Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated EBITDA grew by 11.4% organically and 12.1% excluding Argentina [21] - Normalized profit declined by 2.3% due to increased tax deductibility issues in Brazil, with nearly 60% of net value added going to taxes, up from 53% the previous year [22] - Free cash flow to equity increased by 37%, totaling nearly R$18 billion [15][25] - Gross margin expanded by 170 basis points organically and EBITDA margin expanded by 200 basis points organically [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes excluding Argentina grew by 1.4%, with mega brands increasing by 7.6% [14] - In Brazil, beer industry volumes increased by 0.6%, with core brands growing by low teens, while Skol volumes declined [17] - Non-alcohol beer segment grew by 20%, led by Corona Cero and Budweiser Zero [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Argentina, the beer industry declined by low 20s, but market share remained stable [19] - Dominican Republic volumes grew by mid-single digits, driven by the Presidente family of brands [19] - In Canada, total volumes declined by 3.1%, despite a positive performance in Q4 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to lead and grow the beer category, digitize and monetize its ecosystem, and optimize its business for sustainable value creation [35][38] - Focus on expanding margins and improving earnings per share while continuing to invest in organic growth opportunities [27][78] - Emphasis on productivity and revenue management to overcome cost inflation challenges [75][76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape in Brazil, emphasizing that competition strengthens the category [126] - The company sees potential for growth in per capita consumption and opportunities to develop the beer category in various occasions [120][123] - Management is committed to margin expansion despite cost headwinds, particularly in Brazil [27][128] Other Important Information - The company has executed approximately 45% of its current share buyback program and approved R$2 billion in intermediary dividends to be paid in April [16][26] - Digital transformation has been a key enabler, with over 88% of gross revenues transacted through the BEES platform [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Skol's performance and its importance - Management acknowledged Skol's decline in 2024 and emphasized its priority for 2025, highlighting its significance in the portfolio and market [41][50] Question: Regional performance differences in Brazil - Management confirmed that regions like the North and Northeast led in volume growth, consistent with overall trends [53] Question: Position of mega brands and pricing strategies - Management discussed the importance of a diverse portfolio and the need for strategic pricing to maintain competitiveness [56][112] Question: Inorganic growth opportunities - Management stated that organic growth remains the priority, but they are open to inorganic opportunities that align with strategic goals [71][78] Question: Marketing investments and distribution costs outlook - Management indicated a commitment to continue investing in marketing while managing distribution costs effectively [86][88] Question: Update on BEES marketplace and profitability - Management reported a 47% year-over-year growth in GMV for BEES, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and distribution capabilities [101][106]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has significantly improved its financial strength, transitioning from having no cash and high debt to possessing substantial cash reserves and no debt [8] - The company aims to achieve a gross margin with a three-handle, indicating a focus on cost management and efficiency [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has evolved from being primarily a Northeast meatball company to having 45% of its sales coming from west of the Ohio River, indicating a successful expansion strategy [7] - The prepared foods category, where the company operates, is experiencing over 5% growth in volume, highlighting a favorable market trend [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The deli category is growing at approximately 3%, while the overall food and beverage market is growing at 1% in units, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards prepared foods [11][12] - The company has successfully entered major retailers, including Walmart and Costco, which are expected to drive significant revenue growth [28][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on both organic and inorganic growth, with 50% of its strategy dedicated to acquisitions and building new capabilities [8][19] - The leadership team is committed to maintaining a consistent three-year strategy that emphasizes cost control, measurement, and quality [13][14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing macro trends favoring fresh and easy-to-prepare foods, which align with the company's product offerings [10][11] - The leadership team is focused on building a "grandma quality" culture, emphasizing quality across all aspects of the business [16][17] Other Important Information - The company has completed construction at its Farmingdale facility, which has doubled its production capacity [2][3][4] - The integration of recent acquisitions is progressing well, with a repeatable playbook established for future growth [9][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the company's growth strategies moving forward? - The company aims for sustainable double-digit revenue growth by expanding average items per existing customers and acquiring major accounts in the mass and grocery channels [35][36][37] Question: How is the company addressing supply chain and operational challenges? - The company is implementing a more disciplined approach to forecasting and planning, ensuring that manufacturing does not become a bottleneck for sales [70][71][72]