Ambev SA (ABEV) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth Amidst Market Challenges

In This Article:

  • Revenue Growth: High single digits increase in top line.

  • Volume Growth: 0.7% increase, achieving all-time high levels for Q1.

  • Net Revenue per Hectoliter: Increased by approximately 6%.

  • EBITDA Growth: Double digits with 180 basis points margin expansion.

  • Net Income: Virtually flat despite a tough comparison due to last year's tax one-off.

  • Cash Flow from Operating Activities: BRL 1.2 billion, up 68% year-on-year.

  • Dividend Announcement: BRL 2 billion intermediary dividend announced, totaling BRL 4 billion for 2025.

  • Normalized Net Income: BRL 3.8 billion, flat compared to the previous year.

  • Effective Tax Rate: 21.7% in Q1 2025, up from 15% in Q1 2024.

  • Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Minus BRL 784 million, improved by 56% versus Q1 2024.

  • CapEx: BRL 828 million, approximately 18% lower year-on-year.

  • Cash Flow from Financing Activities: Minus BRL 8.8 billion, driven by dividends and share repurchases.

Release Date: May 08, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Ambev SA (NYSE:ABEV) reported a high single-digit increase in top-line revenue, with a 0.7% volume growth achieving all-time high levels for the first quarter.

  • EBITDA grew by double digits with a 180 basis points margin expansion, indicating strong operational efficiency.

  • The company experienced a significant increase in digital transactions, with GMV growing by 60% and a 5% increase in direct-to-consumer orders.

  • Ambev SA (NYSE:ABEV) announced an intermediary dividend of BRL2 billion, reinforcing its commitment to returning cash to shareholders.

  • The company maintained a stable market share in key regions like Brazil and Argentina, with strong performances from premium and non-alcoholic beer segments.

Negative Points

  • Ambev SA (NYSE:ABEV) faces significant FX and commodities pressure starting in Q2, which could challenge margin expansion efforts.

  • Net financial results worsened by BRL450 million year-on-year, driven by FX losses and costs related to cash upstreaming from Argentina.

  • The effective tax rate increased to 21.7% from 15% in the previous year, impacting net income growth.

  • Skol, a key brand in the core segment, experienced a decline in volumes, contributing to a low single-digit decline in the core segment.

  • Adverse weather conditions and macroeconomic challenges impacted volumes in regions like the Dominican Republic and Canada.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you explain the pricing strategy for Brazil beer during Q1 and how it might affect future quarters? A: Carlos Lisboa, CEO: In Q1, net revenue grew by 2.4% due to revenue management initiatives and a solid brand mix. However, there was a mismatch in the pricing calendar versus last year and a lower carryover. Despite this, net revenue per hectoliter will continue to be a key driver for margin expansion. Our stronger portfolio now offers more revenue management optionality, enabling us to cater to different consumer needs and occasions.