Is ABEV the Next Big Thing in Consumer Defensive? 2025 Analysis

Is ABEV the Next Big Thing in Consumer Defensive? 2025 Analysis

Metrics Summary

💰 Current Price

$2.18
Live Market Price

🎯 Price Targets & Forecasts

1-Month Forecast:

$1.98

📉 -9.1%

1-Year Forecast:

$1.86

📉 -14.6%

Analyst Mean Target:

$2.85

📈 +30.7%

📈 Trend & Momentum

Trend:

📉 ▼ Bearish (Price < SMA 50/200)
RSI (14-day):

29.3 (Oversold) ❄️
MACD:

➡️ Neutral Trend (-0.02)

📊 Key Technical Levels

Above SMA 50:

❌ $2.38
Above SMA 200:

❌ $2.25
52-Week Range:

📏 $1.76 – $2.64

⚡ Volatility

Volatility (30d Ann.):

26.8% 🌊
Beta (vs. Market):

0.34xx 🛡️
(Low Sensitivity)
Green Days (30d):

10/30 (33%) 🔴

🏢 Ownership

Institutional Ownership:

8.29% 🏠
Short % of Float:

N/A 😰
(High Bearish Bets)

Right now, ABEV’s stock is trading at $2.18. The technical indicators are showing a bearish pattern because the price is holding relative to both the 50-day ($2.38) and 200-day ($2.25) moving averages. This suggests the stock has been gaining momentum recently. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 29.3 is Oversold—neither overbought nor oversold—while the MACD indicator shows a neutral trend, meaning there could be some minor pullbacks before the next upward move.

Over the past year, ABEV’s stock has traded between $1.76 and $2.64, which tells us two things: First, investor sentiment has been mixed. Second, the current price is trading mid-range, meaning big swings are less likely unless something major happens. Analysts expect modest growth ahead, with a 1-year target of $1.86 (-14.6%) and an average consensus target of $2.85 (+30.7%). Plus, with 8.29% institutional ownership and very low short interest (N/A), it seems most big investors are betting on the company’s long-term success rather than a decline.

Detailed Forecast Table

The detailed monthy forecast below outlines the model’s expectations for ABEV’s price evolution ($1.09 to $2.79). It includes projected ranges (Min, Avg, Max), potential ROI based on the average projection versus the current price, and a derived model signal for each period.

Over the forecast horizon (2025-08 to 2026-08), ABEV’s price is projected by the model to fluctuate between approximately $1.09 and $2.79.

Forecast uncertainty appears steady, with the price range ($2.18 – $2.18 to $1.33 – $2.05) showing little change over the horizon.

Month (Period)Min. PriceAvg. PriceMax. PricePotential ROI vs Current ($2.18)Model Signal
2025-08$2.18$2.18$2.18 0.0%Hold/Neutral
2025-09$1.41$1.98$2.45 -9.1%Consider Short
2025-10$1.49$1.97$2.70 -9.5%Consider Short
2025-11$1.44$1.95$2.52 -10.3%Consider Short
2025-12$1.47$1.92$2.40 -11.8%Consider Short
2026-01$1.44$1.93$2.49 -11.4%Consider Short
2026-02$1.33$1.95$2.42 -10.5%Consider Short
2026-03$1.41$1.96$2.79 -10.0%Consider Short
2026-04$1.45$1.97$2.53 -9.7%Consider Short
2026-05$1.09$1.95$2.62 -10.4%Consider Short
2026-06$1.24$1.91$2.58 -12.6%Consider Short
2026-07$1.11$1.86$2.52 -14.5%Consider Short
2026-08$1.33$1.86$2.05 -14.6%Consider Short

Model forecasts like these are estimates with built-in uncertainty. They depend on current data and assumptions, which can change. Actual prices are not guaranteed.

Company Profile

Sector: Consumer Defensive
Industry: Beverages – Brewers
Market Cap: 34.92 B
Employees: 43,000

Company Description

A brief overview of the company’s business activities. Ambev S.A., through its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, and sale of beer, draft beer, carbonated soft drinks, malt and food, other alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic and non-carbonated products in Brazil, Central America and Caribbean, Latin America South, and Canada. It offers beer primarily under the Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Brahva, Budweiser, Bud Light, Beck, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Balboa ICE, Balboa, Atlas Golden Light, Atlas, Bucanero, Cristal, Mayabe, Presidente, Presidente Light, Brahma Light, Bohemia, The One, Corona, Modelo Especial, Stella Artois, Quilmes Clásica, Paceña, Taquiña, Huari, Becker, Cusqueña, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Pilsen, Ouro Fino, Bud 66, Banks, Deputy, Patricia, Labatt Blue, Alexander Keith’s, and Kokanee brands. The company also provides carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, isotonic beverages, energy drinks, coconut water, powdered and natural juices, and ready-to-drink teas under the Guaraná Antarctica, Gatorade, H2OH!, Pepsi Black, Lipton Iced Tea, Fusion, Pepsi-Cola, Canada Dry, Squirt, Red Rock, Red Bull, Seven Up, Nutrl, Bud Light Seltzer, Palm Bay, and Mike’s brands. It offers its products through a network of third-party distributors and a direct distribution system. The company was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. Ambev S.A. operates as a subsidiary of Interbrew International B.V.

Valuation Metrics

ABEV demonstrates, with its Trailing P/E at 13.00x and Forward P/E at 11.63x, suggests an attractive valuation opportunity. This suggests potential earnings growth expectations Meanwhile, its Price/Sales ratio of 0.38x and Price/Book of 0.37x show that the company trades at multiples that warrant attention. These metrics provide insight into market positioning.

From an enterprise value perspective, The enterprise value to revenue ratio of 0.23x indicates reasonable revenue-based valuation, and its the EV/EBITDA multiple of 0.76x suggests reasonable earnings-based valuation. These valuation metrics provide a comprehensive view of the company’s current market positioning.

Trailing P/E13.00x
Forward P/E11.63x
Price/Sales (TTM)$0.38
Price/Book (MRQ)$0.37
EV/Revenue (TTM)0.23x
EV/EBITDA (TTM)0.76x

Total Valuation

While Ambev S.A. has a market cap of 34.92 B, its enterprise value of 20.56 B is lower, reflecting a strong net cash position of approximately 14.36B. This financial strength provides a cushion and flexibility for future investments.

The valuation ratios tell an interesting story: at 0.23x revenue and 0.76x EBITDA, Ambev S.A. appears attractively valued compared to many peers. This reflects the company’s strong market position and brand assets. But it also means the stock may have little room for error. The upcoming 2025-10-30 earnings report will be crucial in showing whether Ambev S.A.’s businesses can grow into this valuation, while the 2025-08-11 ex-dividend date serves as a reminder that Ambev S.A. still rewards shareholders even as it invests for growth. Essentially, you’re paying for quality – but quality doesn’t come cheap.

Market Cap34.92 B
Enterprise Value20.56 B
EV/Revenue (TTM)0.23x
EV/EBITDA (TTM)0.76x
Next Earnings Date2025-10-30
Ex-Dividend Date2025-08-11

Profitability Growth

An analysis of the key metrics in ABEV’s margin performance shows the company has solid control over its costs and prices. The company is successful in controlling its production costs, as shown by the gross margin of 51.50%, and it also profits well from its core operations, reflected in the 22.15% operating margin. A 29.77% EBITDA margin indicates ABEV is capable of generating strong cash flow from its operations before accounting for financing and tax strategies. All things considered, ABEV can hold onto around $16.080 in net profit for every $1 of its revenue over the last twelve months. While the business’s revenue is increasing at a moderate and healthy rate (0.20%), investors should monitor if this pace can be sustained without eroding profit margins.

ABEV’s 27.31 B in EBITDA and 47.23 B in gross profit indicate its raw earning power, while the 14.75 B in net income reveals how effectively it converts that power into bottom-line results. The company appears to be balancing its pursuit of growth with the need to maintain profitability. Despite healthy gross margins, there is a significant difference between the company’s gross and net margins (51.50% vs. 16.08%). This is likely due to high operating expenses, interest costs, or taxes, which are key areas for investors to watch. In the future, maintaining steady or improving margins will be critical. ABEV needs to defend its pricing power and control operating costs, as this will help sustain profitability, especially if revenue growth moderates.

Profit Margin (TTM)16.08%
Operating Margin (TTM)22.15%
Gross Margin (TTM)51.50%
EBITDA Margin (TTM)29.77%
Revenue (TTM)91.72 B
Revenue Growth (YoY)0.20%
Gross Profit (TTM)47.23 B
EBITDA (TTM)27.31 B
Net Income (TTM)14.75 B
Earnings Growth (YoY)14.40%

Analyst Insights

Here’s the consensus from Wall Street analysts on ABEV. The average recommendation is ‘Hold’. 10 analyst(s) contributed to this consensus view. Targets average $2.85 (within a range of $2.05 – $4.00). The average target ($2.85) suggests roughly 30.7% potential upside compared to the current price ($2.18). This reflects overall analyst sentiment on the stock’s outlook.

Recommendation: Hold
Mean Target Price: $2.85
High Target Price: $4.00
Low Target Price: $2.05
Number of Analyst Opinions: 10

Financial Health

ABEVs financial data clearly shows that strengths and weaknesses can appear together. The ROE and ROA of 16.05% and 10.00%, respectively, reflect a highly efficient use of capital, often seen in fast-growing firms. The 3.39x Debt/Equity ratio (with 3.16 B in debt and 17.52 B in cash) points to the fact that ABEV has taken on a very high level of debt to fuel its operations and growth. Even with its debt, the company’s ability to bring in 26.28 B in operating cash flow (TTM) proves that its core business can steadily produce cash, which is a significant strength.

The Current Ratio of 1.11x and Quick Ratio of 0.71x show a solid liquidity position, able to cover its short-term liabilities. Furthermore, ABEV’s 17.94 B in levered free cash flow suggests it can still generate significant cash for shareholders even after meeting its financial obligations. For investors, this means that while cash flows appear to cover its debts for now, there is not much space for mistakes. If business results fall or interest rates are high when it tries to refinance, the company could be put under increased financial stress.

Return on Equity (ROE TTM)16.05%
Return on Assets (ROA TTM)10.00%
Debt/Equity (MRQ)3.39x
Total Cash (MRQ)17.52 B
Total Debt (MRQ)3.16 B
Current Ratio (MRQ)1.11x
Quick Ratio (MRQ)0.71x
Operating Cash Flow (TTM)26.28 B
Levered Free Cash Flow (TTM)17.94 B

Historical Performance

In the recent trading period from July 18, 2025 to August 01, 2025, ABEV’s stock price achieved a total return of -7.23%. The price fluctuated between a high of $2.44 and a low of $2.15. Average daily trading volume was approximately 27,603,633 shares.

Recent Trading Data

DateOpenHighLowCloseVolume
2025-08-01$2.22$2.24$2.16$2.1839,754,900
2025-07-31$2.16$2.22$2.15$2.1870,657,500
2025-07-30$2.33$2.36$2.30$2.3042,685,700
2025-07-29$2.30$2.34$2.30$2.3419,376,600
2025-07-28$2.35$2.36$2.29$2.3028,633,600
2025-07-27$2.42$2.42$2.38$2.3915,919,300
2025-07-26$2.42$2.42$2.38$2.3915,919,300
2025-07-25$2.42$2.42$2.38$2.3915,919,300
2025-07-24$2.39$2.42$2.38$2.4211,058,300
2025-07-23$2.39$2.44$2.38$2.4318,102,100
2025-07-22$2.37$2.39$2.36$2.3823,272,900
2025-07-21$2.37$2.37$2.33$2.3731,773,000
2025-07-20$2.39$2.39$2.33$2.3526,994,000
2025-07-19$2.39$2.39$2.33$2.3526,994,000
2025-07-18$2.39$2.39$2.33$2.3526,994,000

Technical Analysis Summary

CURRENT PRICE: $2.18 | TREND: BEARISH BUT LOOKS OVERSOLD

The stock has faced downward pressure, losing -8.40% in the last 15 days. We need to analyze the technicals to see if this is a buying opportunity or a warning of further declines. Let’s break down the key levels.

Trend Strength – Still Bearish

ABEV is in a bearish trend, trading below its key moving averages, which signals caution.

What This Means for Traders?

The 20-day SMA ($2.35) is now acting as overhead resistance. As long as the price stays below this level, the bearish trend is likely to continue. A rejection from this average could lead to a test of recent lows.

Momentum Check – Potential Bounce Ahead?

The RSI at 29.3 is showing oversold conditions, hinting at a potential bounce. At the same time, the MACD histogram is negative, suggesting that the upward momentum is beginning to fade.

Trading Strategy:

This oversold reading suggests a potential bounce. Aggressive traders might look for a short-term buy signal, while conservative traders should wait for the RSI to cross back above 30 to confirm a reversal.

Bollinger Bands – Testing Key Levels

The price has broken below the lower Bollinger Band ($2.21), indicating strong selling pressure and a potential breakdown. Watch for signs of capitulation or reversal.

Key Levels to Watch:

  • Resistance: $2.49 (Recent High) → A breakout could push ABEV higher.
  • Support: $2.35 (20-day SMA) → If this breaks, expect a test of $2.21.

Volume Trends – Checking for Conviction

Trading volume is near its recent average, providing neutral confirmation of the current price action.

Support & Resistance – The Trading Plan

Trading Plan:

  • ✅  If ABEV holds above $2.35 → Bullish trend continues, next target $2.49.
  • ⚠️  If it breaks below $2.35 → Expect a dip toward $2.21.
  • 🛑  A drop below $2.21 → Could trigger a deeper correction to the 200-day SMA ($2.25).

Final Verdict – Should You Buy, Hold, or Sell?

Short-Term Traders: The trend is positive but monitor for signs of exhaustion. A neutral stance may be best until a clearer signal emerges from the MACD or volume.
Long-Term Investors: The long-term uptrend is valid as long as the price holds above the 200-day SMA ($2.25). A pullback to the 50-day SMA ($2.38) area could present a safer buying opportunity.
New Buyers: Avoid chasing the rally here. Wait for either a confirmed breakout above $2.49 with strong volume, or a pullback to the $2.35 area, which offers a better risk/reward entry.

Bottom Line: The technicals suggest the rally may be running out of steam short-term. While the long-term trend remains bullish, a correction seems plausible before the next major move. Trade carefully and wait for confirmation at key levels.

Short Selling Info

There is currently 51 M worth of short interest in ABEV, and the short ratio (or days to cover) is 1.4x. This means that at the stock’s recent average trading volume, it would take about one day for all short positions to be covered. This low level suggests that short sellers do not currently have significant control over the stock’s price, and the risk of a prolonged ‘short squeeze’ is relatively low.

This level has increased recently from 48 M, suggesting a shift in bearish sentiment.

Shares Short51 M
Short Ratio (Days To Cover)1.40x
Shares Short (Prior Month)48 M
Short Date2025-07-15

Stock Price Statistics

When looking at the price range over the past year, the stock has seen a high of $2.64 and a low of $1.76. This wide gap tells us the stock has been through significant fluctuations, likely influenced by market sentiment or company-specific news. Currently, the 50-day moving average at $2.38 is above the 200-day moving average of $2.25. This ‘golden cross’ setup is often viewed as a bullish signal, indicating positive long-term momentum.

With a beta of 0.34x, the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, moving about 66% less. Combined with a moderate 30-day annualized volatility of 26.8%, it’s clear this stock sees frequent price swings. For investors, this means potential for gains, but also higher downside risk. These indicators matter when deciding position sizing or entry timing, especially if you’re managing a portfolio that balances stability with growth exposure.

52 Week High$2.64
52 Week Low$1.76
50 Day MA$2.40
200 Day MA$2.22
Beta0.34x
Volatility (30d Ann.)26.8% 📉

Dividends Shareholder Returns

Dividend Summary & Investor Implications

The company currently offers a $0.15 annual dividend per share, translating to a dividend yield of 6.91%—meaning for every $100 invested, shareholders receive $0.15 in dividends annually. This yield is above its 5-year average of 4.36%, making it more attractive to income investors today compared to its recent history.

Key Observations & Analysis:

  • The payout ratio of 98.68% is high (warranting a check on cash flow sustainability), indicating the company uses only ~99% of its earnings to fund dividends. This leaves ample room for future increases or reinvestment in growth.
  • Investors must own the stock before the upcoming ex-dividend date of 2025-08-11 to receive the next dividend.

Investor Takeaway:

  • Income Investors: The dividend appears sustainable, but investors should monitor earnings and cash flow to ensure the payout remains well-supported.
  • Growth Investors: The company maintains a balance between shareholder returns and reinvestment, appealing to a ‘growth and income’ strategy.
  • Watch For: Announcements of dividend hikes (which could bring the yield closer to its historical average) or significant stock price changes that would alter the yield.

Dividend Rate$0.15
Dividend Yield6.91%
Payout Ratio98.68%
5 Year Average Dividend Yield4.36%
Trailing Dividend Rate$0.67
Trailing Dividend Yield0.30%
Ex-Dividend Date2025-08-11
Last Split Date2013-11-11
Last Split Factor5:1

Risk Factors

Potential investors in ABEV should be aware of several risk factors. The following list highlights key considerations based on data and market dynamics, but may not include all possible risks.

  • ⚠️ Overall market fluctuations can impact the stock.
  • ⚠️ Factors specific to the Beverages – Brewers industry or Consumer Defensive sector can affect performance.
  • ⚠️ Changes in macroeconomic conditions (interest rates, inflation) pose risks.
  • ⚠️ Unforeseen company events or news can impact the price.

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