Minerva Foods Reports Impressive R$ 990 Million Free Cash Flow in Q4 2024
In a recent announcement, Minerva Foods, a frontrunner in the beef export industry in South America, showcased its remarkable financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2024. The company reported a staggering free cash flow of R$ 990 million. This substantial figure contributes to an impressive total of R$ 2.4 billion for the year 2024, yielding an annualized free cash flow of approximately 85%. Since 2018, Minerva Foods has accumulated an astounding R$ 9 billion in free cash generation, signifying its robust financial health and growth potential.
For the final quarter of 2024, the company registered record-breaking EBITDA of R$ 943.7 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 8.8%. This represents a significant increase of 56% compared to the same period in 2023 and a 16% rise from the previous quarter. Year-to-date, the total EBITDA reached R$ 3.1 billion, further solidifying Minerva Foods' standing in the industry.
Minerva's consolidated gross revenue for Q4 2024 stood at R$ 11.4 billion, a remarkable 76% increase compared to Q4 2023, with a notable 27% growth from the previous quarter. Noteworthy is that exports constituted 53% of this revenue, reinforcing Minerva's dominance in the beef export market with a market share of about 20% in South America. The company’s strategy to diversify its export destinations has paid off, with 33% of its exports going to the United States and 20% to China in the last quarter.
Additionally, Minerva Foods reported a record net revenue of R$ 10.7 billion for Q4 2024, reflecting a 74% increase year-over-year and a 26% quarter-over-quarter growth. Throughout 2024, consolidated net revenue totaled R$ 34.1 billion, which is a 27% increase compared to the previous year, showcasing consistent growth.
As of December 2024, Minerva Foods revealed a net leverage ratio of 3.7x based on the Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA metric for the last 12 months. This figure is particularly notable following the acquisition of assets from Marfrig in South America, marking a pivotal expansion phase for the company. In late October 2024, Minerva completed the acquisition of ten facilities across Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, increasing its operational capacity with an additional 13 production plants and one distribution center, bringing the total to 46 industrial units with a combined processing capacity of 41,789 cattle and 25,716 sheep daily.
In terms of financial management, Minerva successfully conducted a buyback of some of its bonds, totaling US$ 69 million, at a coupon rate of 4.375%, which was effectively canceled at the beginning of 2025. This move demonstrates the company’s commitment to managing its financial obligations effectively while pursuing growth opportunities.
Minerva Foods continues to excel as a leader in the beef export market, serving over 100 countries with its diverse range of products, including beef and lamb. The company's unwavering focus on expanding its international reach, combined with its commitment to sustainable practices, positions it favorably for ongoing growth. Minerva Foods' presence in countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, alongside specialized sheep plants in Australia, emphasizes its status as a global player in the meat industry.
As Minerva Foods moves forward, its impressive financial results and strategic expansions are likely to drive further success in the competitive landscape of the global beef market.