Company Overview - Ambev S.A. is a leading Brazilian beverage company that produces and distributes beer, soft drinks, and ready-to-drink beverages across various regions including Brazil, Central America, the Caribbean, Latin America South, and Canada, with major brands like Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Budweiser, and Stella Artois [2] Financial Performance - For Q2 2025, Ambev reported revenue of $3.59 billion, reflecting a 2.65% year-over-year increase, although it was approximately $251 million below analyst expectations [3][5] - Net income increased by 15%, and EBITDA experienced high single-digit growth, with margins improving by 110 basis points [3] - Organic volumes fell by 4.5% due to cooler weather affecting consumption in key regions [3] Leadership Changes - On September 1, 2025, Ambev appointed a new Board of Executive Officers, with Carlos Eduardo Klutzenschell Lisboa as CEO and Guilherme Fleury de Figueiredo Ferraz Parolari as CFO, aiming to strengthen strategic execution amid sector challenges [4] Shareholder Returns - The company raised its dividend to $0.023 per share, up from $0.02, offering a high yield of 6.6%, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns despite market headwinds [5]

Core Viewpoint - Ambev S.A. is recognized as one of the most profitable penny stocks to consider, with upcoming earnings expectations indicating potential growth despite recent challenges in revenue and volume [1]. Financial Performance - In Q2 FY2025, Ambev reported revenue of $3.59 billion, which was $250.95 million below consensus estimates, but represented a year-over-year increase of 2.65% [2]. - The adjusted earnings per share for Q2 FY2025 were $0.03, aligning with market expectations [2]. - The company experienced a 4.5% decline in total organic volumes compared to the previous year, attributed to industry softness [2]. - Despite the volume decline, Ambev achieved a 15% increase in net income, and EBITDA grew by high single digits, with a margin expansion of 110 basis points [2]. Market Expectations - Ambev is set to report its Q3 2025 earnings on October 30, 2025, with Wall Street anticipating adjusted earnings per share of $0.04 and revenue around $4.24 billion [1]. - Following the Q2 results, UBS maintained a Hold rating on Ambev, lowering the price target from $2.5 to $2.2, while Evercore ISI assigned a Buy rating with a price target of $4 [3]. - As of September 16, the average price target for Ambev was $2.81, suggesting an upside potential of approximately 19.03% from current levels [3]. Company Overview - Ambev S.A. is a Brazil-based brewer involved in the production, distribution, and sale of various beverages, including beer, draft beer, carbonated soft drinks, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks [4].

Group 1 - Ambev S.A (NYSE:ABEV) reported fiscal second quarter 2025 revenue of $3.59 billion, which represents a year-over-year growth of approximately 2.65%, but fell short of expectations by $250.95 million [1] - The company's earnings per share (EPS) was $0.03, aligning with consensus estimates [1] - Total organic volumes decreased by 4.5% year-over-year, attributed to industry softness and colder temperatures affecting consumption, particularly in the South and Southeast regions, which account for nearly 60% of industry demand [2] Group 2 - Wall Street's opinion on Ambev S.A has been mixed post-earnings release, with Evercore ISI maintaining a Buy rating and a price target of $4, while UBS reiterated a Hold rating and reduced the price target from $2.5 to $2.2 [3] - Ambev S.A is a Brazil-based company involved in brewing, distributing, and selling beer, soft drinks, and other beverages across the Americas [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best low-cost stocks to buy according to analysts, emphasizing the importance of diversification in investment strategies [2][4]. Group 1: Market Insights - Courtney Garcia from Payne Capital Management highlights the strength of the tech sector but advises investors to diversify into small caps, energy, and international markets [2][4]. - Small caps are noted for their sensitivity to interest rates and potential benefits from less regulation and increased merger and acquisition activity, making them attractive investments [3]. - The article suggests that small caps are under-owned compared to large caps, presenting good opportunities if the economy remains resilient [3]. Group 2: Methodology - The article's methodology involved using Finviz Stock Screener, Seeking Alpha, and CNN to identify stocks trading below a forward P/E of 15, with analysts expecting more than 20% upside [6]. - The stocks were ranked based on P/E ratios and upside potential, with hedge fund sentiment also considered from Insider Monkey's Q2 2025 database [6][7]. Group 3: Company Highlights - Ambev S.A (NYSE:ABEV) has a forward P/E ratio of 12.71, with a 24.56% analyst upside potential. The company reported $3.59 billion in revenue, a 2.65% year-over-year growth, but missed revenue estimates by $250.95 million [9][10]. - ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE) has a forward P/E ratio of 13.53 and a 26.79% analyst upside potential. The company announced a new natural gas pipeline, the Eiger Express, which will transport gas from the Permian Basin to Texas markets [12][13]. - The Eiger Express pipeline is approximately 450 miles long and can carry up to 2.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, with ONEOK holding a 15% stake in the joint venture [13][14].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing in companies with solid long-term potential, highlighting a strategic approach for individual investors [1]. Group 1 - The individual investor has over five years of experience in personal investing and holds a PhD in Economics, indicating a strong educational background [1]. - The investment strategy focuses on identifying value companies, which are expected to perform well over the long term [1]. - The investor shares knowledge and analysis to support the community of individual investors, reflecting a commitment to education and empowerment [1]. Group 2 - There is a clear disclosure that the analyst has no current stock or derivative positions in any mentioned companies, ensuring transparency [2]. - The article expresses personal opinions and does not constitute financial advice, reinforcing the individual nature of the insights provided [2]. - The disclosure also states that the analyst is not receiving compensation for the article, which adds credibility to the analysis presented [2].

Financial Performance - The company reported a high single-digit organic EBITDA increase with a margin expansion of 110 basis points, despite soft interest volumes in several markets due to adverse weather conditions [6][9] - EBITDA grew double digits with a margin expansion of 160 basis points, and EPS increased by 6.5% [7][9] - Cash flow from operating activities grew 4%, reaching BRL3 billion, despite a 9.2% decline year-over-year due to volume dynamics [27][28] Business Unit Performance - In Brazil, beer volumes declined by 9%, primarily due to unfavorable weather, with June accounting for over 60% of the volume impact [15][16] - Premium and super premium brands in Brazil grew mid-teens, gaining market share, while core brands sustained almost 30% of volumes [16][18] - In Argentina, beer volumes returned to growth after seven quarters, with the premium segment growing double digits [19] Market Dynamics - The company faced a mid-single-digit industry decline attributed to adverse weather, with 70% of the decline explained by weather conditions [36][37] - The core segment's decline was in line with low teens due to higher sensitivity to industry performance and revenue management decisions [40] - In Canada, volumes grew by 0.8%, driven by a growing Ontario industry and strong performance in the non-alcoholic beer segment [20] Strategic Direction - The company emphasized a disciplined focus on cost efficiency, which offset non-commodity cost inflation, resulting in significant savings [14] - The growth strategy includes leading and growing the category, digitizing and monetizing the ecosystem, and optimizing business operations [8][10] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate cost pressures and maintain brand equity, with a focus on premiumization and digital engagement [29][42] Management Commentary - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning for the second half of the year, citing improved weather conditions and easing consumer price relativity [42][43] - The company remains focused on sustainable value creation through disciplined capital allocation and operational efficiency [28][29] - Management highlighted improvements in employee engagement and brand equity, reinforcing confidence in future performance [29][99] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved an intermediary dividend payout of BRL2 billion, totaling BRL6 billion declared this year [7][8] - The company reported a significant increase in marketplace GMV, driven by partnerships and improved customer engagement [10][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Volume performance in Brazil and future outlook - Management noted that the mid-single-digit industry decline was largely due to adverse weather, with no structural change in consumer demand expected [36][37] - Confidence in the second half is based on improved weather conditions and initial signs of easing consumer price relativity [42] Question: Cost management initiatives - Management emphasized ongoing cost optimization efforts, including SKU rationalization and improved distribution expenses [44][45] Question: Dynamics between on-trade and off-trade channels - Management indicated that revenue management initiatives were implemented across all segments, with a focus on maintaining pricing aligned with inflation [56][57] Question: Digital marketplace performance - The digital marketplace saw a 90% growth in GMV, driven by partnerships and increased customer engagement [65][66] Question: Brand equity and Skol strategy - Management highlighted improvements in brand power metrics and ongoing adjustments to the Skol brand strategy [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a high single-digit organic EBITDA increase with a margin expansion of 110 basis points despite soft interest volumes in several markets due to adverse weather conditions [5][6] - EBITDA grew double digits with a margin expansion of 160 basis points, while EPS increased by 6.5% and cash flow from operating activities grew by 4% [6][20] - The Board of Directors approved an intermediary dividend payout of BRL2 billion, totaling BRL6 billion declared this year [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premium and super premium brands delivered low teens growth, expanding in seven out of the top 10 markets, while the balanced choice portfolio grew in the low 20s [7][15] - In Brazil, beer volumes declined by 9% primarily due to unfavorable weather, but premium and super premium brands grew mid-teens, gaining market share [14][15] - The core segment volumes declined by low teens, reflecting higher sensitivity to industry performance and revenue management decisions [15][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Brazil, the beer industry experienced a mid single-digit sellout decline, largely attributed to adverse weather conditions, with 70% of the decline explained by weather [36][39] - Argentina saw a sequential improvement in beer volumes, returning to growth after seven quarters, while the premium segment grew double digits [16][17] - In Canada, volumes grew by 0.8%, offsetting a soft industry affected by colder temperatures [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing a disciplined growth strategy with an emphasis on revenue and cost management [5][6] - The digital ecosystem is seen as a bridge between core business and new revenue streams, with significant growth in the marketplace GMV [9][65] - The company aims to optimize its business through cost efficiency, with a disciplined focus on reducing non-commodity cost inflation [13][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current challenges, citing improved brand equity and a strong portfolio [29][30] - The company anticipates a significant improvement in performance in the second half of the year, driven by better weather conditions and easing consumer price relativity [42][80] - Management emphasized that there is no structural change in consumer demand in Brazil, and they remain optimistic about future growth opportunities [36][42] Other Important Information - The company has reduced the number of SKUs by around 10% to increase productivity and manage costs effectively [23][92] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 18.4%, a decrease from 28.6% in the previous year, driven by non-recurrent events and favorable court rulings [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about volume performance in Brazil - Management explained that the volume decline was primarily due to adverse weather, with 70% of the decline attributed to this factor, and expressed confidence in recovery in the second half of the year [36][42] Question: Insights on cost management and future initiatives - Management highlighted ongoing efforts in cost optimization and SKU rationalization, indicating that there is still room for further efficiency improvements [43][44] Question: Dynamics between on-trade and off-trade channels - Management noted that revenue management initiatives were implemented across all segments, with a focus on maintaining pricing aligned with inflation while managing cost inflation [55][56] Question: Digital marketplace performance - The company reported a 90% growth in marketplace GMV, driven by partnerships and an increase in customer engagement [64][65] Question: Update on brand equity and Skol strategy - Management provided insights into brand equity improvements based on tracking metrics and discussed ongoing efforts to revamp the Skol brand, indicating positive trends in distribution and support [99][102]

Financial Performance - Normalized net income increased by 15% in 2Q25, reaching BRL 2.83 billion, compared to BRL 2.46 billion in 2Q24[59, 67] - The company declared approximately BRL 60 billion in dividends year-to-date[16] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of June 2025 stood at BRL 164 billion, a 4% increase year-over-year[69, 71, 73, 75, 77] Business Unit Performance - Brazil Beer's net revenue per hectoliter increased by 62%, despite an 89% decrease in volume[39] - Brazil NAB (Non-Alcoholic Beverages) experienced a 02% increase in volume and a 65% increase in net revenue per hectoliter[43] - LAS (Latin America South) saw a 29% increase in volume and a 194% increase in net revenue per hectoliter[45] - Canada achieved its best 2Q EBITDA growth, with volume up by 08% and net revenue per hectoliter up by 20%[51] Strategic Initiatives & Digital Platforms - Bees Marketplace GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) increased by 90%, driven by 3P (third party) partnerships, reaching BRL 74 billion annualized GMV[24] - Zé Delivery GMV grew by 7%, with an 11% increase in average order value[24] Cost & Efficiency - The company achieved 22x operational leverage through cost and expense management initiatives[32] - A 10% reduction in SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) numbers was achieved[57]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing as a strategy to identify strong stocks, particularly highlighting Ambev (ABEV) as a notable example of a potentially undervalued stock with strong earnings outlook [2][6]. Group 1: Value Investing - Value investing is a preferred method for finding strong stocks across various market conditions, relying on traditional analysis of key valuation metrics [2]. - Zacks has developed a Style Scores system to identify stocks with specific traits, particularly focusing on those with high grades in the "Value" category [3]. Group 2: Ambev (ABEV) Analysis - Ambev (ABEV) currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has a Value grade of A, indicating strong potential for value investors [4]. - ABEV's current P/E ratio is 13.38, which is lower than the industry average of 15.57, suggesting it may be undervalued [4]. - The stock's Forward P/E has fluctuated between 9.82 and 14.38 over the past year, with a median of 12.90 [4]. - ABEV has a PEG ratio of 2.48, which is comparable to the industry average of 2.63, indicating a reasonable valuation considering its expected earnings growth [5]. - Over the last 12 months, ABEV's PEG ratio has ranged from 2.39 to 7.28, with a median of 5.00 [5]. - The combination of these metrics suggests that Ambev is likely undervalued and stands out as one of the strongest value stocks in the market [6].

Group 1 - The recommendation to buy Ambev (NYSE: ABEV) shares is reiterated following the release of its first-quarter 2025 results [1] - The article serves as a continuation of the initial coverage published on May 8, 2024, indicating ongoing analysis and insights into the company's performance [1] - The analyst has over 5 years of experience in equity analysis in Latin America, providing in-depth research and insights for informed investment decisions [1]