives finds ample evidence
in the literature. The main goal of this paper was to provide hard evidence on
mismanagement of risk strategies that were only revealed by turmoil in financial
markets due to the financial crisis. We go beyond just showing how Aracruz speculated
with derivatives in 2008, contrasting with a good track performance in achieving the
optimal hedge since 1999. We use the model developed by Bodnar and Marston (2001)
to show that the company‟s real hedge position deviated from its optimal ratio and
agency theory to explain why it happened.