In This Article:
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Consolidated EBITDA Growth: 37% over the past five years.
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Free Cash Flow to Equity: Nearly BRL 18 billion, a 37% improvement versus last year.
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EBITDA Growth: 11.4% organically, 12.1% excluding Argentina.
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Normalized Profit Decline: 2.3%.
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Gross Margin Expansion: 170 basis points organically, 190 basis points excluding Argentina.
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EBITDA Margin Expansion: 200 basis points organically, 220 basis points excluding Argentina.
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Return on Invested Capital: Declined to 18.6%.
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Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Grew 5.6%.
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Cash and Cash Equivalents: Approximately BRL 29 billion at the end of 2024.
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Share Buyback Program Execution: Approximately 45% completed.
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Dividend Distribution: BRL 2 billion approved to be paid in April.
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Brazil Beer Volume Growth: 0.6% for the full year.
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Digital Platform Transactions: Over 88% of gross revenues transacted through B2B platform.
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Monthly Active Buyers on Digital Platform: 1.3 million, a 14% increase versus last year.
Release Date: February 26, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
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Ambev SA (NYSE:ABEV) reported a 37% growth in consolidated EBITDA over the past five years, generating nearly BRL65 billion in free cash flow to equity.
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The company maintained top-line momentum with beer gaining or maintaining market share in the majority of its top 10 markets.
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Digital transformation has been a key enabler, with over 88% of gross revenues transacted through their B2B platform, Bs.
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Ambev SA (NYSE:ABEV) achieved a double-digit consolidated EBITDA growth with margin expansion in all business units for the second consecutive year.
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The company executed approximately 45% of its current share buyback program and completed the payment of IOC and dividend payout approved in 2024.
Negative Points
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Normalized profit declined by 2.3% due to significant tax headwinds in Brazil and challenges in the Argentine market.
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The effective tax rate increased significantly, with nearly 60% of net value added going to taxes, up from roughly 53% last year.
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Return on invested capital declined to 18.6% due to NOPAT margin contraction from tax headwinds in Brazil.
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Skol, one of the core brands, experienced a decline in volumes in 2024, which is a priority for improvement in 2025.
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The company faces cost headwinds in 2025, particularly in Brazil, due to the depreciation of the Brazilian real and increased aluminum prices.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you elaborate on the decline of Skol volumes in 2024 and its priority status for 2025? A: Carlos Lisboa, CEO, explained that Skol, alongside Brahma, is one of the most important brands for Ambev in terms of volume and top-line contribution. Despite strong performances from other brands, Skol did not fare well in 2024. It remains a priority due to its significant market presence and consumer relevance, with plans to support it through new marketing initiatives.