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6-K 1 abev20240326_6k.htm 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the month of March, 2024

Commission File Number 1565025

 


 

AMBEV S.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

AMBEV S.A.

(Translation of Registrant's name into English)

 

Rua Dr. Renato Paes de Barros, 1017 - 3rd Floor
04530-000 São Paulo, SP
Federative Republic of Brazil

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. 


Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  

Yes _______ No ___X____

 

 


 

 

MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL

Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings to be held on April 30, 2024

 

INDEX

A. ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

[●]

B. EXTRAORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

[●]

EXHIBIT A.I – COMMENTS FROM THE OFFICERS

[●]

EXHIBIT A.II – ALLOCATION OF NET PROFIT

[●]

EXHIBIT A.III – INFORMATION OF THE CANDIDATES TO THE POSITION OF MEMBER OF THE FISCAL COUNCIL OF THE COMPANY

[●]

EXHIBIT A.IV – COMPENSATION OF THE MANAGEMENT

[●]

EXHIBIT B.I – REPORT OF AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS AND RESTATED BYLAWS

[●]

 

MARCH 28, 2024

 

 

 

 

To the Shareholders,

We hereby present the following Management Proposal regarding the matters set forth in the agenda for the Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings of Ambev S.A. (“Company” and “AGOE”, respectively) to be held, cumulatively, on April 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. (“Proposal”):

A.       Annual Shareholders’ Meeting:

1.           Analysis of the management accounts, examination, discussion and voting on the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

We propose that the Management accounts are approved and the financial statements relating to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as disclosed on February 29, 2024 on the websites of the Brazilian Securities Commission (“CVM”) and the B3 S.A. – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão, through the Periodic Information System (Sistema de Informações Periódicas), on the Company’s website (www.ri.ambev.com.br) and on the newspaper Valor Econômico.

We stress that under the terms of article 10, item III, of CVM Resolution No. 81, of March 29, 2022 (“CVM Resolution 81/22”), the information disclosed in Exhibit A.I to this Proposal reflect our comments on the financial situation of the Company.

2.           Allocation of the net profits for year ended December 31, 2023 and ratification of the payment of interest on own capital for year ended December 31, 2023, approved by the Board of Directors at the meeting held on December 12, 2023

We propose that the net profit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 be allocated as indicated below, which is defined in detail in Exhibit A.II of this Proposal, prepared in accordance with article 10, sole paragraph, item II, of CVM Resolution 81/22. It is further proposed to ratify the payment of interest on own capital relating to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, approved by the Board of Directors at the meeting held on December 12, 2023.

 

3 


 

 

Net Profits R$ 14.501.943.640,79
Amount allocated to the Tax Incentives Reserve R$ 2.552.742.772,26
Amount allocated to payment of interest on own capital (gross), declared based on the net profit relating to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 R$ 11.500.204.792,68
Amount allocated to the Investments Reserve (1) R$ 3.730.197.243,38
(1) Including values relating to (i) reversion of effects of the revaluation of fixed assets in the amount of R$ 11.823.167,53; and (ii) effect of application of IAS 29/CPC 42 (hyperinflation) in the amount of R$ 3.269.378.000,00, as detailed in Exhibit A.II to the Proposal.

3.           Election of the effective and alternate members of the Fiscal Council for a term in office ending at the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting to be held in 2025, pursuant to the terms of the Company's Bylaws

The controlling shareholders appoint as members of the Fiscal Council the individuals qualified below, which compose the “Controller Appointment – Fiscal Council” block:

(i)       by reelection, José Ronaldo Vilela Rezende, Brazilian, married, accountant, bearer of Identity Card RG No. M-2.399.128 (SSP/MG), enrolled with the CPF under No. 501.889.846-15, resident and domiciled in the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, to take office as an effective member of the Fiscal Council of the Company;

(ii)       by reelection, Elidie Palma Bifano, Brazilian, married, lawyer, bearer of Identity Card RG No. 3.076.167 (SSP/SP), enrolled with the CPF under No. 395.907.558-87, resident and domiciled in the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, to take office as an effective member of the Fiscal Council of the Company;

(iii)       by reelection, Emanuel Sotelino Schifferle, Brazilian, married, engineer, bearer of Identity Card RG No. 01.433.665-5 (IFP/RJ), enrolled with the CPF under No. 009.251.367-00, resident and domiciled in the City of Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, to take office as an alternate member of the Fiscal Council of the Company; and

(iv)       by reelection, Eduardo Rogatto Luque, Brazilian, married, accountant, bearer of Identity Card RG No. 17.841.962-X (SSP/SP), enrolled with the CPF under No. 142.773.658-84, resident and domiciled in the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo, to take office as an alternate member of the Fiscal Council of the Company.

Additionally, Caixa de Previdência dos Funcionários do Banco do Brasil - PREVI, pursuant to article 37, item I, of CVM Resolution 81/22, informed the Company's Management that it will appoint for the position of members of the Fiscal Council:

(i)                  by reelection, Fabio de Oliveira Moser, Brazilian, married, administrator, bearer of Identity Card RG No. 061.802.773 (IFP/RJ), enrolled with the CPF under No. 777.109.677-87, resident and domiciled in the City of Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, to take office as an effective member of the Fiscal Council of the Company; and

 

4 


 

 

(ii)                 by election, João Vagnes de Moura Silva, Brazilian, married, electric engineer, bearer of Identity Card RG No. 1169742 (SSP/DF), enrolled with the CPF under No. 584.043.411-68, resident and domiciled in the City of Canto do Buriti, State of Piauí, to take office as an alternate member of the Fiscal Council of the Company.

We clarify that under the terms of article 11, item I, of CVM Resolution 81/22, the information referring to the candidates nominated as members of the Fiscal Council of the Company listed above are further detailed in Exhibit A.III of this Proposal.

4.           Establishment of the global compensation of the managers for year 2024

Proposal – Fiscal Year 2024

We propose that the global compensation of the managers for the year 2024 (that is, between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024) be established in the global amount of up to R$ 183.982.172,00.

The abovementioned proposed amount refers to the amount to be recognized in the Company’s books results in the case of overall achievement of the individual and collective targets of the Company, not necessarily having a disbursement by the Company throughout the year.

The increase of the proposed amount for year 2024, in comparison to the amount proposed for year 2023, substantially results due to the following: (i) higher achievement of individual and collective targets of the Company in the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, causing an increase of the expense for share-based compensation proposed for year 2024; (ii) recognition of expenses of share-based compensation programs which grace period varies between 3 and 5 years, with proportional recognitions in each year; (iii) adjustment due to inflation; and (iv) adjustment aligned to the average compensation practiced in similar markets in which the Company operates.

The Company’s Management understand that the proposed compensation amount is consistent to the compensation of other publicly held companies, considering size, territorial reach and number of Management seats.

According to the CVM guidance (item 3.4.5 of Circular-Notice/Annual-2024-CVM/SEP - “Circular Notice”), the global amount of managers’ compensation to be approved in the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting according to article 152 of Law No. 6,404/76 must include, besides the fixed and short-term variable compensation of the managers, the expenses relating to the recognition of the fair value of the stock options and/or the shares that the Company intends to grant in the fiscal year.

 

5 


In such context, we stress that in the global amount of Management’ compensation are included (i) the expenses associated with the recognition of the fair value of the stock options the Company intends to grant in this fiscal year based on the Stock Option Plan, dated as of June 30, 2013 (“Option Plan”); and (ii) the expenses associated with the recognition of the fair value of the share-based compensation the Company intends to enforce in this fiscal year based on the Share-Based Compensation Plan, dated as of April 29, 2016, as amended on April 24, 2020 (“Stock Plan” and, together with the Option Plan, the “Plans”), in both cases with accounting and non-financial effects set forth in CPC 10.

 

Additionally, it should be noted that the global compensation proposed for 2024 considers the current structure of the Statutory Board of Executive Officers (“Board of Officers”), as approved by the Board of Directors at the meeting held on August 7, 2023.

 

Compensation Model

The Company’s Management compensation is divided into fixed compensation and variable compensation, considering the sustainable growth of the Company and its businesses in the long term, with the purpose of encouraging and rewarding significant results through profit sharing.

 

The members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Officers are also entitled to receive direct and indirect benefits, pursuant to Exhibit A. IV to this Proposal and the Company’s Reference Form, available on the CVM website and on the Company’s Investor Relations page on the Internet (ri.ambev.com.br).

 

Annually, the People Committee evaluates the retention of the Company’s talents, which includes analyzing the need to adapt the compensation practices adopted by the Company. If such committee deems it necessary, adjustments to these practices are proposed to the Board of Directors.

The model adopted to determine the compensation of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors is aligned to the best market practices for companies with businesses, risks and complexity similar to those of the Company.

Regarding the compensation of the Board of Officers, it observes the following principles: (i) the compensation is an instrument for attracting and retaining talent; (ii) the compensation must be competitive in relation to companies that operate in similar market in which the Company operates; (iii) the compensation must be aligned with the Company’s performance culture, with greater emphasis on its variable component, based on results and exceptional performance; (iv) the compensation must provide long-term value construction; (v) the compensation must take into account organizational and individual development; (vi) the compensation must involve the cascading of goals, in order to create alignment across the organization; and (vii) the compensation must be linked to the Company’s success in the medium and long term.

 

 

6 


Actual Compensation – Year 2023

 

We inform that the amount paid as global compensation attributed to the managers of the Company for the year 2023 was R$ 132.972.802,00. Such amount is inferior to the limit approved by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 28, 2023, of R$ 173,606,830.00 for the managers.

 

The difference verified between the limits approved by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of the Company on April 28, 2023 and the amounts actually paid as per the global compensation attributed to the managers is justified, mainly, due to the variable component of the compensation, which is linked to specific performance goals of the managers and of the Company. Pursuant to the CVM guidance in item 3.4.5 of Circular-Notice/Annual-2023-CVM/SEP, the proposal of compensation of the managers for the year 2023 was an estimate, and therefore calculated considering all calculation components for the maximum achievement of variable compensation, which was not actually materialized.

 

Finally, according to the understanding of the CVM Collegiate body in a meeting held on 12/08/2020 in Proceeding No. 19957.007457/2018-10, included in the Circular Notice, the overall compensation of the Management must be net of employer’s payroll charges, which are not covered by the definition of “benefit of any kind” set forth in article 152 of Law No. 6,404/76.

 

Please note that the information required for the necessary analysis of the proposal of compensation of the managers, as provided in article 13 of CVM Resolution 81/22, is set forth in Exhibit A.IV to this Proposal.

 

5.           Establishment of the compensation of the Fiscal Council

We propose that the global compensation of the Fiscal Council for year 2024 (that is, between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024) be established in the global amount of up to R$ 2.316.015,00, with the compensation of the alternate members corresponding to half the amount received by the effective members, which complies with the provisions of article 152 of Law No. 6,404/76.

We inform that the amount paid to the global compensation account attributed to the members of the Company’s Fiscal Council, for year 2023, was R$ 2.128.919,00.

B.       Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting:

6.           Amendments to the Company’s Bylaws

We propose that the Company’s Bylaws be amended, as detailed in Exhibit B.I to this Proposal, in order to:

 

a.           amend the heading of article 5 to reflect the capital increases approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, within the authorized capital limit, until the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting.

If this proposal is approved, the language of the heading of article 5 of the Company’s Bylaws will be that indicated in Exhibit B.I to this Proposal.

 

7 


b.           rectify article 15, §5º, item “h”, to include the word “no”, expressly stating that for the purposes of characterizing the independency of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company, he/she must not have founded the Company nor has significant influence over it.

If this proposal is approved, the language of article 15, §5º, item “h” of the Company’s Bylaws will be that indicated in Exhibit B.I to this Proposal.

 

c.           amend articles 22, 32 and 33, and exclude article 34, to reformulate the composition of the Board of Officers of the Company, renaming and redistributing the attributions of certain positions.

The Management proposes: (i) the adjustment of the nomenclature of the current position of Non-Alcoholic Beverages Vice President Officer to Beyond Beer Vice President Officer, with the inclusion of new attributions to such position; (ii) the merger of the Legal Vice President Officer and Compliance Vice President Officer positions, with the consequent unification of their respective attributions and adjustment of the nomenclature of the position to Legal and Compliance Vice President Officer, pursuant to the current organizational structure of the Company, as detailed in Exhibit B.I to this Proposal.

 

7.           Renumbering of articles and consolidation of the Company’s Bylaws

 

To reflect the foregoing amendments, the Management proposes: (i) the renumbering of current articles 34 to 46; and (ii) the restatement of the Company’s Bylaws, under the terms of the Exhibit B.I to this Proposal.

 

 

São Paulo, March 28, 2024.

The Management
Ambev S.A.

 

 

 

8 

SIGNATURE



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: March 26, 2024

     
  AMBEV S.A.
     
  By:  /s/ Lucas Machado Lira
 

Lucas Machado Lira

Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer


EX-99.1 2 ex99-1.htm EX-99.1

EXHIBIT A.I – COMMENTS FROM THE OFFICERS

 

(as Item 2 to Exhibit C to CVM Resolution 80/22)

 

2. Comments from the Officers

 

Introduction

 

The financial information included in this section, except if otherwise expressly set forth, refer to our consolidated accounting statements related to fiscal year that ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Our consolidated audited accounting statements were prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and in accordance with the accounting practices adopted in Brazil, that comprehend the accounting practices set forth in Law No. 6404/76 and the pronouncements, guidance and interpretations issued by the Accounting Pronouncement Committee (Comitê de Pronunciamentos Contábeis – CPC) and approved by the Brazilian Securities Exchange Commission - CVM.

 

The terms “Vertical Analysis” and “Variation” in the columns of certain tables below mean, respectively, (i) the percentage or line item in relation to the net income for the periods applicable to the results of our operations, or in relation to the total assets on the dates applicable to the statement of our balance sheet, and (ii) the comparison of ratios or line items in our combined accounting statements over a period of time.

 

The information under this item 2 of the Exhibit A.I of the Management Proposal (“Exhibit”) must be read and analyzed together with our consolidated accounting statements, available at our website (ri.ambev.com.br) and at the CVM’s website (www.gov.br/cvm).

 

2.1       The Management should comment on:

(a)        General equity and financial conditions

The Officers understand that the Company presents sufficient equity and financial conditions to implement its business plan and perform its obligations of short and medium term.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had, in its current assets, a total of R$ 36.563,1 million, with R$ 16.336,2 million in cash, cash equivalents and financial investments of the Company. The current liabilities as of December 31, 2023, amounted to R$ 41.004,9 million. The current liquidity ratio, used to assess the Company’s capacity of payment of the short-term obligations, was 0.89x. Its positions of cash, cash equivalents and current financial investments net of bank overdraft and cash, cash equivalents and current financial investments net of debt1 were R$ 16.336,2 million and R$ 12.835,1 million, respectively. The indebtedness indicator of net debt/EBITDA2 was -0.50.

 

The Officers understand that the Company presents sufficient equity and financial conditions to implement its business plan and perform its obligations of short and medium term.

 


1 The cash net of bank overdrafts position is represented by the balances of cash, cash equivalents and current financial investments being deducted the balance of bank overdraft. The cash net of debt position is represented by the cash net of bank overdrafts position added by balances of current financial investments and being deducted the balances of loans and financings. Both the cash net of bank overdrafts position and the cash net of debt position are performance indicators used by the Company, and they are not measured according to the Accounting Practices Adopted in Brazil or according to IFRS.

2 The Company calculates the net debt as the balances of loans and financings being deducted the balances of current financial investments and cash net of bank overdrafts. The net debt/EBITDA is a performance indicator used by the Company, and it is not a measure according to the Accounting Practices Adopted in Brazil or according to IFRS.

 

 

(in million of Reais) 12/31/2023
Total Current Assets 36.563,1
Total Current Liabilities 41.004,9
Net Working Capital Ratio (CA-CL) (4.441,8)
Net Cash of Bank Overdrafts 16.336,2
Cash Net of Debt 12.835,1

 

  12/31/2023
Current Liquidity Ratio 0,89
Indebtedness Indicator (Net Debt / EBITDA) (0,50)

 

(b) Capital structure

 

Company’s Officers believe that its capital structure is adequate to meet the needs of its operations and to continue executing its growth plan.

 

Capital Structure 2023
R$ million %
Third-Party Financing(1) 52.500,3 40
Equity(2) 80.143,8 60

(1) The Company’s third-party financing is represented by the totality of the current and non-current liabilities.

(2) The Company’s equity is represented by the consolidated owner’s equity.

 

The Company’s capital structure was the following: as of December 31, 2023 –60% of equity and 40% of third-party financing.

 

(c) Payment capacity in relation to financial commitments undertaken

 

(in million of Reais) 12/31/2023
Total debt 3.501,1
Short-term debt 1.298,1
Total current assets 36.563,1
Cash, cash equivalents and current financial investments 16.336,2
Current liquidity ratio 0,89x
Cash net of debt 12.835,1

 

Considering the Company’s debt profile, as described in 2.1(f) below (total debt of R$ 3.501,1 million as of December 31, 2023, of which R$ 1.298,1 million is short-term debt), its cash flow and liquidity position evidenced by total current assets (R$ 36.563,1 million), cash, cash equivalents and current financial investments (R$ 16.336,2 million), current liquidity ratio (0.89x) and cash net of debt (R$ 12.835,1 million), all as of December 31, 2023, indicated in 2.1 (a) above, the Officers believe that the Company has sufficient liquidity and capital resources to cover the investments, costs, expenses, debts and other amounts payable over the next few years, although they cannot guarantee that this situation will remain unchanged. In case it may be necessary to take out new loans to finance its investments and acquisitions, the Officers believe that the Company has capacity to do so.

 

 

(d) Sources of financing for working capital and investments in non-current assets used

 

The Company’s working capital cycle has substantially evolved every year since 2014 and, in the opinion of the Company’s Officers, there is no need to raise new loans to finance working capital.

 

With regard to investments in non-current assets, the Company’s current cash position and the expected cash flow generation are sufficient to cover these investments. In any case, the Company has wide access to funding sources should there be an occasional need for supplemental cash funding for such investments.

 

(e) Sources of financing for working capital and for investments in non-current assets that it intends to use to cover liquidity shortfalls

 

The Company has access to credit facilities extended by leading Brazilian and foreign banks and has already raised funds in domestic and international capital markets. The Company’s current investment grade rating issued by key international rating agencies facilitates its access to additional financing arrangements that could be used to compensate any potential liquidity shortcomings. On December 31, 2023, the Company had a Baa3 risk credit by Moody`s and BBB+ by S&P.

 

(f) Levels of indebtedness and characteristics of debts, even describing:

 

(i) Relevant financing and loan agreements

 

Please, find below additional information related to fiscal year that ended December 31, 2023:

 

The Company's debt was structured in a manner to avoid significant concentration of maturities in each year and is tied to different interest rates. The most significant rates are: (i) Fixed Rate in Local Currency Leasing agreements in Brazil; (ii) Interbank Deposit Certificate (“CDI”) for loans in Brazil; (iii) Reference Interest Rate (“TR”) for the CRI 2030 operation; and (iv) fixed rate for international loans.

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with its contractual obligations for its loans and financings and with any applicable borrowing limits.

 

Debt Profile – December 31, 2023

 

Debt Instruments

(in million Reais)

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 After Total
BNDES debt              
Par Value 1,2           1,2
TJLP or TR + Average Pay Rate 3,7% 3,7%         3,7%
International Debt              
Other Latin-American currencies – fixed rate 124,6 144,8 38,9 36,1 61,2   405,6
Average Pay Rate 11,48% 11,48% 11,48% 11,48% 11,48%   11,48%
US dollar – fixed rate 0,0           0,0
Average Pay Rate 14,0%           14,0%
US dollar – floating rate              
 

 

Average Pay Rate              
Canadian dollar – floating rate              
Average Pay Rate              
Canadian dollar – fixed rate 130,1 125,6 101,0 93,5 30,1   480,3
Average Pay Rate 5,6% 5,6% 5,6% 5,6% 5,6%   5,6%
Debt in Reais - ICMS fixed rate              
Par Value 136,3 151,5 114,8 4,1 -0,4 9,3 415,7
Average Pay Rate 4,0% 4,0% 4,0% 4,0% 4,0%   4,0%
Debt in Reais - fixed rate              
Par Value 892,5 469,5 290,8 203,0 96,4 121,1 2.073,3
Average Pay Rate 11,2% 11,2% 11,2% 11,2% 11,2%   11,2%
Debt in Reais - floating rate              
Par Value              
Average Pay Rate              
Total indebtedness 1.298,1 906,1 561,6 354,4 206,6 174,5 3.501,1

 

(ii) Other long-term relations with financial institutions

 

The Company has other long-term relations with financial institutions, such as payroll agreements, derivative operations, and guarantee agreements, which are not individually relevant.

 

(iii) Subordination degree among the debts

 

In year ended December 31, 2023, the Company's loans had equal rights to payment without subordination clauses. Except for the credit lines due to FINAME contracted by the Company with BNDES, where collateral is provided on assets acquired with the credit granted which serve as collateral; other loans and financing contracted by the Company provide only personal guarantees as collateral or are unsecured.

 

(iv) Any restrictions imposed to the issuer, especially concerning the limit of indebtedness, and contracting of new debts, the distribution of dividends, the sale of assets, the issue of new securities and the sale of the corporate control, as well as if those restrictions are being complied with by the issuer

 

Most of the loan contracts contain financial covenants including:

 

(i) financial covenants, including restrictions on new borrowing.

 

(ii) going-concern.

 

(iii) maintenance, in use or in good condition for the business, of the Company's assets.

 

(iv) restrictions on acquisitions, mergers, sale or disposal of its assets.

 

(v) disclosure of accounting statements and balance sheets.

 

 

(vi) prohibition related to new real guarantees for loans contracted, except if (a) expressly authorized under the agreement or (b) new loans contracted from financial institutions linked to the Brazilian government - including the BNDES or foreign governments, multilateral financial institutions (e.g., World Bank) or located in jurisdictions in which the Company operates.

 

The Company did not sign any relevant loan or financing agreement with cross default clause.

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with its material (financial or not) contractual obligations for its loans and financings, not having on the abovementioned date financial covenants that limit or restrict new indebtedness.

 

(g) Borrowing limits contracted and percentages utilized

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had loans with BNDES, FINEP, leasing agreements and loans with private banks in the amount of R$ 3.501,1 billion. Of this total, 100% are being used.

 

(h) Significant changes to items of the income and cash flow statements

 

INCOME STATEMENT

 

Comparative analysis of Operational Results as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022

 

The consolidated results of the Company are presented as follows:

 

Highlights of Consolidated Financial Information

(in million Reais, except for amounts related to volume and percentages*)

  2023

Vertical

Analysis

2022

Vertical

Analysis

Variation 2023/2022
Net revenue  79.736,9 533,0%  79.708,8 535,3% 0,0%
Cost of sales  (39.291,6) -262,6%  (40.422,1) -271,4% -2,8%
Gross profit  40.445,3 -270,3%  39.268,8 -263,8% -2,9%
           
Distribution expenses  (10.750,6) -71,9%  (11.395,3) -76,5% -5,7%
Sales and Marketing expenses  (7.412,5) -49,5%  (7.337,4) -49,3% 1,0%
Administrative expenses -35,3%  (5.236,8) -35,2% 0,7%
Other operational income (expenses)  2.028,9 13,6%  2.513,9 16,9% -19,1%
Costs arising from business combination          
Restructuring  (109,4) -0,7%  (101,7) -0,7% 7,5%
Effect of application of IAS 29 (hyperinflation)  (2,3) 0,0%  (8,2) -0,1% -71,7%
State Amnesty   -   0,0%   -   0,0%  
COVID-19 Impacts  -    0,0%  (16,7) -0,1% -100,0%
Write-Off of Investments  -    0,0%  (16,6) -0,1% -100,0%
Distribution agreement  (94,7) -0,6%  -    0,0% 100,0%
Income from operations  18.831,1 125,9%  17.687,9 118,8% 6,5%
           
Finance expenses  (6.280,1) -42,0%  (7.892,2) -53,0% -20,4%
Finance income  2.670,3 17,8%  4.469,0 30,0% -40,2%
Net finance result  (3.609,8) -24,1%  (3.423,2) -23,0% 5,5%
           
 

 

Share of result of joint ventures

 (185,4) -1,2%  (29,1) -0,2% 537,0%

Income before income tax

 15.035,9 100,5%  14.235,7 95,6% 5,6%
           
Income tax expense  (75,5) -0,5%  655,6 4% -112%
Net income  14.960,5 100,0%  14.891,3 100,0% 0,5%
Attributed to:          
Controlling interests  14.501,9 96,9%  14.457,9 97,1% 0,3%
Non-controlling interests  458,5 3,1%  433,3 2,9% 5,8%

 

* Discrepancy in the sums of the amounts is due to rounding.

 

 

Highlights of the Financial Information per Business Segment

The table below contains some of the financial information per business segment regarding years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

 

  2023 2022
  Brazil CAC(1) LAS(2) Canada Total Brazil CAC(1) LAS(2) Canada Total
Net revenue 46.361,7 10.044,8 13.797,2 9.533,2 79.736,9 42.635,7 9.440,3 17.371,2 10.261,7 79.708,8
Cost of sales (23.516,1) (5.035,1) (6.657,3) (4.083,1) (39.291,6) (22.736,8) (4.860,8) (8.553,1) (4.271,4) (40.422,1)
Gross profits 22.845,6 5.009,7 7.139,9 5.450,1 40.445,3 19.898,9 4.579,4 8.818,1 5.990,3 39.286,8
Administrative, sales and marketing expenses (14.468,8) (1.931,2) (3.463,8) (3.573,0) (23.436,8) (13.522,0) (1.999,9) (4.421,4) (4.026,1) (23.969,4)
Other operational income (expenses) 1.892,5 26,3 95,0 15,1 2.028,9 2.361,4 (52,9) 192,7 12,8 2.513,9
Exceptional items (137,8) (17,9) (47,6) (3,1) (206,4) (34,5) (16,1) (60,5) (32,2) (143,3)
Profit from operations 10.131,5 3.086,9 3.723,5 1.889,1 18.831,0 8.703,8 2.510,5 4.528,9 1.944,8 17.687,9

 

(1) It includes the Company’s direct operations in Central America and the Caribbean: Dominican Republic, Saint Vincent, Antigua, Dominica, Cuba, Guatemala (which also supplies El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua), Barbados and Panama.

(2) It includes the Company’s operations in South Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

 

Net revenue

 

For more information about the sales net revenue, see section 2.2(b).

 

Cost of sales

 

The total cost of products sold decreased 2,8% in year ended December 31, 2023, reaching R$ 39.291,6 million, compared to R$ 40.422,1 million in the same period in 2022. As a percentage of the Company’s net revenue, the total cost of products sold decreased to 49,3% in 2023, in relation to 50,7% in 2022.

 

Cost of products sold per hectoliter

 

  Year ended December 31
  2023 2022 % Variation
  (in Reais, except for percentages)
Brazil                  186,0                  180,2 3,2%
Brazil Beer(1)                  208,1                  199,5 4,3%
NAB(2)                  124,2                  123,6 0,6%
CAC                  413,6                  412,4 0,3%
LAS                  184,7                  224,3 (17,6%)
Canada                  452,4                  442,9 2,2%
Company Consolidated                  213,9                  217,6 (1,7%)

 

(1) It includes beer and “beyond beer” operations of the Company in Brazil.

(2) It includes non-alcoholic beverages operations of the Company in Brazil.

 

 

 

Operations in Brazil

 

The total cost of products sold of the Company’s Brazilian operations increased 3,4% in year ended December 31, 2023, reaching R$ 23.516,0 million in relation to R$ 22.736,8 million in the same period in 2022. The cost of the products sold in the Company’s Brazilian operations, per hectoliter, increased 3,2% in 2023, reaching R$ 186,0/hl in relation to R$ 180,2/hl in 2022.

 

Beer Operations in Brazil

 

The cost of products sold in the beer operations in Brazil increased 3,3%, reaching R$ 19.377,7 million in year ended December 31, 2023. The cost of products sold, per hectoliter, increased 4,3%, amounting to R$ 208,1/hl, mainly explained by higher commodity prices with barley price increase being partially offset by favorable aluminum prices, as well as general inflation impacts.

 

Non-Alcoholic Beverages Operations in Brazil (“NAB”)

 

The cost of products sold in the NAB operations in Brazil increased 4,2%, reaching R$ 4.138,4 million. The cost of products sold per hectoliter increased 0,6% in 2023, amounting to R$ 124,2/hl, mainly as a result of higher commodity prices with sugar price increase being partially offset by favorable aluminum prices, as well as general inflation impacts.

 

Operation in Central America and the Caribbean (“CAC”)

 

The cost of products sold in CAC operations increased 3,6% in year ended December 31, 2023, reaching R$ 5.035,1 million in relation to R$ 4.860,8 million in the same period in 2022. The cost of products sold per hectoliter increased 0,3% in 2023, reaching R$ 413,6/hl in relation to R$ 412,4/hl in 2022, driven by higher import costs, coupled with general inflation, partially offset by lower raw material prices in the second half of the year and better package mix especially due to higher share of returnable glass bottles.

 

Latin America South Operations (“LAS”)

 

The cost of products sold in LAS operations decreased 22,2% in year ended December 31, 2023, to R$ 6.657,3 million in relation to R$ 8.553,1 million in the same period in 2022. The cost of products sold, per hectoliter, decreased 17,6% in 2023, to R$ 184,7/hl in relation to R$ 224,3/hl in 2022. The primary reason for these reductions was the substantial devaluation of the Argentine peso (ARS) in 2023, which lost more than 350% of its value compared to the previous year. This sharp drop in the peso’s value had a larger impact than the inflation experienced in Argentina throughout 2023, leading to the significant decreases in production costs.

 

Operations in Canada

 

The cost of products sold in our operations in Canada decreased 4,4% in year ended December 31, 2023, to R$ 4.083,1 million in relation to R$ 4.271,4 million in the same period in 2022, while per hectoliter, the cost of products sold increased 2,2% in 2023, reaching R$ 452,4/hl in relation to R$ 442,9/hl in 2022. This increase in cost of sales per hectoliter primarily due to a higher unit cost, which resulted from lower production and sales volumes, was more than offset by currency conversion effects.

 

Gross profit

 

 

The gross profit increased 2,9% in year ended December 31, 2023, reaching R$ 40.445,3 million compared to R$ 39.286,8 million in the same period in 2022. The table below shows the contribution of each business unit to the consolidated gross profit of the Company.

 

  Gross Profit
  2023 2022
  (in million Reais, except for percentages)
  Amount % Contrib. Margin Amount % Contrib. Margin
Brazil     22.845,6 56,5% 49,3% 19.898,9 50,7% 46,7%
Brazil Beer     19.608,2 48,5% 50,3% 17.092,6 43,5% 47,7%
NAB       3.237,4 8,0% 43,9% 2.806,4 7,1% 41,4%
CAC       5.009,7 12,4% 49,9% 4.579,4 11,7% 48,5%
LAS       7.139,9 17,7% 51,7% 8.818,1 22,4% 50,8%
Canada       5.450,1 13,5% 57,2% 5.990,3 15,2% 58,4%
Company Consolidated     40.445,3 100,0% 50,7% 39.286,8 100,0% 49,3%

 

Sales and Marketing, Distribution and Administrative Expenses

The sales and marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of the Company amounted to R$ 23.436,7 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 23.969,4 million in the same period in 2022, representing a decrease of 2,2% year on year. The analysis of the sales and marketing, distribution and administrative expenses for each of the business units is as follows.

 

Operations in Brazil

 

The sales and marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of the Company’s operations in Brazil amounted to R$ 14.468,8 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 13.522,0 million in the same period in 2022, representing an increase of 7,0% year on year.

 

Beer Operations in Brazil

 

The sales and marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of the beer operations in Brazil amounted to R$ 12.247,3 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 11.514,2 million in the same period in 2022, representing an increase of 6,4% year on year, primarily due to higher investments in our brands, which was partially offset by lower distribution and administrative expenses.

 

NAB Operations in Brazil

 

The sales and marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of the NAB operations in Brazil amounted to R$ 2.221,5 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 2.008,0 million in the same period in 2022, representing an increase of 10,6% year on year, primarily due to higher investments in our brands and general inflation impacts in logistics and administrative expenses.

 

Operations in CAC

 

The sales and marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of the Company’s operations in CAC amounted to R$ 1.931,2 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 1.999,9 million in the same period in 2022, representing a decrease of 3,4% year on year, mainly due to lower logistics expenses, being partially offset by higher investments in our brands and general inflation impacting administrative expenses.

 

Operations in LAS

 

 

The sales and marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of the Company’s operations in LAS amounted to R$ 3.463,8 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 4.421,4 million in the same period in 2022, representing a decrease of 21,7% year on year, driven mainly by the substantial devaluation of the Argentine peso (ARS) in 2023, which lost more than 350% of its value compared to the previous year. This sharp drop in the peso’s value had a larger impact than the inflation experienced in Argentina throughout 2023, leading to significant decreases in sales, marketing, distribution and administrative expenses.

 

Operations in Canada

 

The sales and marketing, distribution and administrative expenses of the Company’s operations in Canada amounted to R$ 3.573,0 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 4.026,1 million in the same period in 2022, representing a decrease of 11,3% year on year, driven mainly by lower logistics expenses resulting from lower volumes and lower investments in our brands.

 

Other Operational Income (Expenses)

 

Other operating income decreased by 19,1% in year ended December 31, 2023, from R$ 2.513,9 million in the same period in 2022 to R$ 2.028,9 million. This result is mainly explained by substantial extraordinary tax credits recorded in 2022 with no comparable event in 2023.

 

Exceptional items

 

Recurring exceptional items expenses increased by 44,0% in year ended December 31, 2023, from R$ 143,3 million in the same period in 2022 to R$ 206,4 million. Similar to 2022, the expenses recorded in 2023 were mainly due to restructuring expenses primarily linked to centralization and restructuring projects in Brazil, LAS and CAC, as legal fees in connection with litigation related to warrants issued by Cervejaria Brahma in 2003. Several lawsuits were filed challenging the criteria used in calculating the exercise price of such warrants. In 2023, as successors of Cervejaria Brahma, we obtained some definitive favorable decisions on the matter, which was already classified as a remote loss.

 

Operating Income

 

The operating income increased by 6,5% in year ended December 31, 2023, amounting R$ 18.831,1 million in relation to R$ 17.687,9 million in the same period in 2022.

 

Net Financial Result

 

The net financial result of the Company increased by 5,5% in year ended December 31, 2023, reaching R$ 3.609,8 million from an expense of R$ 3.423,2 million in the same period in 2022. This result is mainly explained by higher foreign exchange variation costs and lower benefit arising from the Hyperinflationary Accounting standard in Argentina, being partially offset by lower hedging carry cost related to the foreign exchange exposure in Argentina due to lower hedging position throughout 2023 when compared to 2022.

 

The total debt of the Company, including current (interest-bearing loans) and non-current debt, decreased to R$ 269,6 million in year ended December 31, 2023, while our amount of cash, cash equivalents and current financial investments, net of bank overdraft, increased to R$ 1.029,6 million in the period.

 

Income tax and social contribution

 

The consolidated income tax and social contribution expenses of the Company totaled R$ 75,5 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a credit of R$ (655,6) million in 2022. The effective income tax and social contribution rate in 2023 was 0,5%, compared to an effective tax rate of (4,6%) in 2022. Such increase in our effective tax rate in 2023 was primarily due to an increase in taxation of foreign subsidiaries (TBU) and withholding income tax, coupled with the tax effect of lower payment of interest on net equity in 2023.

 

 

Net Profit

 

The net profit obtained by the Company in year ended December 31, 2023 was R$ 14.960,5 million, representing an increase of 0,5%, if compared to R$ 14.891,3 million earned in the same period in 2022.

 

CASH FLOW

 

Cash Flow for Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared with 2022

 

   
  2023 2022 Variation
Cash flow     2023/2022
Cash flow from operating activities 24.711,4 20.642,2 19,7%
Cash flow from investing activities (5.766,0) (5.004,1) 15,2%
Cash flow from financing activities (16.115,2) (16.337,9) (1,4)%
Total 2.830,2 (699,9) 504,4%

 

Operating Activities

 

The cash flow from the Company’s operating activities increased by 19.7%, reaching R$ 24.711,4 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 20.642,2 million in the same period in 2022, as a result of better management of net working capital. Cash flow from operating activities before working capital and provisions increased by 8,6%, bringing additional R$ 2.069,5 million, reflecting gains in operating results, and more efficient management of net working capital, contributed to a gain of R$ 2.387,7 million compared to the previous year, driven mainly by lower inventory levels.

 

Investing Activities

 

The cash flow from the Company’s investing activities increased by 15,2%, reaching R$ 5.766,0 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 5.004,1 million in the same period in 2022, mainly explained by lower net proceeds of debt securities (R$1.276,5 million less in 2023), being partially offset by lower acquisition of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets (R$ 529,0 million).

 

Financing Activities

 

The cash flow from the Company’s financing activities decreased by 1,4%, to R$ 16.115,2 million in year ended December 31, 2023, compared to R$ 16.337,9 million in the same period in 2022, mainly driven by higher capital distribution partially offset by lower payments from borrowings.

 

2.2 – The Management should comment on:

(a)       Results of the issuer’s operations, in particular:

 

 

(i) Description of any material income components

 

In fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the revenues of the Company and its subsidiaries primarily consisted of the sale of beers, RTDs and non-alcoholic beverages through the operations described in Item 2.1 above. To a lesser extent, the Company also generates revenues from the sale of malt and by-products deriving from its operations, as well as the sale of non-Ambev products on the BEES Marketplace in some regions.

 

The demand for its products is primarily related to consumer disposable income, price and weather conditions in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate.

 

(ii) Factors that materially affect operating income

 

Focused on improving the operational and financial performance of our business, we have evolved every year, delivering continuous and consistent improvements in our results through the execution of our strategy of (i) leading and expanding the category; (ii) digitalizing and monetizing our ecosystem; and (iii) optimizing our business.

The year 2023 illustrates this dynamic well: (i) the beer industry grew in Brazil (our largest market), reaching its highest historical level, and we continue to lead it through the development of our premium, core plus and core brands; (ii) our digital platforms continued to expand across our core business units; and, finally, (iii) our costs and expenses grew below inflation thanks to the execution of our foreign exchange and commodity hedging policy, as well as greater efficiency in relation to distribution and administrative expenses. As a result, we delivered an organic growth in consolidated adjusted EBITDA of 42,6% (ahead of 2022 growth), with expansion of gross margins and adjusted EBITDA (+240bp and +430bp, respectively).

We sustained the change in sales volume high built in the last three years (with a decrease of 1,1% after the record high reached in 2022), maintained our commercial momentum in Brazil and recovered our performance in Central America and the Caribbean. For the second year in a row, we were the most awarded Brazilian company at the Cannes Festival of Creativity and the winners of the category “Advertiser of the Year” at the Effie Brazil Awards, adding trophies for all our beverage categories – Brahma, Budweiser, Stella Artois and Quilmes for beer, Guaraná Antarctica for non-alcoholics and Mike’s for beyond beer – in addition to Zé Delivery.

In Brazil, premium and super premium brands delivered a growth of approximately 25% for the year, led by Corona, Spaten and Original, with progress in brand health indicators and market share gains, according to our estimates. Our innovations in beyond beer and within a health and wellness trend, such as Budweiser Zero and Stella Pure Gold, also performed positively for the year.

We continued to expand the use of our B2B (Business-to-Business) platform, BEES, by our customers, evolving our level of service (NPS - Net Promoter Score) to record highs throughout the year (+13% vs. 2022). We reached the milestone of 85% of BEES customers also buying non-Ambev products on the BEES Marketplace, which reached Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of R$ 1,8 billion, 38% higher than the previous year.

On the other hand, our DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) platform, Zé Delivery, also continued its expansion, gaining awareness and increasing its coverage to more than 700 cities, where about 70% of the Brazilian population lives. The platform reached 5,7 million Monthly Active Users (MAU), adding up to more than 60 million orders in 2023 and with GMV growing 8% vs. 2022.

 

In the non-alcoholic beverage business, our volume grew 3,6% for the year, reaching a record high, highlighted by the performance of isotonic (Gatorade) and energy drinks, as well as our diet-light-zero brands – in particular, Pepsi Black, Guaraná Antarctica Zero and H2OH!. As a result of our focus on reducing the sugar content in our portfolio, we delivered a reduction of more than 17% compared to 2022 and approximately 25% compared to 2021.

In our international operations, we continue to face challenges, although we have improved, compared to 2022 results, in most of our business units. In Latin America South, volume decreased 5,5% mainly due to the impacts of high inflationary pressures on overall consumer demand in Argentina. Despite an unfavorable macro scenario, we maintained our beer market share stable in the country, according to our estimates. In addition, our strategy focused on generating cash flow in U.S. dollars, with the reduction of hedging levels and exposure to costs and expenses linked to the U.S. dollar, made us better prepared to navigate the depreciation of the Argentine peso that occurred in the second half of the year, particularly in December. In addition, our operations in Paraguay and Bolivia delivered positive volume performances for the year, led, in Paraguay, by a high-single-digit growth in the premium and core plus segments, and, in Bolivia, by the performance of the brand Paceña. In Chile, our premium and core plus brands gained weight in 2023, driven by Corona and Quilmes, respectively.

In Central America and the Caribbean, we delivered volume growth (+3.3%) and adjusted EBITDA (+22.0%) for the year (in organic terms), with expansion of gross margins and adjusted EBITDA (+150bp and +350bp, respectively). The region’s performance was led by the Dominican Republic, where the improvement in the macroeconomic scenario, coupled with the consistent execution of our commercial plan, resulted in volume growth in the premium and core segments, mainly driven by Corona and the Presidente family brands, respectively.

Finally, in Canada, we delivered an organic growth in adjusted EBITDA of 2,7% despite a volume decrease of 6,4%, primarily due to the decline in the beer industry. On the commercial side, our premium and core plus brands grew a low-single-digit, led by Corona and the Michelob Ultra family, and the health of these brands also evolved year on year. In addition, our B2B platform has continued to expand in the country, and is now present in the provinces of Newfoundland, Quebec and Saskatchewan, bringing convenience to our customers and fostering the increase of our NPS in these regions.

 

(b) Relevant income variations ascribed to the introduction of new products and services, and changes in volumes, prices, foreign exchange rates and inflation.

 

Net Revenue – Year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 2022

 

Net revenue remained relatively stable for year ended December 31, 2023, to R$ 79.736,9 million in relation to R$ 79.708,8 million in the same period in 2022, as a consequence of a decrease of 1,1% in sales volume, partially offset by an increase of 1,2% in net revenue per hectoliter, with increases in Brazil and CAC offsetting decreases in Latin America South and Canada, according to the tables below.

 

 

Net revenue

 

 

Year ended December 31
  2023 2022 % Variation
  In million Reais, except for percentages
Brazil       46.361,7 58,1% 42.635,7 53,5% 8,7%
Beer Brazil       38.985,9 48,9% 35.857,8 45,0% 8,7%
NAB         7.375,8 9,3% 6.777,9 8,5% 8,8%
CAC       10.044,8 12,6% 9.440,3 11,8% 6,4%
LAS       13.797,2 17,3% 17.371,2 21,8% -20,6%
Canada         9.533,2 12,0% 10.261,7 12,9% -7,1%
Company Consolidated       79.736,9 100,0% 79.708,8 100,0% 0,0%

 

 

  Sales Volume
  Year ended December 31
  2023 2022 % Variation
  In thousands of hectoliters, except for percentages
Brazil     126.419,7 68,8%     126.184,4 67,9% 0,2%
  Beer Brazil       93.111,6 50,7%       94.042,6 50,6% -1,0%
  NAB       33.308,1 18,1%       32.141,8 17,3% 3,6%
CAC       12.174,6 6,6%       11.786,3 6,3% 3,3%
LAS       36.039,6 19,6%       38.134,0 20,5% -5,5%
Canada         9.025,2 4,9%         9.645,0 5,2% -6,4%
Company Consolidated     183.659,0 100,0%     185.749,7 100,0% -1,1%
             

 

 

  Net Revenue per Hectoliter
  Year ended December 31
  2023 2022 % Variation
  (in Reais, except for percentages)
Brazil            366,7               337,9 8,5%
Beer Brazil            418,7               381,3 9,8%
NAB            221,4               210,9 5,0%
CAC            825,1               800,9 3,0%
LAS            382,8               455,5 -16,0%
Canada         1.056,3            1.063,9 -0,7%
Company Consolidated            434,2               429,1 1,2%

 

Operations in Brazil

 

The total net revenue generated from the Company’s operations in Brazil increased 8,7% in year ended December 31, 2023, amounting R$ 46.361,8 million compared to R$ 42.635,7 million in the same period in 2022.

 

Beer Operations in Brazil

 

The net revenue generated from the Company’s beer operations in Brazil increased 8,7% in year ended December 31, 2023, accumulating R$ 38.985,9 million compared to R$ 35.857,8 million in the same period in 2022. This variation is mainly due to a 9,8% increase in net revenue per hectoliter in 2023 reflecting the implementation of revenue management initiatives combined with improved brand mix, slightly offset by a 1,0% decrease in sales volume. After reaching historically high volumes in 2022, we continued to consistently execute our commercial strategy in 2023, which led to strong sales growth for our premium and super premium brands led by Corona, Spaten and Original, although total volumes sold were down as compared to the volumes sold in 2022, which were boosted by the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

 

NAB Operations in Brazil

 

 

The net revenue generated from the Company’s NAB operations in Brazil increased 8,8% in year ended December 31, 2023, reaching R$ 7.375,8 million compared to R$ 6.777,9 million in the same period in 2022. This variation is a consequence of a 3,6% increase in sales volume, coupled with a 5,0% increase in net revenue per hectoliter in 2023 (despite the increase in the ICMS tax base and adjustments to the channel mix). The growth in sales volume was driven by effective commercial strategies and product innovation, particularly within energy drink and health & wellness brands, which significantly outperformed in volumes. Market trends towards healthier options led to strong performance in diet/light/zero portfolio, notably with brands like Fusion and Gatorade, and were key contributors to the volume increase.

 

Operations in CAC

 

The net revenue generated from the Company’s CAC operations increased 6,4% in year ended December 31, 2023, accumulating R$ 10.044,8 million compared to R$ 9.440,3 million in the same period in 2022. The increase in net revenue in our CAC operations in 2023 was driven by strategic revenue management, a favorable mix towards premium and single-serve products, and a strong performance in the Dominican Republic. Enhanced focus on the main family of brands in the Dominican Republic (Presidente) and in the premium segment, including Corona, contributed significantly to the rise in volume and net revenue per hectoliter, underpinning our net revenue increase in the region.

 

Operations in LAS

The net revenue generated from the Company’s LAS operations decreased 20,6% in year ended December 31, 2023, amounting R$ 13.797,2 million compared to R$ 17.371,2 million in the same period in 2022. This variation is a consequence of a 5,5% decrease in sales volume coupled with a 16,0% decrease in net revenue per hectoliter in 2023 driven mainly by the accounting impact of the Argentine peso (ARS) devaluation in 2023, which devalued more than 350% in 2023 in comparison to the end of 2022, coupled with a challenging economic and consumer scenario in Argentina considering inflation pressures on consumers disposable income.

 

Operations in Canada

 

The net revenue generated from the Company’s operations in Canada decreased 7,1% in year ended December 31, 2023, reaching R$ 9.533,2 million compared to R$ 10.261,7 million in the same period in 2022. This variation is a consequence of a 6,4% decrease in volume sold, coupled with a 0,7% decrease in net revenue per hectoliter in 2023. Volume decreased within the context of a weak industry both in beer and beyond beer segments, while net revenue per hectoliter performance mainly driven by revenue management initiatives was affected by currency translation effects.

 

(c) Relevant impacts of inflation, price variations of main inputs and products, foreign exchange and interest rates on the issuer’s operating and financial income.

 

In 2023, our cost of product sold was negatively impacted by the prices of some commodities, mainly agricultural and metal commodities that were hedged in US dollars at values higher than those of the previous year, impacting the cost of products sold of our operations both in the Brazil and abroad. In our international operations, in general, the cost conversion into Real resulted in a positive impact, due to the appreciation of Real against the local currencies in each operation. Also, in LAS, the inflationary pressures intensified, mainly in Argentina.

 

2.3 – The Management should comment on:

 

(a)       Changes in accounting practices that have resulted in significant effects on the information provided for in items 2.1 and 2.2

No changes in the Company’s accounting practices, which have resulted in significant effects on the information provided for in items 2.1 and 2.2 in the last fiscal year, were recorded.

(b)       Modified opinions and emphases present in the auditor’s report

The independent auditors’ report on the Company’s financial statements for the last fiscal year was issued without modified opinions and emphases.

2.4 – The Management should comment on the relevant effects that the events below have caused or are expected to cause on the issuer’s financial statements and on its results:

 

(a) Introduction or divestment of operating segment

 

There was no introduction or divestment of any operating segment of the Company that is characterized as a divestment or introduction of a cash-generating unit in fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

(b) Organization, acquisition or disposal of equity interest

 

There was no event of organization, acquisition or disposal of equity in fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

(c) Unusual events or transactions

 

Notice from ELJ to exercise the put option under the Tenedora’s Shareholders’ Agreement

 

The Company and E. León Jimenes, S.A. (“ELJ”), as shareholders of Tenedora CND, S.A. (“Tenedora”) - holding company with principal place of business in the Dominican Republic, owner of almost all of Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, S.A. - entered into, on July 2, 2020, the second amendment to Tenedora’s Shareholders’ Agreement (“Shareholders’ Agreement”) to extend their partnership in the country, postponing, therefore, the period for exercising the call and put options set forth in the aforementioned Shareholders’ Agreement. On December 2023, ELJ owned 15% of the shares of Tenedora and its put option was divided into two tranches: (i) Tranche A, corresponding to 12,11% of the shares, which was exercised on January 31, 2024, as formalized in the Shareholders’ Agreement and ratified by the notice received from ELJ in October 2023; and (ii) Tranche B, corresponding to 2,89% of the shares, exercisable from 2026. The Company, in turn, has a call option relating to Tranche B shares, exercisable from 2029. The relevant information about the exercise of the put option by ELJ is presented in note 32 – Subsequent Events.

 

New Corona Distribution Agreement in Canada

In December 2023, the Company renegotiated the licensing agreement with Trademarks Grupo Modelo, S. de R.L. de C.V., subsidiary of AB InBev, to produce, bottle, sale and distribute products of Corona brand in Canada. In return for the rights acquired, for a period of 100 years, automatically renewable for another 100 years, Labatt Brewing Company Limited, subsidiary of the Company in Canada, will make a single payment to the licensor in the amount of R$ 869 million. The amount relating to the acquired right was recognized in 2023 as a business asset in intangible assets.

Tax Credits – 2022 and 2023

 

After the decision of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (“STF”) in the judgment of RE 574.706/PR, rendered in 2017 and ratified in May 2021, which declared the unconstitutionality of the inclusion of the ICMS in the taxable base of PIS and COFINS, in September 2021, the General Attorney’s Office (“PGFN”) published the PGFN Opinion 14.483/2021, which presented its understanding of the procedures that must be observed by the Tax Administration in relation to the matter, especially with regard to the impacts of said exclusion on PIS and COFINS credits recorded by the purchasers upon entry transactions. Due to these events, in 2022, the Company completed analyzes that allowed the accounting recognition of R$1,2 billion, in the same period, as tax credits arising from the exclusion of ICMS from the taxable base of PIS and COFINS in transactions with subsidiaries.

In addition, on December 13, 2023, the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (“STJ”) completed the judgement of the Theme 1.125, confirming the understanding that the ICMS collected under the tax replacement system must also be excluded from the taxable base of PIS and COFINS of the replaced taxpayers. The appellate decision is still pending publication. With regard to this theme, in the period from 2017 to 2023, the Company and its controlled companies recognized tax credits in the amount of R$ 1,4 billion, with approximately R$ 407,1 million being recognized extemporaneously in fiscal year 2023 (R$ 218 million were recorded in other operating revenues and R$ 189,1 million in financial results).

Share buyback program

The Board of Directors, in a meeting held on May 18, 2023, approved, pursuant to article 30, 1st Paragraph, “b”, of Law 6,404/76 and Resolution of the Brazilian Securities Commission (“CVM”) No. 77/22, a share buyback program of shares issued by the Company itself (“Program”) up to the limit of 13.000.000 common shares, with the primary purpose of covering any share delivery requirements contemplated in the Company’s share-based compensation plans, or to be held in treasury, canceled and/or subsequently transferred. The program must end by November 18, 2024, as detailed together with other information about it in the Notice on Trading of Own Shares, prepared in accordance with Schedule G to CVM Resolution No. 80/22 and disclosed on May 18, 2023. On the date of said approval, the Company had 4.393.610.429 outstanding shares, as defined in CVM Resolution No. 77/22. The acquisition occurred as per a deduction of the capital reserve account recorded in the balance sheet drawn up on March 31, 2023. The transaction is carried out through UBS Brasil Corretora de Câmbio, Títulos e Valores Mobiliários S.A.

2.5 - If the issuer has disclosed, during the last fiscal year, or wishes to disclose non-accounting measurements on this form, such as EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) or EBIT (earnings before interest and income tax), the issuer must:

(a)       Inform the value of non-accounting measurements

The Company uses performance indicators such as adjusted income of the consolidated operation before financial results and income taxes (adjusted Operating Income) and adjusted income of the consolidated operation before financial results, income taxes and depreciation and amortization expenses (Adjusted EBITDA).

(in millions of reais) 12/31/2023
Operating Income 18.831,1
 

 

Adjusted Operating Income 19.037,5
Adjusted Operating Income Margin 23,9%
EBITDA 25.063,6
Adjusted EBITDA 25.455,4
Adjusted EBITDA margin 31,9%

 

Operating Income, adjusted Operating Income and adjusted Operating Income Margin

Operating Income is calculated by excluding from the net income for the year the following effects: (i) non-controlling interest, (ii) income tax expenses, (iii) profit sharing of affiliates and subsidiaries, and (iv) net financial results.

The adjusted Operating Income is an accounting measurement that corresponds to Operating Income minus exceptional items and participation in joint ventures results. The exceptional items are composed of: (a) restructuring; (b) effects of applying IAS 29/CPC 42; (c) non-recurring expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and (d) investments write-off (“Exceptional Items”).

The adjusted Operating Income Margin, in turn, is calculated by dividing the adjusted Operating Income by the net revenue.

Operating Income and adjusted Operating Income are not measures of income in accordance with the accounting practices adopted in Brazil and do not represent cash flows for the periods presented, and, therefore, are not alternative measures to results or cash flows. Operating Income and adjusted Operating Income represent performance measures for management purposes and for comparison with similar companies and correspond to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (see below), including depreciation, amortization and depletion. The Company cannot guarantee that other companies, including closely-held companies, will adopt the same meaning for such measurements.

EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA Margin

EBITDA is a non-accounting measurement calculated by excluding from the net income for the year the following effects: (i) non-controlling interest, (ii) income tax expenses, (iii) profit sharing of affiliates and subsidiaries, (iv) net financial results, and (v) depreciation and amortization expenses. That is, it is the Operating Income, excluding the effects of depreciation and amortization expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA, on the other hand, corresponds to EBITDA minus exceptional items and participation in the results of joint ventures. The exceptional items are composed of: (a) restructuring; (b) effects of applying IAS 29/CPC 42; (c) non-recurring expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and (d) investments write-off (“Exceptional Items”).

Adjusted EBITDA Margin, in turn, is calculated by dividing the adjusted EBITDA by the net revenue.

EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA Margin are not measures of income in accordance with the accounting practices adopted in Brazil and do not represent cash flows for the periods presented, and, therefore, are not alternative measures to results or cash flows. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure for management purposes and for comparison with similar companies.

 

Although EBITDA may have a standard meaning, according to article 3, item I, of CVM Resolution No. 156/22, the Company cannot guarantee that other companies, including closely-held companies, will adopt this standard meaning and/or that they will adopt the Company’s standard. Accordingly, the Adjusted EBITDA disclosed by the Company may not be comparable to the EBITDA disclosed by other companies.

We classified EBITDA as adjusted, considering that accounting standards do not cover certain exclusions promoted by the Company, for a better understanding and reflection of the Company’s operating cash generation, considering its operation market. The Company understands that adjusted EBITDA offers a better perception of the operating results and a clearer view of the Company for investors and third parties.

(b)       Make reconciliations between the amounts disclosed and the amounts in the audited financial statements

Reconciliation of Operating Income, adjusted Operating Income and adjusted Operating Income Margin

(Description of the Account in millions of Reais) Year ended
  12/31/2023
Net income – Ambev 14.501,9
Non-controlling interest 458,5
Income tax and social contribution expenses 75,5
Income before taxes 15.035,9
Profit sharing of joint ventures 185,4
Net financial results 3.609,8
Operating Income 18.831,1
Exceptional items 206,4
Adjusted Operating Income 19.037,5
Net revenue 79.736,9
Adjusted Operating Income Margin 23,9%

 

EBITDA Reconciliation, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA Margin

(Description of the Account in millions of Reais) Year ended:
  12/31/2023  
Net income – Ambev 14.501,9  
Non-controlling interest  458,5  
Income tax and social contribution expenses  75,5  
Income before taxes  15.035,9  
Participation in the results of joint ventures  185,4  
Net financial results  3.609,8  
Exceptional items  206,4  
Depreciation, Amortization – total* 6.417,9  
 

 

Adjusted EBITDA  25.455,4
Exceptional items without investments write-off  (206,4)
Participation in the results of joint ventures  (185,4)
EBITDA 25.063,6
Net revenue 79.736,9
Adjusted EBITDA Margin 31,9%

*considering investments write-off

Exceptional items Year ended:
Description of the Account (in millions of reais) 12/31/2023
Restructuring(i) (109,4)
Effect of applying IAS 29/CPC 42 (hyperinflation) (2,3)
Fees(ii) (94,7)
TOTAL (206,4)

 

(i) Restructuring expenses relate primarily to centralization and sizing projects in Latin America - South, CAC and Brazil.

(ii) legal fees in connection with litigation related to warrants issued by Cervejaria Brahma in 2003. Several lawsuits were filed challenging the criteria used in calculating the exercise price of such warrants. In 2023, as successors of Cervejaria Brahma, we obtained definitive favorable decisions on the matter, which was already classified as a remote loss.

 

(c)       Explain the reason why it is understood that such measurement is more appropriate for the correct understanding of the financial condition and results of the Company’s operations

The Company’s Management uses performance indicators, such as adjusted income of the consolidated operation before financial results and income taxes (Operating Income) and adjusted income of the consolidated operation before financial results, income taxes and depreciation and amortization expenses (adjusted EBITDA), as segment performance metrics to make decisions about fund allocation and performance analysis of the consolidated operation.

Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted Operating Income are not measures in accordance with the Brazilian Accounting Principles, US GAAP or IFRS and do not represent cash flows for the periods presented, nor should they be considered as substitutes for loss or net income as an indicator of our operating performance or as a substitute for cash flow as an indicator of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted Operating Income have limitations that may impair their use as a measure of profitability, as they do not consider certain costs arising from our business that could significantly affect our profits, such as financial expenses, taxes, depreciation, capital expenditures and other related charges.

It should also be noted that adjusted EBITDA is used as a performance measure by the Management, which is why the Company understands that its inclusion in this Exhibit is important. The Company’s Management believes that adjusted EBITDA is a practical measure to assess its operating performance and allow comparison with other companies in the same segment, even though other companies may calculate it differently.

The Company understands that EBITDA is a supplementary indicator in the evaluation of its operating performance. In addition, the Company believes that EBITDA gives investors a better understanding of its ability to perform its obligations and its ability to obtain new financing for its investments and working capital.

 

Finally, it is emphasized that the adjusted measures are additional measures used by the Management and should not replace measures calculated in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance.

2.6 - Identify and comment on any events subsequent to the last financial statements for the closing of the fiscal year that change them substantially

PUT CND Exercise

As disclosed in note 1 - General Information, on January 31, 2024, ELJ exercised its option to sell to the Company a 12,11% stake in Tenedora’s shares, corresponding to Tranche A, in accordance with the provisions of the Shareholders’ Agreement. The instrument was settled through: (i) a cash disbursement by the Company in the amount of R$ 1.704 million, and (ii) offset of ELJ’s debt held by the Group in the amount of R$ 335 million. As a result of this transaction, the Group now hold a 97,11% stake in Tenedora, with the remaining 2,89% held by ELJ, corresponding to Tranche B, as disclosed in note 29 - Financial Instruments and Risks.

 

IPI Excise Tax Suspension

As disclosed in note 17 - Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, on December 31, 2023, the Company awaited to be served of the appellate decision rendered by the Superior Chamber of Tax Appeals (CSRF), which partially granted the Special Appeal filed by Ambev regarding the suspension of IPI. In January 2024, the Company was served with the decision, resulting in a 98% reduction of the assessed amount, equivalent to approximately R$ 916 million. Regarding the remaining portion of the debt, the Company will pursue legal action seeking its full cancellation.

Presumed Profit - Arosuco

In February 2024, CARF issued a unanimous favorable decision in the administrative process discussing Arosuco’s (a subsidiary of Ambev) use of the presumptive profit method for calculating IRPJ and CSLL instead of actual profit. The amount classified as a possible contingency for the process was R$ 633,4 million on December 31, 2023 (R$ 581,5 million on December 31, 2022). The Company is currently awaiting the formalization and service of the appellate decision to assess, together with its external advisors, any potential impacts on the contingency risk classification and take any necessary measures.

Exploitation profit

In February 2024, CARF rendered a partially favorable, unanimous decision in the administrative process discussing the disallowance of the Income Tax reduction benefit, provided by Provisional Measure No. 2,199-14/2001, which benefited Arosuco, subsidiary of the Company dedicated to the production of concentrates, located in the Manaus Free Trade Zone, during the years 2015 to 2018. The decision partially granting the appeal filed by Arosuco recognized the full enjoyment of the tax incentive, maintaining only a portion of the assessment related to the difference in calculation methodology between the tax authorities and the taxpayer. The portion related to the tax incentive amounts to approximately R$ 2.6 billion and the portion related to the calculation difference amounts to approximately R$ 0,02 billion. The Company is currently awaiting the formalization and service of the appellate decision to assess, together with its external advisors, any impacts of the judgment on the contingency risk classification, as well as to take any necessary measures.

 

2.7 – The Management should comment on the allocation of social results, indicating:

  2023
(a) Rules on retained earnings According to the Brazilian Corporations Law, any accrued losses and the provision for income tax will be deducted from the income for the year, before any participation. Thus, the Company’s Bylaws and its Profit Allocation Policy provide that from the ascertained balance will be successively calculated: (i) the statutory participation of the Company’s employees up to the maximum limit of 10%, to be distributed according to parameters to be established by the Board of Directors; and (ii) the statutory participation of managers, up to the maximum legal limit. Immediately thereafter, on this amount, a contribution may also be calculated, up to a limit of 10%, to meet the charges of the assistance foundation for employees and managers of the Company and its controlled companies, with due regard for the rules established by the Board of Directors in this regard. Five percent (5%) of net income for the year, obtained after the aforementioned deductions, will be allocated to establish a legal reserve, which may not exceed 20% of the paid-in share capital or the limit provided for in § 1 of art. 193 of Law No. 6,404/76. In addition, the Company’s Bylaws and its Profit Allocation Policy establish that an amount not exceeding 60% of the adjusted annual net income is allocated to the investment reserve, with the purpose of financing the expansion of the activities of the Company and controlled companies, including through the subscription of capital increases or the creation of new ventures, which may not exceed 80% of the paid-up share capital (once this limit is reached, the General Meeting will decide on the balance, proceeding with its distribution to the shareholders or an increase in share capital).
a.i. Amounts of Profit Retention (1) R$ 6.282.940.015,64
a.ii. Percentual with respect to all declared profits 35,33%
(b) Rules on distribution of dividends The Company’s Bylaws and its Profit Allocation Policy establish that at least 40% of net income adjusted pursuant to art. 202 of Law No. 6,404/76 is annually distributed to the shareholders as a mandatory dividend.
(c) Frequency of the distributions of dividends The Company distributes dividends on an annual basis. In addition, at any time, the Board of Directors may decide on the distribution of interim dividends and/or interest on net equity, to the account of retained earnings or existing earnings reserves in the last annual or biannual balance sheet.
(d) Possible restrictions on the distribution of dividends imposed by legislation or by special regulations applicable to the Company, by agreements, judicial, administrative or arbitration decisions Except for the provisions of the Brazilian Corporations Law, there are no restrictions on the distribution of dividends by the Company.
(e) If the issuer has a formally approved profit allocation policy, informing the body responsible for approval, date of approval and, if the issuer discloses the policy, locations on the World Wide Web where the document can be accessed. The Company has a Profit Allocation Policy that was approved by the Board of Directors on September 19, 2018, and can be found at the following electronic address: ri.ambev.com.br, in section “Corporate Governance”, “Policies, Codes and Regulations”, “Profit Allocation Policy”.

(1) Including values relating to (i) reversion of effects of the revaluation of fixed assets in the amount of R$ 11.823.167,53; and (ii) effect of application of IAS 29/CPC 42 (hyperinflation) in the amount of R$ 3.269.378.000,00, as detailed in Exhibit A.II to the Management Proposal.

 

2.8 – The Management should describe the material items not reflected in the issuer’s financial statements, indicating:

 

(a) The assets and liabilities directly or indirectly held by the issuer and not reflected in its balance sheet (off-balance sheet items), such as:

 

(i)               Written-off receivables portfolios on which the entity has not substantially retained or transferred the risks and benefits of ownership of the transferred asset, indicating related liabilities

(ii)       Agreements for future purchase and sale of products or services

(iii)       Unfinished construction agreements

(iv)       Agreements for future financing receipts

 

Not applicable, since there is no material item not reflected in Company’s accounting statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

(b) Other items not reflected in the financial statements

Not applicable, since there is no material item not reflected in Company’s accounting statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

2.9. In relation to each of the items not reflected in the financial statements indicated in item 2.8, the management should comment on:

 

(a) How do those items change or may change the revenues, expenses, operating income, financial expenses and other items in the financial statements of the issuer

 

As mentioned in item 2.8 above, there are no items that were not reflected in the accounting statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

(b) Nature and purpose of the transaction

 

As mentioned in item 2.8 above, there are no items that have not been reflected in the accounting statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

(c) Nature and amount of the obligations assumed and rights generated to the benefit of the Company as a result of the transaction

 

As mentioned in item 2.8 above, there are no items that have not been reflected in the accounting statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

2.10 – The Management should indicate and comment on the main elements of the issuer’s business plan, specifically exploring the following topics:

(a)       Investments, including:

(i) quantitative and qualitative description of existing and anticipated investments

 

 

In 2023, the investment in consolidated property, plant and equipment and intangible assets amounted to R$ 6.004,1 million, consisting in R$ 3.365,5 million for our business segment in Brazil, R$593,4 million for our business segment in CAC, R$ 782,2 million related to investments in our operations in LAS and R$ 1.263 million related to investments in Canada.

 

These investments included, mainly, the expansion of the productive capacity, quality control, automation, modernization and replacement of the packaging lines, storage for direct distribution, coolers, and investment for the replacement of bottles and crates, market assets of former players as well as continued investment in information technology.

 

In 2023, we plan to invest with the purpose of increasing value generation through greater return on our invested capital, keep focusing on technology and supporting are operations for continuous improvement of our level of service.

 

(ii) sources of financing for investments

 

The Company has resources from its operating cash flow generation and credit facilities extended by financial institutions in Brazil and other countries as sources of financing for its investments.

 

(iii) relevant divestments in progress and anticipated

 

There are no significant divestments foreseen on the date of this Exhibit.

 

(b)       Provided that it has already been disclosed, indicate the acquisition of plants, equipment, patents and other assets that should significantly affect the production capacity of the issuer

There has been no disclosure of acquisition of plants, equipment, patents or other assets, other than those already described in item 2.10 (a) above that may significantly affect the production capacity of the Company.

 

(c)       New products and services, indicating:

 

(i) description of the research in progress already disclosed,

 

(ii) total amounts spent by the issuer on research for the development of new products or services,

 

(iii) projects under development already disclosed, and

 

(iv) total amounts spent by the issuer on the development of new products or services.

 

Even though COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for our business during the most acute stages of the pandemic, it has also accelerated consumer trends in which we have been investing, particularly reinforcing the need for an innovative and consumer centric mindset and promoting the transformation of our business through technology. Innovation became one of the main pillars of our business and of our commercial strategy frontline; despite of a detailed review of our discretionary expenses in order to assure our liquidity, research and development are and continue to be seen as fundamental to enable continuous innovation to our consumers.

 

We maintain an innovation, research, and development center, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). This center (ZITEC – Centro de Tecnologia e Inovação) started its operations in the last months of 2017. One of the main characteristics of the development center is the prototypes lab, which enables the creation of complete prototypes, assisting in the creation process of new products. Another goal of the development center is to perform perception and behavioral consumer’s studies so to capture future trends. ZITEC enabled Ambev to reduce its innovation launch period from eight to four months.

 

In 2021, we continued to expand our diversity with the launch, in Brazil, of Michelob Ultra and Spaten, a pure malt beer, Munich Helles style. In 2022, one of our main innovations were Budweiser Zero, recognized as the best non-alcohol beer in the Brazilian market by O Estado de São Paulo newspaper, and Caipi Beats, new member of the Beats family, with a “caipirinha” flavor (a very popular Brazilian drink) made with cachaça. Regarding packaging innovation, we developed an exclusive technology named KEG 5L, which was awarded as “The Best Packaging Technology” in 2022 by ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Association), reinforcing our sustainability commitment.

 

In 2023, we launched a new version within our Beats line, the Beats Tropical, which has demonstrated strong results since its launch and continued as a popular choice during the 2024 Carnival holiday in Brazil. In the non-alcoholic category, we reformulated Guaraná Zero and launched the first non-alcoholic beer with added vitamin D in the world, Corona Sunbrew. We also introduced, in 2023, Stella Pure Gold, our low-calorie gluten-free beer, which performed strongly. Our investment in innovation, research and development contributed to our brands winning 140 medals in various beer competitions around the world, including gold medals for Brahma Duplo Malt at the World Beer Awards and Antarctica Original at the Brussels Beer Challenge competition.

 

The investment made in the development center in the last three years was of approximately R$ 91,8 million, including R$ 11,0 million in 2021, R$ 36,0 million in 2022 and R$ 44,8 million in 2023.

 

In 2023, in addition to new products and packaging, we continued to provide convenience and innovation to our clients and consumers through BEES, Zé Delivery and Ta Da, which are one of our main digital platforms. More than 92% of our active clients in Brazil purchased through BEES in 2023 and almost 79% of our clients were exclusively purchasing through the platform. Once again, the platform helped us to achieve a historic record of clients, including more than 15 thousand new clients to our year base, not to mention the best NPS of all times. At BEES Marketplace we currently offer more than 650 SKUs in different categories such as food products, nonalcoholic beverages and hard liquor. The number of clients purchasing in the marketplace was equal to approximately 85% of BEES’ clients on December 31, 2023. Zé Delivery also continued to grow in 2023, being present in over 700 cities and in all 27 Brazilian states, reaching approximately 70% of the country’s total population. Zé Delivery delivered more than 60 million orders in the year and had almost 6 million monthly active users on December 31, 2023.

 

At LAS, our digital transformation journey is also evolving with the implementation of BEES. In Argentina, more than 75% of the B2B buyers are purchasing through BEES and more than 90% of the net revenue of the country comes from the platform. The number of clients purchasing in the marketplace corresponded to more than 50% of the BEES clients on December 31, 2023. In Paraguay, 82% of the direct and indirect B2B sales are made through BEES, with total digital buyers representing 70% of the total number of clients. In Bolivia, 47% of the direct and indirect B2B sales are made through BEES, with total digital buyers representing 42% of the total number of clients in year ended December 31, 2023. At LAS, Ta Da in Argentina, result of the merger of App Bar with and into the Direct-to-Consumer platforms called Siempre en Casa and Craft Society, continued to grow in 2023. The Platform is present in 49 cities, with over 1 million orders, increasing 6% in 2023 compared to 2022 and monthly active users decreasing 11% compared to 2022. In Paraguay, Ta Da is present in 28 cities, covering almost 50% of the population, with the number of orders increasing 65% in 2023 compared to 2022 and monthly active users increasing 40% in 2023 compared to 2022.

 

 

At CAC, the Dominican Republic continues leading the BEES platform expansion, actively sharing know-how and best practices with other operations. The country reached a full digital operation status, with 89% of the B2B clients purchasing through the platform and more than 97% of the net revenue of the country coming from BEES. We are also exploring the BEES Marketplace in the country, with 15 different categories available and 300 SKUs for our clients. In Panama, we also continue to implement BEES, with more than 100% of the country’s net revenue in 2023 deriving from the platform. At CAC, Ta Da in Dominican Republic continued its expansion in 2023, with the number of orders increasing 84% in 2023 compared to 2022 and monthly active users increasing 89% year-on-year since 2022.

 

(d)       Opportunities included in the issuer’s business plan related to ESG issues

Since the creation of Ambev, sustainability has been part of our business strategy.

As business opportunities related to ESG issues we have:

(i) investments in renewable energies as a way of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, while providing a more diversified portfolio of energy sources and greater guarantee of availability of supply to meet the Company’s operations;

 

(ii) offer of renewable electricity to points of sale as a way to offer means of mitigating CO2 emissions, while offering savings to owners of partner bars and restaurants through a partnership with Lemon Energy and other companies;

 

(iii) commitments with partners in our supply chain, accelerating their decarbonization (Connecting for a Better World), entering into agreements to reduce our Scope 3 emissions, sharing best practices, training and advisory. In Brazil, more than 200 companies, representing 70% of the Company’s emissions in that country, in addition to the implementation in Brazil and Argentina of the global platform Eclipse, which in addition to offering more personalized and in-depth monitoring with each company, also includes contractual clauses relating to sustainability (ESG matters);

 

(iv) acquisition of electric trucks, in partnership with partner carriers, with investments to advance conversion technology and encourage adoption in more Brazilian cities. Today there are already 258 trucks operating in Brazilian cities and also in Paraguay and Bolivia. In addition to the environmental gains, with the reduction of atmospheric gas emissions, there are also gains for the health of the cities, differentiated traffic permits in some cities and avoided costs of fuel consumption;

 

(v) implementation of CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization) technologies, to capture CO2 from burning boilers in breweries, resulting in avoided acquisition of carbon dioxide, with consequent use within the production itself for gasification of products and occasional external sale;

 

(vi) increased availability and encouragement of returnable bottles in the portfolio, which have a lower carbon footprint due to greater packaging circularity, in addition to increasing customer loyalty and reducing the amount spent on the product purchased. The solution is offered at several points of sale, as well as offered by our sales platforms such as Zé Delivery, which also collect containers that will be reused in production;

 

(vii) support for the development and financial security of our partners, strengthening the production chain and avoiding supply disruptions, delays or non-payment at points of sale, and expansion of the supply and sales ecosystem through entrepreneurship platforms such as Bora;
 

(viii) incentive for the development and strengthening of the ecosystem of micro and small breweries that may use our platform to sell their products (Empório da Cerveja), share innovations, in addition to improving our reputation, which enhances the maintenance of the Company’s sales environment; and

 

(ix) improvement of the Company’s governance and transparency system, compared to companies in the same industry.

 

2.11 – Comment on other factors that significantly influenced operating performance and that have not been identified or commented on in the other items of this section

There are no other factors that significantly influenced operating performance and that have not been identified or commented on in the other items of this section.

 

 

EX-99.2 3 ex99-2.htm EX-99.2

EXHIBIT A.II – ALLOCATION OF NET PROFIT

(as exhibit A to CVM Resolution 81/22)

1. Net profit for the year

 

Net profit as per corporate law R$ 14.501.943.640,79
   

 

2. Overall value and value per share of the dividends, including interim dividends and interest on own capital (IOC) already declared

 

Overall value of dividends and IOC (gross)

R$ 11.500.204.792,68

 

Overall value of dividends and IOC (net) R$ 9.999.032.981,01
   
Overall value of dividends -
Overall value of IOC (gross) R$ 11.500.204.792,68
Overall value of IOC (net) R$ 9.999.032.981,01
   
Total (dividends + IOC)  
Amount per share (net)  
Common R$ 0,6207
   
Amount per share (gross)  
Common R$ 0,7302
   
Dividends  
Amount per share  
Common  
   
IOC  
Amount per share (gross)  
Common R$ 0,6207
   
Amount per share (net)  
Common R$ 0,7302
 
 

3. Percentage of net profit distributed for the fiscal year

 

Percentage of net profit distributed for the fiscal year 79,30%
Net percentage of net profit distributed 68,95%

 

 

4. Overall value and value per share of dividends distributed based on profits from previous fiscal years
In 2023, dividends based on the profit of previous years were not distributed.

 

5. State, having deducted the advance dividends and interest on own capital already declared

a)          The gross value of the dividends and interest on own capital, declared separately, for shares of each type and class.

Not applicable given that the meeting of shareholders will merely ratify the amounts already advanced and declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, informed in item 2 above.

b)          The manner and period for the payment of dividends and interest on own capital.

Not applicable given that the meeting of shareholders will merely ratify the amounts already advanced and declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, informed in item 2 above.

c)           Possible restatement and interest falling due on dividends and interest on own capital.

Not applicable given that the meeting of shareholders will merely ratify the amounts already advanced and declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, informed in item 2 above.

d)          Date of declaration of the payment of dividends and interest on own capital taken into consideration for identifying shareholders with the right to receive these amounts.

Not applicable given that the meeting of shareholders will merely ratify the amounts already advanced and declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, informed in item 2 above.

 

 

 

 

6.       If dividends or interest on own capital have been declared based on profits assessed in balance sheets prepared every six months or in shorter periods:

a) State the amount of the dividends and interest on own capital already declared

b) State the date of the respective payments

Total amount of interest on own capital already declared related to the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2023, based on profits assessed in balance sheets prepared every six months or in shorter periods:

Gross: R$ 11.500.204.792,68

Net of Withholding Income Tax (IRRF) on IOC: R$ 9.999.032.981,01

 

Board of Directors’ Meeting held on December 12, 2023

Payment date: December 28, 2023

 

Total Gross Amount: R$11.500.204.792,68

Total Net Amount: R$ 9.999.032.981,01

IOC

(exempt from WHT)

Common 0,7302
  GROSS IOC
Common 0,6207
  NET IOC
Common  
   

 

 

7. Comparative table presenting the following values per share of each type and class

a)       Net profit for the fiscal year and the previous three fiscal years.

 

Profit per share: Common (R$)
2023 0,92
2022 0,92
2021 0,81
2020 0,72
Profit per share (net of treasury shares)  
2023 0,92
2022 0,91
2021 0,80
2020 0,72

 

b)       Dividends and interest on own capital distributed during the previous three fiscal years.

 

  Under the corporations laws (R$)
2022  
Dividend per share: Common
Dividends 0,0000
IOC (gross) 0,7623
IOC (net) 0,6480
2021  
Dividend per share: Common
Dividends 0,1334
IOC (gross) 0,4702
IOC (net) 0,3996
2020  
Dividend per share: Common
Dividends 0,0767
IOC (gross) 0,4137
IOC (net) 0,3516

 

8. Allocation of profits to the Legal Reserve
The Company's Legal Reserve currently in the amount of R$ 4,456,000.00, plus the amount of capital reserves set forth in Paragraph 1 of article 193 of Law No. 6404/76, exceeded 30% of the capital stock, reason why there is no requirement to allocate any portion of the income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 to its composition.

 

9. Fixed or minimum dividends
Not applicable.

 

 

10. Mandatory dividend

a) Describe the manner of calculation as provided on the bylaws

Pursuant to §3 of article 41 of the Company’s bylaws, 5% of the net profit for the year will be allocated to the legal reserve, which shall not exceed 20% of the capital stock. The Company may refrain from constituting the legal reserve in a fiscal year when the balance of this reserve, plus the amount of capital reserves, exceeds 30% of the capital stock.

Following this allocation, and excluding the tax incentive reserves, 40% of the net profit will be allocated to pay mandatory dividends to all company shareholders.

b) State whether this is being paid out in full.
The mandatory dividend was fully paid.
c) State any amount that may have been withheld.
Not applicable.

 

11. Withholding of the mandatory dividend
No mandatory dividends were withheld.

 

12. Allocation of earnings to the contingencies reserve
There were no allocations of earnings to the contingencies reserve.

 

13. Allocation of earnings to the reserve for future profits
There were no allocations of earnings to the reserve for future profits.

 


14. Allocations of earnings to the statutory reserves

 

a) Describe the statutory clauses establishing the reserve.

 

Article 42, §3, letter “c” of the Company’s bylaws stipulate that no more than 60% of the adjusted net profit can be set aside for constituting the Reserve for Investment, whose purpose is to finance the expansion of the Company’s activities and those of its subsidiary companies, including through capital increases or setting up new enterprises. In accordance with §4 of article 42 of the Company’s bylaws, the amount allocated to the statutory reserve may not exceed 80% of its capital stock. Once this limit is reached, the General Meeting of Shareholders must resolve on the balance, either allocating it for distribution to the shareholders or to increase the Company’s capital stock.

 

 

b) Identify the amount intended for the reserve.

 

RESERVE FOR INVESTMENT
Proposed allocation R$ 3.730.197.243,38

 

c) Describe how the amount was calculated.

 

CALCULATION OF THE RESERVE FOR INVESTMENT (R$)
Net profit for the year 14.501.943.640,79
Reversal of the effect of revaluing fixed assets using historic cost (1) 11.823.167,53
Effect of the application of IAS 29/CPC 42 (hyperinflation) (2) 3.269.378.000,00
Tax incentives reserve (2.552.742.772,26)
Subtotal 15.230.402.036,06
   
Dividends distributed -
Interest on own capital distributed (11.500.204.792,68)
   
Subtotal 3.730.197.243,38
   
Expired dividends -
   
Subtotal 3.730.197.243,38
   
Reserve for investments (3.730.197.243,38)
   
Outstanding balance to be distributed -

(1) Refers to the portion of earnings equivalent to the 61.88% equity interest in Companhia de Bebidas das Américas - Ambev originally owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A./N.V., by means of Interbrew International B.V and of AmBrew S.A until the contribution of said equity to the capital of the Company, as disclosed in a relevant fact of the Companhia de Bebidas das Américas – Ambev published on May 10, 2013 and described under item 1.1 of the Company’s reference form (“Incorporation of Shares”). The Incorporation of Shares was recognized in the financial statements for the purposes of disclosure, pursuant to the historic cost method described in section 2 of Exhibit A.I of this proposal, but this portion does not belong to the Company.

(2) According to described in Note 3.4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of December 2023, on July 1st, 2018, considering that the accrued inflation in the previous three years in Argentina was over 100%, the application of accounting rule and disclosure in highly inflationary economy (IAS 29/CPC 42) is now required.

 

 

 

15. Retention of profits established in the budget
None.

 

16.       Allocation of earnings to the reserve for tax incentives:

a) State the amount allocated to the reserve

b) Explain the nature of the allocation

It is proposed allocating to the Reserve for Tax Incentives a total amount of R$ 2.552.742.772,26 of which (i) R$ 2.466.915.081,72 refer to state ICMS tax incentives received by several of the Company’s units; (ii) R$ 85.071.980,70 refer to tax incentives in the state of Sergipe pursuant to Law No. 5.382/04; and (iii) R$ 755.709,84 refer to Federal Income Tax Reinvestment Incentives granted by SUDENE, pursuant to article 19 of Law No. 8167/91.

 

* * *

EX-99.3 4 ex99-3.htm EX-99.3

Exhibit A.III – Information of the Candidates to the position of Member of the Company's Fiscal Council

(as items 7.3 to 7.6 of Exhibit C to CVM Resolution 80/22)

7.3 - In relation to each of the members of the issuer’s fiscal council, indicate in the table below:

 

Name Date of Birth Management body Date elected Term of office Start date of the first term of office

Taxpayer No. (CPF)

 

Profession Position held Took office Elected by controlling shareholder  
José Ronaldo Vilela Rezende June 7, 1962 Fiscal Council 04/30/2024 Until the 2025 AGM 04/29/2016
501.889.846-15 Accountant Fiscal Council (effective member) / elected by the controlling shareholder 05/09/2024 (estimate) Yes  
Elidie Palma Bifano May 16,1947 Fiscal Council 04/30/2024 Until the 2025 AGM 04/29/2019
395.907.558-87 Lawyer Fiscal Council (effective member) / elected by the controlling shareholder 05/09/2024 (estimate) Yes  
Emanuel Sotelino Schifferle February 27, 1940 Fiscal Council 04/30/2024 Until the 2025 AGM 04/12/2005
009.251.367-00 Engineer Fiscal Council (alternate member) / elected by the controlling shareholder 05/09/2024 (estimate) Yes  
Eduardo Rogatto Luque July 6, 1969  Fiscal Council 04/30/2024 Until the 2025 AGM 04/24/2020
142.773.658-84 Accountant Fiscal Council (alternate member) / elected by the controlling shareholder 05/09/2024 (estimate) Yes  
Fabio de Oliveira Moser December 26, 1976 Fiscal Council 04/30/2024 Until the 2025 AGM 05/03/2023
777.109.677-87 Administrator Fiscal Council (effective member) / elected by the minority shareholders 05/09/2024 (estimate) No  
João Vagnes de Moura Silva October 10, 1971 Fiscal Council 04/30/2024 Until the 2025 AGM 05/09/2024 (estimate)
584.043.411-68 Electric Engineer Fiscal Council (alternate member) / elected by the minority shareholders 05/09/2024 (estimate) No  

 

Professional experience / Autonomy Criteria / Declaration of any convictions (type of conviction and description of the conviction)  

José Ronaldo Vilela Rezende – 501.889.846-15

 

Mr. Rezende holds the position of effective member of the Company’s Fiscal Council and is the current President of the body. Over the past five years, he held the following positions during the indicated periods at the following companies/institutions: (i) member of the audit committee of Cerradinho Bioenergia S.A.; and (ii) member of the audit committee of Diagnósticos da America S.A. – DASA. In addition, he acted as risk management partner of the consulting practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers Brazil from 2005 to 2011, which main activities are auditing services; leader of the Agribusiness Industry at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Brazil (2006 to 2014) and in the Americas (2009 to 2014); and was the partner responsible at PricewaterhouseCoopers Brazil for delivering Risk Assurance Services (RAS) (relating to auditing processes and systems). Mr. Rezende is a certified fiscal council member by the Brazilian Institute of Governance (IBGC). Mr. José Ronaldo Vilela Rezende has declared that, for all legal purposes, he has not in the last five years been subject to the effects of any criminal conviction, any conviction or penalty arising from administrative proceedings before the CVM, the Central Bank of Brazil, the Federal Insurance Commissioner and any final verdict in the judicial or administrative sphere, that led to suspension or disqualification from the practice of any professional or commercial activity. He is not a politically exposed person under the current legislation.

 
 

Elidie Palma Bifano - 395.907.558 - 87

 

Mrs. Bifano holds the position of effective member of the Company’s Fiscal Council. Over the past five years, she held the following positions with the following companies: (i) partner at Mariz de Oliveira and Siqueira Campos Law Firm; (ii) Professor of the Professional Master's Course at the São Paulo Law School of Fundação Getúlio Vargas - FGV, in the course Business Structuring; and (iii) Professor of the strictu sensu post-graduation courses of IBDT, IBET, CEU, COGEAE/ PUC. In addition, she was a member of Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A.’s Audit Committee from 2012 to 2018 and audit partner of the tax consultancy area at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1974 to 2012. Mrs. Elidie Palma Bifano has declared that, for all legal purposes, she has not in the last five years been subject to the effects of any criminal conviction, any conviction or penalty in administrative proceedings before the CVM, the Central Bank of Brazil, the Federal Insurance Commissioner and any final verdict in the judicial or administrative sphere that led to suspension or disqualification from the practice of any professional or commercial activity. She is not a politically exposed person under the current legislation.

 

Emanuel Sotelino Schifferle - 009.251.367-00

 

Mr. Schifferle holds the position of alternate member of the Company’s Fiscal Council. Over the past five years, he acted as managing partner of ASPA Assessoria e Participações S/C Ltda., a company whose main activity is advising companies on restructuring, acquisition, negotiating contracts and transitional management, having managed companies under judicial recovery, reorganizing and restructuring companies, and renegotiating contracts among other activities. In addition, Mr. Schifferle acted as member of the Fiscal Council of América Latina Logística (ALL), between 2004 and 2009, a former listed company whose main activity was providing rail and road transportation services; alternate member, from 2005 to 2014, of the Fiscal Council of Companhia de Bebidas das Américas - Ambev, succeeded by the Company as of January 2, 2014; member of the Board of Directors, between 2007 and 2011, of São Carlos Empreendimentos e Participações S.A., a listed company whose main activity is managing property development projects for itself and third parties; member of the Fiscal Council of Estácio Participações S.A., a publicly held company whose main activities are the development and management of activity and institution in the education area; and member of the Fiscal Council, between 2011 and 2015, of Allis Participações S.A., a publicly listed company whose main business is providing marketing and sales services for various segments. Mr. Emanuel Sotelino Schifferle has declared, for all legal purposes, that in the last five years he has not been subject to the effects of any criminal conviction, any conviction or penalty in administrative proceedings before the CVM, the Central Bank of Brazil, the Federal Insurance Commissioner and any final verdict in the judicial or administrative sphere that led to suspension or disqualification from the practice of any professional or commercial activity. He is not a politically exposed person under the current legislation.

 

 

 

Eduardo Rogatto Luque - 142.773.658-84

 

Mr. Luque holds the position of alternate member of the Company’s Fiscal Council. Over the past five years, he has held the following positions in the following companies/institutions: (i) managing partner and member of the Executive Committee of the Irko Group since 2017; (ii) member of the Audit Committee of Focus Energia S.A.; (iii) president of the Fiscal Council of Qualicorp S.A., Natura&Co and Fundação Antonio e Helena Zerrenner (FAHZ); (iv) member of the Fiscal Council of Itaúsa S.A.; (v) member of the Board of Directors and president of the Audit Committee of Cantu Store S.A.; (vi) member of the Audit Committee of Porto Seguro S.A.; (vii) Vice-President of ABRAPSA - Brazilian Association of Administrative Service Providers; (viii) member of the Institute of Independent Auditors of Brazil (IBRACON), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Brazilian Institute of Governance (IBGC) and the Brazilian Accounting Institutes (CRC and CFC); (ix) partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2004 to 2016, a company he worked for 27 years, with a 3 year exchange program in the US), with major experience serving important companies including in processes of Initial Public Offerings (IPO) at CVM and SEC. Mr. Eduardo Rogatto Luque has declared, for all legal purposes, that in the last 5 years he has not been subject to the effects of any criminal conviction, any conviction or penalty in an administrative proceeding before the CVM, the Central Bank of Brazil, the Federal Insurance Commissioner and any final verdict in the judicial or administrative sphere that led to suspension or disqualification from the practice of any professional or commercial activity. He is not a politically exposed person under the current legislation.

 

Fabio de Oliveira Moser - 777.109.677-87

 

Mr. Moser holds the position of effective member of the Company’s Fiscal Council. In the past five years, he has been a partner at Moser Consultoria. Over the years, he has also held positions as (i) director and senior adviser at RK Partners (2015 and 2018); (ii) CEO of Fator Administração de Recurso (FAR) from 2013 to 2015; (iii) head of investment banking at Banco Fator from 2011 to 2013; (iv) member of the Board of Directors of Oi S.A., Telemar Participações, Centrais Elétricas de Santa Catarina (CELESC), iG – Internet Group and Brasil Telecom Participações; (v) coordinator of (a) the Institutional Investors Commission (IBGC) from 2010 to 2012, and (b) the Technical Commission of Investments of ABRAPP from 2008 to 2010; and (vi) Chief Investment Officer of Banco do Brasil’s Employees’ Pension Fund - Previ between 2008 and 2010. Mr. Moser was elected by the minority shareholders. Mr. Fabio de Oliveira Moser has declared, for all legal purposes, that in the last 5 years he has not been subject to the effects of any criminal conviction, any conviction or penalty in an administrative proceeding before the Central Bank of Brazil, the Federal Insurance Commissioner and any final verdict in the judicial or administrative sphere that led to suspension or disqualification from the practice of any professional or commercial activity. In 2020, CVM applied to Mr. Moser – as member of Inncorp S.A. Board of Directors – a pecuniary fine for non-compliance with article 142, IV and article 132 of Law No. 6,404/76. He is not a politically exposed person under the current legislation.

 

Joao Vagnes de Moura Silva - 584.043.411-68

 

Mr. Silva holds the position of Finance Executive Director at Banco do Brasil S.A. In the past 5 years, he has held positions as Controllership Director at Banco do Brasil S.A., in addition to Executive Director at BB DTVM and President at BB Tecnologia e Serviços S.A. Mr. Silva was appointed by the minority shareholders. Mr. Joao Vagnes de Moura Silva has declared, for all legal purposes, that in the last 5 years he has not been subject to the effects of any criminal conviction, any conviction or penalty in an administrative proceeding before the CVM, the Central Bank of Brazil, the Federal Insurance Commissioner and any final verdict in the judicial or administrative sphere that led to suspension or disqualification from the practice of any professional or commercial activity. He is not a politically exposed person under the current legislation.

 
 

7.4 - Provide information mentioned in item 7.3 in relation to members of the statutory committees and of the audit, risk, financial and compensation committees, even if such committees or structures are not statutory.

 

Not applicable. None of the members designated for the Fiscal Council are part of any of the Company's committees.

 

7.5 - Inform the existence of any marital, 'stable union' or kinship relationship up to the 2nd degree between: a. members of issuer’s management; b. (i) members of issuer’s management and (ii) issuer’s members of direct or indirect subsidiaries’ management; c. (i) members of issuer’s management or its directly or indirectly held subsidiaries and (ii) issuer’s direct or indirect controlling shareholders; d. (i) members of issuer’s management and (ii) issuer’s members of direct and indirect parent companies’ management

 

a)                members of Company's Management:

 

Not applicable, since there are no cases of marital, 'stable union' or kinship relations to the second degree among those nominated for positions as members of the Company’s Fiscal Council and Company’s management.

 

b)        members of Company's management and of its directly or indirectly held subsidiaries:

 

Not applicable, since there are no cases of marital, 'stable union' or kinship relations to the second degree among those nominated for positions as members of the Fiscal Council and managers of the Company's directly or indirectly held subsidiaries.

 

c)                members of Company's management or of its directly or indirectly held subsidiaries and its direct or indirect controlling shareholders:

 

Not applicable, since there are no cases of marital, 'stable union' or kinship relations to the second degree among those nominated for positions as members of the Fiscal Council and the Company's direct or indirect controlling shareholders.

 

d)                members of Company's management and of its direct and indirect parent companies:

 

Not applicable, since there are no cases of marital, 'stable union' or kinship relations to the second degree among those nominated for positions as members of the Fiscal Council and the management of the Company's direct and indirect parent companies.

 

7.6 - Inform about relationships of subordination, rendering of services or control maintained, in the last 3 fiscal years, between the issuer’s management and a. company directly or indirectly controlled by the issuer, except those in which the issuer directly or indirectly holds an interest equal to or greater than ninety-nine percent (99%) of the share capital; b. issuer’s direct or indirect controlling shareholder; and c. if relevant, supplier, client, debtor or creditor of the issuer, its subsidiaries or parent companies, or subsidiaries of any of these persons

 

a)                company directly or indirectly controlled by the Company, except those in which the Company directly or indirectly holds an interest equal to or greater than ninety-nine percent (99%) of the share capital:

 

Not applicable, since there are no relations of subordination, rendering of services or control maintained between those nominated for the positions as member of the Fiscal Council and those of any company directly or indirectly controlled by the Company, except those in which the Company directly or indirectly holds an interest equal to or greater than ninety-nine percent (99%) of the share capital, in the last three fiscal years.

 

 

b)                Company’s direct or indirect controlling shareholder:

 

Not applicable, since there are no relations of subordination between the Company’s direct or indirect controlling shareholder and those nominated for the positions as member of the Company’s Fiscal Council, company directly or indirectly controlled by the Company, in the last three fiscal years.

 

c)                if material, supplier, client, debtor or creditor of the Company, its subsidiaries or parent companies, or subsidiaries of any of these persons:

 

Not applicable, since there are no relevant relationships between any supplier, client, debtor or creditor with the Company, its subsidiaries or parent companies, or subsidiaries of any of these persons, in the last three fiscal years.

***

EX-99.4 5 ex99-4.htm EX-99.4

EXHIBIT A.IV – COMPENSATION OF THE MANAGEMENT

(as Item 8 to Exhibit C to CVM Resolution 80/22) 

8.       Compensation of the managers

8.1 – Describe the compensation policy or practice for the board of directors, board of officers, fiscal council, statutory committees and audit, risk, financial and compensation committees, addressing the following aspects

(a) Purposes of the compensation policy or practice, informing if the compensation practice was formally approved, the body responsible for its approval, approval date and, if the issuer discloses the policy, websites in which the document may be found

 

The compensation practice for the members of the Board of Directors, the statutory and non-statutory board of officers and the Fiscal Council is aimed at aligning Company’s purposes, shareholders’ interests, management’s productivity and efficiency, as well as maintaining the competitiveness of Company’s compensation package before the market, seeking to attract and retain the right people necessary to conduct the business. In this sense, the Company adopts a compensation system applicable to the management which encourages the development of a culture of high performance, keeping key personnel of the Company over the long term, while ensuring that the best people are hired and retained for the management of the Company, and the interests of the management are aligned with those of shareholders.

 

The Company has a "Compensation and Stock Option Policy for the Board of Officers", whose provisions were consolidated and approved at a meeting of the Board of Directors held on September 19, 2018. Such policy establishes guidelines for determining compensation only for members of the Company’s statutory board of officers (“Board of Officers”) and may be found on the CVM website and at the following electronic address: https://ri.ambev.com.br, by clicking initially on the section “Corporate Governance”, then in “Policies, and Codes and Regulations”, select “Compensation Policy for the Board of Officers” and, finally, click on the link to access the document.

 

There is no policy formally approved for the compensation of the non-statutory board of officers, the Board of Directors and its advisory committees, nor the Fiscal Council.

 

(b)       Practices and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors to define the individual compensation of the Board of Directors and Board of Officers, appointing:

 

(i)       The bodies and committees of the issuer that participate in the decision-making process, identifying the form in which they participate

 

In addition to the CEO and the People and Management area of the Company, as described in subitem (ii) below, the People Committee and the Board of Directors participate in the decision-making process for the definition of the individual compensation of the Board of Directors and the Board of Officers of the Company.

 

The People Committee is responsible for providing an opinion on the management’s proposal to be assessed by the Board of Directors concerning the definition of the compensation policy for the high-performance management and employees of the Company, including their individual compensation packages, in order to the ensure that the beneficiaries have the proper compensation and incentives to reach an exceptional and sustainable performance. In addition, the People Committee is responsible for decisions regarding the management of the Stock Option Plan (“Option Plan”) and the Share-Based Compensation Plan (“Stock Plan” and, together with the Option Plan, the “Plans”) that do not concern the members of the Board of Directors, the Board of Officers and the presidents of the business units of the Company, as well as by the definition of grants and concessions directed to employees in general.

 

On the other hand, the Board of Directors is responsible for deciding on the recommendations of the People Committee and determining the individual compensation of the members of the Management of the Company, subject to the annual global limit set by the Shareholders’ General Meeting, as well as determining the general criteria for compensation, granting options / granting shares within the scope of the Plans, and benefits (indirect benefits, profit sharing, among others) of the managers and presidents of the Company’s business units. For more information about the Plans, please refer to item 8.4 of the Reference Form.

 

 

It should be noted that the members of the Board of Directors and of the People Committee abstain from voting on the definition of their individual compensation, in order to not participate in the decision-making process, avoiding any possible conflict of interests.

 

(ii)       Criteria and methodology used to establish the individual compensation, appointing if studies were used to verify the market practices and, if yes, the comparison criteria and scope of said studies

 

The fixed and variable individual compensation of the members of the Board of Directors and the members of advisory committees of the Board of Directors who receive compensation, under the terms of this item 8, is defined based on market studies intended to guarantee the alignment of Company’s practices with the best available references and maintain the competitiveness of its compensation strategy. Said studies rely on a sample composed by large publicly held companies (i.e., companies that have net revenue exceeding R$10 billion reais per year) aiming to identify the practice of such companies in all different compensation components, considering the business model, risks and complexity of activities to be performed by the managers.

 

Additionally, the individual compensation of the members of the Board of Directors is updated annually based on the IPCA variation. All directors receive the same compensation, except that (i) the directors compensated by Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A./N.V. – ABI (“Controlling Shareholder” or “ABI”), including the alternate members, do not receive any additional fees from the Company; and (ii) a director compensated by the Company has different compensation due to his unique experience in the sector in which the Company operates, his greatest attributions and longer time of dedication.

 

The fixed and variable individual compensation of the members of the Board of Officers is also defined based on market studies, using as reference the average of the group of companies classified as “first-moving consumer goods” (i.e., regardless of the size of revenue and if publicly held companies). In addition, the Company relies on the Hay evaluation methodology to define the positions and salary range of Officers.

 

Without prejudice to the evaluation by the People Committee and by the Board of Directors, as indicated in item (i) above, the fees of the Board of Officers are also analyzed annually by the Company’s People & Management area, which may make adjustment recommendations, if deemed necessary. Any recommendations need to be approved by the CEO before being presented for evaluation by the People Committee to subsequently be submitted for consideration by the Board of Directors.

 

(iii)       How often and how does the Board of Directors assesses the adequacy of the compensation policy of the issuer

 

Annually, the People Committee evaluates the attraction and retention practice of the Company’s talents, which includes the analysis of the need to adapt the compensation practices adopted by the Company, reporting the results of such evaluation to the Board of Directors. If this Committee deems it necessary, it is proposed to the Board of Directors to adjust these practices. The Board of Directors annually analyzes the results of the evaluation made by the People Committee to decide on possible adjustments to adapt the compensation practice adopted by the Company.

 

In addition, the goals of executives, whose achievement is decisive in the determination of the amount to be paid by the Company as variable compensation and the amount of stock options, phantom stocks or stock to be granted to such executive, are reviewed and validated by the Board of Directors annually.

 

(c)       Structure of the compensation, appointing:

 

(i)       description of the compensation elements, including, in relation to each one of them: their purposes and alignment with the issuer’s short, medium and long-term interests; its proportion in the total compensation in the last three fiscal years; its methodology for calculation and restatement; and main performance indicators taken into account therein, including, where applicable, indicators linked to ESG issues.

 

 

Pursuant to art. 152, of Law No. 6,404/1976, and article 15, §1, of Company’s Bylaws, the global amount of the Company’s compensation is fixed annually by the Shareholders’ General Meeting, the compensation being distributed among the bodies by the Board of Directors, as advised by the People Committee, in line with what is described in subitem (b) above.

The elements of the compensation of these bodies are described below:

 

a) Board of Directors

 

The compensation of the members of the Board of Directors is divided into: (i) a fixed compensation, in the form of compensation for management services rendered, which is in line with market average, as described in subitem (b)(ii) above; and includes direct and indirect benefits, such as medical and dental care, granted through Zerrenner Foundation (i.e., they do not consist in Company’s expenses and are not considered for the purposes of direct and indirect benefits of the latter); and (ii) a variable compensation, as described below, considering the sustainable growth of the Company and its long-term businesses, designed to stimulate and reward significant accomplishments.

 

The members of the Board of Directors are not entitled to compensation for participation in committees.

 

Additionally, certain members of the Board of Directors, as a post-employment benefit, participate in a private pension fund offered by the Company, to which the Company also makes partial contributions, as described in item 8.14 of the Reference Form and which, in the event of dismissal, also represents a benefit motivated by the termination of office. The members of the Board of Directors are not entitled to other post-employment benefits.

 

b) Board of Officers

 

The Board of Officers have their compensation divided into fixed and variable components, i.e.: (i) the base salary (the fixed component) in line with market average, as described in subitem 8.1(b)(ii) above, plus the benefits indicated below, (ii) the variable compensation paid in the form of profit sharing / bonus, as described below, and Share Value Rights (in the case of executives identified as having high potential for the long term), and (iii) the long-term incentives consisting of share-based compensation.

 

The members of the Board of Officers are not entitled to compensation for participation in non-statutory committees.

 

Within the context of the share-based compensation, the members of the Board of Officers are offered options and/or shares granted within the scope of the Plans. The goal of this portion of the compensation, together with the variable compensation, is to stimulate the alignment of interests for long-term value generation.

 

The officers are entitled to the benefits equivalent to those provided for in the benefits policy of the Company, pursuant to item 10.3(b) of the Company’s Reference Form. Such benefits include medical, dental, educational and social assistance to executive officers and their dependents, free of costs or at a reduced cost, afforded by the Zerrenner Foundation, as well as representation funds, which consist of cost allowance paid by the Company to employees, due to transfers between companies and cities, and education allowance.

 

Additionally, certain members of the Board of Officers, as a post-employment benefit, participate in a private pension fund offered by the Company, to which the Company also makes partial contributions, as described in item 8.14 of the Reference Form and which, in the event of dismissal, also represents a benefit motivated by the termination of office. The members of the Board of Officers are not entitled to other post-employment benefits.

 

The People Committee and the Board of Directors participate in the decision-making process to define the individual compensation of Company’s officers, so that no officer decides on his/her own compensation. The People Committee is responsible for giving an opinion on the management’s proposals to be considered by the Board of Directors, which, in addition to deciding on the People Committee’s recommendations and determining the individual compensation of the members of the Company’s Board of Officers, defines the general criteria for granting options and shares to Company’s executives, with due regard for the global amount approved by the General Meeting for a given fiscal year.

 

Additionally, officers’ annual targets are discussed and approved by the Board of Directors, which is also responsible for its final validation at the end of each year.

 

In addition, the People Committee assesses the retention practice of Company’s talents annually, which includes an analysis of the need to adapt the compensation practices adopted by the Company and reports the results of such evaluation to the Board of Directors. If the People Committee deems it necessary, it may propose adjustments to these practices to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors annually analyzes the results of the evaluation made by the People Committee to decide on possible adjustments to adapt the compensation practice adopted by the Company.

 

c) Fiscal Council

The members of the Fiscal Council receive a fixed compensation that corresponds, at least, to the legal minimum resolved by the Shareholders’ Meetings. The compensation paid to each member should not be lower than ten percent of the compensation assigned to an Officer, considering the average amount received by the Officers, excluding any benefits, representation allowances and participation on the results. The compensation of the alternate members is equivalent to 50% of the compensation of the effective members. Additionally, the members of the Fiscal Council shall be mandatorily reimbursed for transportation and lodging expenses, which may be necessary to perform their duties. The members of the Fiscal Council are not entitled to receive direct or indirect benefits, post-employment benefits or benefits motivated by the termination of office, compensation for participation in committees or variable compensation. The fixed compensation attributed to Fiscal Council members is annually updated based on IPCA variation.

d) Committees

All members of the Governance Committee, the People Committee and Operations and Finance Committee that are part of the Board of Directors of the Company do not receive any specific compensation for their activities in those Committees. Members, who do not meet this condition, exclusively receive annual fixed fees aligned with the market average, and annually updated based on the IPCA variation, and are not entitled to receive any benefits (direct or indirect benefits, post-employment benefits or benefits motivated by the termination of office), variable compensation or share-based compensation. Additionally, all members of the Committees shall be mandatorily reimbursed for transportation and lodging expenses, which may be necessary to perform their duties.

Purposes and alignment with short, medium and long-term interests

 

The compensation form for the Company’s management bodies described above seeks to encourage the Company’s managers to pursue the best profitability of the projects developed by it, in order to align the interests of the managers with those of the Company.

 

For the short term, the fixed compensation of the Company’s management is a compensation based on market research, as described in subitem (b)(ii) and (c)(i) above, but as the segment cycle in which the Company operates in is the segment of medium and long-term, the alignment of the compensation to the interests of the Company, considering the medium and long term, is verified by means of granting a substantial portion of compensation referred to those periods, i.e., of the variable compensation and the share-based compensation.

 

The medium-term income is aligned with the compensation practice of the Company as to the payment of bonus/profit sharing, which compose the compensation of the Company’s Board of Officers and Board of Directors. In this case, the income of the Company and of its management during the year will affect the amount to be assigned as variable pay.

 

Additionally, the Plans require a commitment of funds over the long-term, by virtue of the connection between options’ vesting periods and/or the restriction on the sale of corresponding shares, conditioning the exercise and acquisition to the continued employment with the Company.

 

 

The Stock Plan reinforces the need for a long-term commitment, once, strictly speaking, the delivery of the Company’s shares is contingent upon the executive tenure with the Company during a vesting period of no less than three years, subject to the exceptions provided for in item 8.4 below.

 

Share Value Rights (as defined in item 8.4 below), occasionally granted to certain elected high potential executives by the Company, align the long-term and very long-term interests by means of the possibility of receiving, after the vesting periods of five or ten years, the amount corresponding to the price of the shares issued by the Company, to encourage the retaining of talent as well as the creation of value for the Company and the shareholders by encouraging appreciation of the shares in the long term.

 

As such, it is understood that the compensation practice of the Company is totally aligned with the monitoring of its performance, which, therefore, reaffirms the sharing of the risk and the potential profits between the management and the Company.

 

Proportion in total compensation for the past three fiscal years

 

The table below shows the expected proportion of each element in the total compensation structure for the past three fiscal years:

 

2023 Board of Directors Board of Officers Fiscal Council Committees
Fixed Compensation(i) 43,08% 19,26% 100% 100%
Fees 43,08% 17,46% 100% 100%
Direct and indirect benefits 0,00% 1,80% - -
Variable Compensation 6,15% 18,26% - -
Share-based compensation, including stock options 50,77% 62,48% - -

 

2022 Board of Directors Board of Officers Fiscal Council Committees
Fixed Compensation(i) 33,40% 23,24% 100% 100%
Fees 33,40% 20,27% 100% 100%
Direct and indirect benefits 0,00% 2,96% 0% 0%
Variable Compensation 18,10% 22,95% 0% 0%
Share-based compensation, including stock options 48,50% 53,81% 0% 0%

 

2021 Board of Directors Board of Officers Fiscal Council Committees
Fixed Compensation(i) 46,87% 23,34% 100,00% 100,00%
Fees 25,97% 20,78% 100,00% 100,00%
Direct and indirect benefits 20,90% 2,56% - -
Variable Compensation 19,57% 40,34% - -
Share-based compensation, including stock options 33,56% 36,31% - -

 

(i) The tables above do not take into account amounts referring to employer’s payroll charges, according to the guidance provided for in the Circular-Notice/Annual-2024-CVM/SEP of the Superintendence of Relations with Companies (Superintendência de Relação com Empresas – SEP) following the decision of the CVM Collegiate Body in the Proceeding No. 19957.007457/2018-10.

 

The proportion of the elements of compensation of the Board of Directors and the Board of Officers described above tends to repeat, to a greater or lesser degree, in years when the Company meets the eligible targets for distribution of variable compensation.

Variable compensation is determined according to the performance verified in relation to pre-established targets. Consequently, in case the minimum targets established are not fulfilled, no variable compensation will be due.

As mentioned earlier, the compensation of the members of the Fiscal Council is 100% fixed on annual fees and they are reimbursed for their travels and lodging expenses required for the performance of their duties.

Also, as already mentioned, the members of the Board of Directors advisory Committees that are not part of the Company’s Board of Directors have 100% of their compensation composed of annual fixed fees.

Methodology for calculation and restatement

The overall compensation of the management, as approved by the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, is reviewed periodically based on market studies carried out as described in sub-item (b)(ii) above and according to the terms of subitem (c)(ii) below, in addition to being periodically assessed by the Company’s People & Management area, so as to secure that the amount paid is sufficient to meet the specific differentiation objectives in relation to the market.

The portions of the management’s fixed individual compensation may be readjusted annually according to the adopted indexes and negotiated in accordance with the relevant methods and agreements.

The variable compensation, in the form of bonus/profit sharing, is calculated as a multiple of fixed compensation, provided that the target conferred on the manager and the Company have been achieved. For calculating variable compensation in the form of Share Value Rights, please refer to item 8.4 below.

Regarding the share-based compensation, for determination of the amount of stock options to be granted under the Option Plan, please refer to items 8.4 and 8.12 below. For a description of the calculation methodology related to the Stock Plan, please refer to item 8.4 below.

Both for purpose of fixed compensation and for purpose of variable compensation and granting stock options / shares, the achievement of annual targets as well as other results delivered in the year, meritocracy criteria, seniority level and expertise of the executive may be taken into consideration.

Please refer to sub-item (d) below for further information.

Key performance indicators taken into account therein, including, where applicable, indicators linked to ESG issues

The key performance indicators for purposes of defining the variable compensation of the Board of Officers based on the achievement of goals either for the Company or its management are EBITDA, cash flow and net revenues, in addition to other specific indicators for the various departments of the Company according to their respective functions and competencies.

Additionally, given the importance that the Company gives to ESG key performance indicators, as already shown in item 1.9.(e) of the Company’s Reference Form, representing another important step towards the integration of the subject in the business strategy of the Company, directly impacting the variable compensation of its main executives. The performance indicators linked to ESG matters taken into account for the Board of Officers’ variable compensation are sustainability, ethics, reputation, among others.

The variable compensation (bonus/profit sharing) to which the members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Officers are entitled is defined according to the following basis: (i) below a certain level of target achievement, no variable compensation shall be due, but, on the other hand, outstanding accomplishments of targets must be compensated with participation on the results comparable to or even higher than top levels in the market; and (ii) variable compensation will only be granted if both the targets of the Company and those targets of the manager are achieved.

 

(ii)       Reasons behind the compensation elements

Compensation of the management is defined to encourage its members to meet short, medium and long-term results of the Company. On this regard, the Company secures a fixed compensation based on market research, as described in subitem (b)(ii) and (c)(i), however, encouraging the achievement of expressive results to obtain a variable compensation above market average. Therefore, Company’s targets must be challenging but achievable.

The possibility of granting stock options and shares to the members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Officers encourages the alignment of interests of the shareholders and the management over the long-term, upon the free or onerous receipt, as the case may be, of the Company’s stock options or shares by its managers, with restrictions on sale or delivery, contingent upon continued tenure with the Company for a certain period of time. Also, within the context of the Stock Plan, additional shares may be granted to the beneficiary depending on the reinvestment level of the variable compensation that is chosen.

Finally, the Company has adopted, for certain members of the Board of Officers deemed strategic and with high performance potential, the granting of Share Value Rights (as defined in item 8.4 below), enabling such participants to receive cash bonus based on the value of the shares of the Company. The granting of Share Appreciation Rights, however, is contingent upon the continued tenure of executives with the Company for a long or very long term, with vesting periods of five to ten years, therefore encouraging the retaining of strategic talents and generating value for shareholders in the long term.

In relation to the Fiscal Council and the Committees, the intention is to secure compensation compatible with the limits defined in applicable legislation, ensuring that their members are duly rewarded to perform their duties.

(iii)       The existence of members who do not receive compensation and the reason for that

The alternate members and four sitting members of the Board of Directors do not receive compensation from the Company, as they are also part of the management of the Controlling Shareholder, which is responsible for the compensation payment of these members.

(d)       Existence of compensation borne by direct or indirect subsidiaries or controlling companies

The alternate members and four sitting members of the Board of Directors, which are also part of the management of the Controlling Shareholder, do not receive compensation from the Company. Such managers only receive the compensation paid by the Controller Shareholder due to the performance of their attributions as managers at the Controlling Shareholder.

(e)       Existence of any compensation or benefit connected to the occurrence of a certain corporate event, such as the sale of corporate control of the issuer

Not applicable once there is no compensation or benefit connected to the occurrence of any corporate event. The options/shares programs under the Plans do not have any provision regarding early vesting, acceleration of exercise or delivery of options / shares, as applicable, if any corporate event – including a transfer of control of the Company – occurs.

 

 

8.2 – Regarding the compensation recognized in income for the past three fiscal years and that expected for the current fiscal year of the board of directors, board of officers and fiscal council

 

Total compensation expected for the current Fiscal Year as of 12/31/2024 - Annual Amounts
  Board of Directors Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total
No. of Members 13,00 13,00 6,00 32,00
No. of members receiving compensation 7,00 13,00 6,00 26,00
Annual Fixed Compensation        
Salary/fees 8.814.030 20.886.960 2.316.015 32.017.005 
Direct and indirect benefits - 1.630.561 - 1.630.561 
Participation in Committees - - - -   
Others - - - -   
Description of other fixed compensation - - - -   
Variable Compensation        
Bonus - - - -   
Profit sharing - 31.179.036 - 31.179.036 
Participation in meetings - - - -   
Commissions - - - -   
Others - - - -   
Description of other variable compensation - - - -   
Post-Employment - 1.735.566  - 1.735.566 
Termination of office - - - -   
Share-based compensation, including stock options 13.198.509 106.537.510  -    119.736.019 
 

 

Observation The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The total number of members also considers the alternates members. The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The total number of members also considers the alternates members.  
Total compensation 22.012.539 161.969.633 2.316.015 186.298.187

 

Total compensation for the Fiscal Year as of 12/31/2023 - Annual Amounts
  Board of Directors Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total
No. of Members 12,67 13,50 6,00 32,17 
No. of members receiving compensation 7,33 13,50 6,00 26,83 
Annual Fixed Compensation       -   
Salary/fees 8.083.563 19.943.955 2.128.919 30.156.437 
Direct and indirect benefits - 633.581 - 633.581 
Participation in Committees - - - -   
Others - - - -   
Description of other fixed compensation - - - -   
Variable Compensation       -   
Bonus - - - -   
Profit sharing 1.153.777 20.852.138 - 22.005.914 
Participation in meetings - - - -   
Commissions - - - -   
Others - - - -   
Description of other variable compensation - - - -   
Post-Employment - 1.423.077  - 1.423.077 
Termination of office - - - -   
Share-based compensation, including stock options 9.526.887 71.355.824  -    80.882.711 
 

 

Observation The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The total number of members also considers the alternates members. The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The total number of members also considers the alternates members.    
Total compensation 18.764.227 114.208.575 2.128.919 135.101.720

 

Total compensation for the Fiscal Year as of 12/31/2022 - Annual Amounts
  Board of Directors Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total
No. of Members 12,00 14,00 6,00 32,00
No. of members receiving compensation 8,00 14,00 6,00 28,00
Annual Fixed Compensation - - - -
Salary/fees 7.630.060 19.329.127 1.996.508 28.955.695
Direct and indirect benefits - 1.797.817 - 1.797.817
Participation in Committees - - - -
Others - - - -
Description of other fixed compensation - - - -
Variable Compensation - - - -
Bonus - - - -
Profit sharing 4.134.554 21.883.874 - 26.018.428
Participation in meetings - - - -
Commissions - - - -
Others - - - -
Description of other variable compensation - - - -
Post-Employment - 1.027.315 - 1.027.315
Termination of office -  - -  -
Share-based compensation, including stock options 11.079.641 51.297.067 - 62.376.708
 

 

Observation The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The total number of members also considers the alternates members. The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The total number of members also considers the alternates members.    
Total compensation 22.844.255 95.335.200 1.996.508 120.175.963

 

Total compensation for the Fiscal Year as of 12/31/2021 - Annual Amounts
  Board of Directors Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total
No. of Members 12,00 13,00 6,00 31,00
No. of members receiving compensation 8,50 13,00 6,00 27,50
Annual Fixed Compensation        
Salary/fees 6.646.367,08 17.386.773,18 1.808.132,40 25.841.272,66
Direct and indirect benefits - 1.365.299,11 - 1.365.299,11
Participation in Committees - - - -
Others - - - -
Description of other fixed compensation - - - -
Variable Compensation        
Bonus - - - -
Profit sharing 5.009.391,76 33.753.260,99 - 38.762.652,75
Participation in meetings - - - -
Commissions - - - -
Others - - - -
Description of other variable compensation - - - -
Post-Employment - 779.406,75 - 779.406,75
Termination of office 5.347.790,19 - - 5.347.790,19
Share-based compensation, including stock options 8.587.883,95 30.379.868,92 - 38.967.752,87
 

 

Observation The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The total number of members also considers the alternates members. The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The number of members of each body corresponds to the average annual number of members of each body determined on a monthly basis to two decimal places. The total number of members also considers the alternates members.
Total compensation 25.591.432,98 83.664.608,95 1.808.132,40 111.064.174,33

 

 

 

8.3 – Regarding the variable compensation for the past three fiscal years and that expected for the current fiscal year of the Board of Directors, Board of Officers and Fiscal Council

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2024

Body Board of Directors Statutory Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total
No. of members 13,00 13,00 6,00 32,00
No. of members receiving compensation 0,00 13,00 0,00 13,00
REGARDING THE BONUS
Minimum amount according to compensation plan - - - -   
Maximum amount according to compensation plan - - - -   
Amount provided for in compensation plan in case the targets are met - - - -   
REGARDING THE PROFIT SHARING
Minimum amount according to compensation plan - 5.571.099 - 5.571.099
Maximum amount according to compensation plan - 31.179.036 - 31.179.036
Amount provided for in compensation plan in case the targets are met - 23.867.914 - 23.867.914

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2023

Body Board of Directors Statutory Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total
No. of members 12,67 13,50 6,00 32,17
No. of members receiving compensation 1,00 13,00 0,00 14,00
REGARDING THE BONUS
Minimum amount according to compensation plan - - - -
Maximum amount according to compensation plan - - - -
Amount provided for in compensation plan in case the targets are met - - - -
REGARDING THE PROFIT SHARING
Minimum amount according to compensation plan 348.840 6.620.706 - 6.969.546
Maximum amount according to compensation plan 1.751.040 34.230.348 - 35.981.388
Amount provided for in compensation plan in case the targets are met 1.409.040 26.742.460 - 28.151.500
Amount effectively recognized in the income statement for the fiscal year 1.153.777 20.852.138 - 22.005.914

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2022

Body Board of Directors Statutory Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total
No. of members 12,00 14,00 6,00 32,00
No. of members receiving compensation 1,00 14,00 0,00 15,00
REGARDING THE BONUS
Minimum amount according to compensation plan - - - -
 

 

Maximum amount according to compensation plan - - - -
Amount provided for in compensation plan in case the targets are met - - - -
REGARDING THE PROFIT SHARING
Minimum amount according to compensation plan 935.298 7.141.711 - 8.077.009
Maximum amount according to compensation plan 4.200.637 38.490.063 - 42.690.700
Amount provided for in compensation plan in case the targets are met 3.084.843 23.555.117 - 26.639.960
Amount effectively recognized in the income statement for the fiscal year 4.134.554 21.883.874 - 26.018.428

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2021

Body Board of Directors Statutory Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total
No. of members 12,00 13,00 6,00 31,00
No. of members receiving compensation 1,00 13,00 0,00 14,00
REGARDING THE BONUS
Minimum amount according to compensation plan - - - -
Maximum amount according to compensation plan - - - -
Amount provided for in compensation plan in case the targets are met - - - -
REGARDING THE PROFIT SHARING
Minimum amount according to compensation plan 205.070 1.536.645 - 1.741.715
Maximum amount according to compensation plan 4.687.313 35.380.305 - 40.067.618
Amount provided for in compensation plan in case the targets are met 2.458.328 18.420.926 - 20.879.254
Amount effectively recognized in the income statement for the fiscal year 5.009.392 33.753.261 - 38.762.653

 

 

 

8.4 – Regarding the share-based compensation plan for the board of directors and the board of officers, in force in the past fiscal year and expected for the current fiscal year, describe

 

(a)              General terms and conditions

 

Option Plan

 

The Company welcomed the Stock Option Plan as it succeeded Companhia de Bebidas das Américas – Ambev through a merger. The Option Plan provides for the general conditions applicable to the granting of options, the criteria to determine its exercise price, its general terms and conditions, and the restrictions on the transfer of shares acquired by its exercise.

 

The Option Plan is managed by the Board of Directors which grants options establishing the specific terms and conditions applicable to each grant through stock option programs, such as the identification of the beneficiaries, the options’ exercise price, any restrictions to the acquired shares, the vesting periods and the option exercise periods and rules applicable to the termination of the beneficiary’s employment contract, and it may also establish targets related to the performance of the Company. The Board of Directors may further define specific rules applicable to beneficiaries of the Company who have been transferred to other countries, including to the Company’s controlling companies its subsidiaries.

 

Until 2019, under the Option Plan, senior employees and management of the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries (beneficiaries) were eligible to receive stock options of the Company or American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) based in shares issued by the Company, in the event the beneficiaries do not live in Brazil. As of 2020, however, Ambev ceased to grant its employees and senior management stock options recognized according to the accounting treatment determined by IFRS 2/CPC 10 – Share-Based Payment. Nevertheless, there are stock options granted in previous periods that are not yet exercisable, as well as stock options that are already exercisable but not yet expired, which remain valid within the term of the programs. Such options were issued according to the Option Plan and are subject to the accounting treatment provided for in IFRS 2/10 CPC 10. On the date hereof, approximately 538 people, including managers and employees, hold stock options for shares of the Company considering all the programs of the Option Plan together, among these, six members of the Board of Directors and ten members of the Board of Officers.

Additionally, as of 2020, within the scope of the Option Plan, some members of the Company’s Management and of its subsidiaries who receive profit sharing/cash bonus have the option - depending on their positions - of choosing to allocate part or all of the amounts received, in such capacity, upon purchase of the Company’s shares.

These shares are called “voluntary shares” and are granted within the scope of the Option Plan. As a rule, voluntary shares are entitled to dividends from the grant date and are subject to a transfer restriction period (lock-up) of three to five years and are granted at market value.

The members of the Management who invest in voluntary shares also receive one and a half times the corresponding number of shares for each voluntary share purchased, up to a total percentage limited to each employee’s variable compensation. The corresponding shares are delivered in the form of Restricted Shares (definition below), also called “matching shares”, which are also subject to a vesting period from three to five years. In addition to the Restricted Shares, they also receive an additional amount related to the applied discount of up to 20%. The discount is made in the form of “discounted shares”, which are also delivered as Restricted Shares and are also subject to a vesting of three to five years.

Share Value Right (Phantom Stocks)

The Company also welcomed, for having succeeded Companhia de Bebidas das Américas – Ambev through a merger, the long-term incentive granted to some executives identified as high potential by the Company (and such incentive is denominated “Share Value Rights”). Such incentive is beyond the scope of the Option Plan and the Stock Plan since it does not involve settlement by the granting of shares or share acquisition option.

 

Within the scope of the Share Value Rights program, each beneficiary will receive two separate lots of Share Value Rights – (lot A and lot B), as the case may be, in which each Share Value Right will correspond to a share or ADR, as the case may be, subject to vesting periods of five and ten years, respectively as of the date of their granting. Once such five or ten-year term has elapsed, as applicable, the beneficiary who remains at the Company or in any entity of its group will receive in funds immediately available the amount in Brazilian Reais corresponding to the closing price of shares or ADRs of the Company at B3 or New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), respectively, at the trading session immediately before the end of such vesting periods. The Share Value Rights granted do not concern the delivery, subscription or acquisition of shares or ADRs, and, therefore, will not ascribe to the beneficiary the condition of shareholder of the Company or to any right or prerogative as a result of such condition. The benefits ascribed to the granting of Share Value Rights shall be considered as variable compensation.

Stock Plan

The Company implemented a Stock Plan, under which certain employees and members of the management of the Company or its subsidiaries, direct or indirect, are eligible to receive shares of the Company including in the form of ADRs, in the event of persons living outside Brazil. The shares that are subject to the Stock Plan are designated “Restricted Shares” or “Performance Shares”.

The Board of Directors has broad powers of organization and management of the Stock Plan, in accordance with its general terms and conditions, and must establish the terms and conditions applicable to each Restricted Shares program (Share-Based Payment Program - “Stock Programs”), which, for its turn, sets the terms and conditions specific to the participants of that program, including the conditions and procedures for transferring the Restricted Shares and rules applicable in case of termination of the employment contract. In 2022, the Board of Directors delegated to the People Committee the responsibility for monitoring and approving matters related to the Stock Plan with regard to employees in general, provided that approvals involving members of the management and/or presidents of Company’s business units remain under Board of Directors’ sole responsibility.

The delivery of the Restricted Shares is exempt from financial consideration.

(b)       Date of approval and responsible body

The Option Plan was approved at the Company’s Extraordinary General Meeting held on July 30, 2013, as part of the succession, through the merger of Companhia de Bebidas das Américas – Ambev with and into the Company.

The Company also welcomed, as it succeeded Companhia de Bebidas das Américas – Ambev through a merger, the long-term incentive of Share Value Rights, approved by the Board of Directors of Companhia de Bebidas das Américas – Ambev on August 26, 2011.

The Stock Plan was approved at the Company’s Extraordinary General Meeting held on April 29, 2016, and amended by the Extraordinary General Meeting held on April 24, 2020.

(c)       Maximum number of shares covered

The Stock Plan sets that the global amount of shares to be granted to employees and managers of the Company is up to three percent (3.0%) of shares representing the Company’s capital stock as determined on April 24, 2020.

(d)       Maximum number of options to be granted

The Option Plan does not provide the maximum number of options potentially covered by the plan, being the responsibility of the Board of Directors to establish the maximum number of options per program, upon the approval of each program.

 

(e)       Conditions to acquire shares

In the Company’s stock option programs then in force named Programs 2016.1, 2016.2, 2016.3, 2017.1, 2017.2, 2017.4, 2018.1, 2018.2, 2018.4, 2019.1, 2019.2, 2019.4, 2019.5, 2020.1, 2021.1, 2022.1, 2023.1 and 2024.1, all within the Scope of the Option Plan, two types of grant were awarded, as follows: (i) in one type of grant, the exercise price of the options must be paid on demand on the grant date (or within five business days), although a substantial part of the shares acquired, after the exercise, will be subject to a lock-up period of three to ten years (depending on the program) as of the exercise date; and (ii) in the other type of grant, a beneficiary may only exercise his/her options after a vesting period of five years, upon payment of exercise price on demand, in consideration for the delivery of shares. The exercise of options is not conditioned to meeting the Company’s performance targets.

The Share Value Rights incentive does not involve exactly the acquisition of shares. The cash payment by the Company to the beneficiary of the amounts determined based on market prices of shares or ADRs issued by the Company is subject to continued employment with the Company for a term of five years for lot A and ten years for lot B, and it is not contingent upon the Company meeting performance targets.

In the Company’s stock programs then in force named Programs 2019.1, 2019.3, 2019.6, 2020.1, 2020.3A, 2020.3B, 2020.5, 2020.8, 2021.2, 2021.7, 2021.9, 2021.12, 2022.1, 2022.2, 2022.3, 2022.4, 2022.8, 2022.9, 2022.10, 2023.1, 2023.2, 2023.3, 2023.4, 2023.8, 2023.9, 2023.10, 2023.11 and 2024.1, within the scope of the Stock Plan, the granting of shares was made free of charges and such shares will only be transferred to the participants after the vesting period of three or five years, as the case may be, and provided that the participant maintains the employment/statutory bond with the Company until the end of said term. There is no binding of the participants to the reaching of the Company’s performance goals, except in the programs of Performance Shares, which establish that, in addition to the conditions described above, the Performance Shares will only be delivered to participants after the end of the vesting period if the performance test criteria are met on the observation date to be defined in the respective program.

(f)       Criteria to set the acquisition or exercise price

In relation to the Options Plan, there is no acquisition price for the options, which are granted free of charge. The price of the exercise of the shares arising from the Company’s stock option programs then in force named Programs 2016.1, 2016.2, 2016.3, 2017.1, 2017.2, 2017.4, 2018.1, 2018.2, 2018.4, 2019.1, 2019.2, 2019.4, 2019.5, 2020.1, 2021.1, 2022.1, 2023.1 and 2024.1, all in the scope of the Option Plan, corresponds to the closing price of the Company’s stocks traded at B3 on the trading session immediately before the grant date.

The Share Value Rights incentive does not involve the acquisition of shares, but rather the payment of a cash amount by the Company to the beneficiary. Such amount is determined at the end of the vesting period applicable to each lot, based on the closing price of Company’s shares or ADRs on the trading session of B3 or NYSE, as applicable, immediately before the date of payment. Each Share Value Right shall correspond to the right related to one share or ADR, as applicable.

Within the scope of the Company’s stock programs then in force named Programs 2019.1, 2019.3, 2019.6, 2020.1, 2020.3A, 2020.3B, 2020.5, 2020.8, 2021.2, 2021.7, 2021.9, 2021.12, 2022.1, 2022.2, 2022.3, 2022.4, 2022.8, 2022.9, 2022.10, 2023.1, 2023.2, 2023.3, 2023.4, 2023.8, 2023.9, 2023.10, 2023.11 and 2024.1, and within the scope of the Stock Plan, the granting of shares shall be made free of charge to the participants, provided that the reference price of each restricted share will correspond to the quotation of the Company’s shares traded at B3 on the trading session immediately before the grant date, under the terms of the Stock Plan and of the relevant program.

(g)       Criteria to set the term for acquisition or exercise

Within the scope of the Option Plan, according to the Company’s stock option programs then in force named Programs 2016.1, 2016.2, 2016.3, 2017.1, 2017.2, 2017.4, 2018.1, 2018.4, 2019.1 and 2019.5, the lots may only be exercised (i) in full upon the execution of the option grant agreement by the beneficiary; or (ii) in a period of five years after the verification of the vesting period of the relevant options.

 

The programs 2018.2, 2019.2, 2019.4, 2020.1, 2021.1, 2022.1, 2023.1 and 2024.1, the participants received the grant of single lots that may be exercised, in total or in part, within 45 days from the granting date, all subject to a minimum lock-up period of three to five years, as the case may be. The criteria used in the establishment of said terms considers the short, medium and long-term goals of this incentive form.

With regard to the Share Value Rights, lot A provides for a term of five years to receive the relevant amounts, while in the case of lot B, there is a term of ten years. The main purpose of grace periods is to retain executives deemed of high potential and strategic for the business and activities of the Company, encouraging their continued employment with the Company in view of the possibility of receiving, in the long term, potentially attractive amounts linked to the value of shares issued by the Company.

Within the scope of the Stock Plan, according to the Company’s stock programs then in force named Programs 2019.1, 2019.3, 2019.6, 2020.1, 2020.3A, 2020.3B, 2020.5, 2020.8, 2021.2, 2021.7, 2021.9, 2021.12, 2022.1, 2022.2, 2022.3, 2022.4, 2022.8, 2022.9, 2022.10, 2023.1, 2023.2, 2023.3, 2023.4, 2023.8, 2023.9, 2023.10, 2023.11 and 2024.1, the delivery of Restricted Shares will be made after the lock-up period of three to five years, as the case may be.

(h)       Form of settlement

In the case of the Option Plan, the Company may use treasury stocks to satisfy the exercise of options, and may, when applicable, use ADRs backed by shares issued by the Company. The Company may also issue new shares, upon an increase in capital stock, upon a resolution of the Board of Directors within the limits of authorized capital. The rule is that the exercise price must be paid in full, on demand upon the exercise of the options within a period of up to five business days as of their exercise date, depending on the program.

The Share Value Rights do neither involve the effective delivery of shares, nor the payment of any amount by the beneficiary. They are settled upon the payment of the cash benefit by the Company directly to the beneficiary, immediately after the end of the relevant grace period.

Within the scope of the Stock Plan, the Restricted Shares shall be delivered by the Company to the respective participant, free of charge, within 30 days counted as from the expiry of the respective vesting period, provided that the terms and conditions established in the respective programs are observed. For purposes of the Stock Plan, the Company shall use existing shares held in treasury.

(i)       Restrictions to the transfer of shares

In the Company’s stock option programs then in force named Programs 2016.1, 2016.2, 2016.3, 2017.1, 2017.2, 2017.4, 2018.1, 2018.2, 2018.4, 2019.1, 2019.2, 2019.4, 2019.5, 2020.1, 2021.1, 2022.1, 2023.1 and 2024.1, under terms of the Option Plan, the shares resulting from the option exercise may (i) be free and clear and may be transferred at any time, respected the preemptive right of the Company; or (ii) be subject to a lock-up of, at least, three or five years counted as from the date of granting the options.

Share Value Rights incentive by the Company does not involve the delivery of shares. Therefore, there is nothing to say about any restriction to the transfer of shares. Please note, however, that the receipt of the amounts under the share appreciation rights program is subject to the grace periods described in sub-item “g” above.

Within the scope of the Stock Plan, according to the Company’s stock programs then in force named Programs 2019.1, 2019.3, 2019.6, 2020.1, 2020.3A, 2020.3B, 2020.5, 2020.8, 2021.2, 2021.7, 2021.9, 2021.12, 2022.1, 2022.2, 2022.3, 2022.4, 2022.8, 2022.9, 2022.10, 2023.1, 2023.2, 2023.3, 2023.4, 2023.8, 2023.9, 2023.10, 2023.11 and 2024.1, after the expiry of the vesting period of three or five years, the delivered shares will be free and clear, and may be transferred at any time.

(j)       Criteria and event that, once verified, will result in the suspension, amendment or termination of the Plan

 

The Plans may be amended or terminated by the Board of Directors, pursuant to the terms under said Plans. Regardless of the authority of the Board of Directors, no decision may change the rights and obligations of the Company or beneficiaries or participants in force. In addition, in case of dissolution, transformation, merger, consolidation, spin-off or reorganization of the Company, the existing options and restricted shares will be subject to the rules established by the Board of Directors on this matter.

(k)       Effects of withdrawal of a manager from the bodies of the issuer on the rights provided under share-based compensation plan

Pursuant to the Plans, the Board of Directors or a committee, as the case may be, shall establish, in each Program, the rules applicable to the cases of severance of Company’s beneficiaries and participants due to the termination of the employment agreement, end of term of office, dismissal or resignation from executive office, as well as to the cases of retirement, permanent disability or death of participants.

 

We described below the main rules applicable to these cases, in relation to the programs in force.

Programs (Option Plan)

- Programs 2016.2, 2016.3, 2017.1, 2017.4, 2018.1, 2018.4, 2019.1 and 2019.5:

For these programs, in the event of termination of the beneficiary’s employment contract, the following rules shall apply, as per each described event, namely: (i) in the event of termination for cause or similar reason, renouncement or resignation or leave without pay for a period exceeding 24 months, any options not qualified to be exercised will lapse and any options already qualified to be exercised may be so within 90 days as of the severance date, after which they will be canceled; (ii) in the event of dismissal without cause or severance resulting from outsourced services, sale of affiliate company or business unit of the Company, any options not qualified to be exercised will lapse and any options already qualified to be exercised may be so within 180 days as of the severance date, after which they will be canceled; (iii) in the event of severance after a beneficiary has cumulatively achieved 70 years (i.e. sum of his/her age and the duration of his/her service with the Company at severance date), any options qualified to be exercised may be so, while in relation to any options not qualified to be exercised, in case severance has occurred within 24 months after the option grant, the beneficiary may only exercise his/her options on a pro rata basis if he/she has participated, upon destination of his/her variable net compensation, of other Option Programs that he/she has participated as beneficiary, conditioned to the execution of a non-compete agreement and, in case severance has occurred after 24 months, the beneficiary may exercise his/her options on a pro rata basis also conditioned to the execution of the above-mentioned non-compete agreement; (iv) in the event of severance after a beneficiary has cumulatively achieved 80 years (i.e. sum of his/her age and the duration of his/her service with the Company at severance date), any options qualified to be exercised may be so within their respective terms, provided that he/she executes the above-mentioned non-compete agreement if this is so resolved by the Board of Directors of the Company; and (v) in case of death or permanent disability, any options already qualified to be exercised may be so within their respective terms, and any options not yet qualified to be exercised may nevertheless be so immediately, provided, however, that the Board of Directors of the Company may, in case of permanent disability, condition such exercise to the execution of a non-compete agreement.

- Programs 2016.1, and 2017.2: For these programs, in the event the employment agreement or term of office of the beneficiary terminates during the vesting period, for any reason, except for the cases set forth below, the beneficiary will lose the right to receive said shares. In the event of termination of the employment contract or term of office after 24 months as of grant date, for any reason other than (a) for cause, renouncement or resignation, or (b) the events provided below: (i) the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive, always on a pro rata basis to the number of calendar months completed during which he/she has remained performing his/her functions to the Company, its subsidiaries, controlling companies and affiliates as of the date the options were granted, the shares assigned to him/her until the termination of his/her functions to the Company, its subsidiaries, controlling companies and affiliates, provided that the Board of Directors may resolve that such receipt is contingent upon the execution and performance by the beneficiary of a non-compete agreement with the Company according to the terms and conditions established by the Board of Directors; and (ii) the restrictions to the transfer of shares provided for in the program shall remain in force.

 

In the event of severance after a beneficiary has cumulatively achieved seventy (70) years (i.e. sum of his/her age and the duration of his/her service with the Company at severance date), any options qualified to be exercised may be so, while in relation to any options not qualified to be exercised: (i) in case severance has occurred within 24 months after the option grant, the beneficiary will lose his/her right to receive the shares, except if the beneficiary shall have allocated 100% of his bonus to full exercise of options in the last five years (or in such shorter period in which he/she has become eligible to participate in the Company’s Programs), in which case the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive, always on a pro rata basis to the number of calendar months completed during which he/she has remained in his/her office at the Company, its subsidiaries, controlling companies and affiliates, as of the grant date, the shares assigned to him/her until the date of termination of his/her employment with the Company, its subsidiaries, controlling companies and affiliates, provided that the Board of Directors may determine that receipt thereof shall be contingent upon the execution and performance, by the beneficiary, of a non-compete agreement with the Company; and (ii) if the severance occurred after 24 months after the granting of options, the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive, at all times proportional to the number of complete calendar months which he/she remained in the performance of his/her duties to the Company, or to its controlled or controlling companies and affiliates, since the stock granting date, the shares that were attributed to him/her until the termination of their duties to the Company or to its controlling or controlled companies and affiliates, it being certain that the Board of Directors may establish that the receipt is conditioned to the execution of and compliance with the non-compete agreement with the Company by the beneficiary.

In the event of severance after a beneficiary has cumulatively achieved 80 years (i.e., sum of his/her age and the duration of his/her service with the Company at severance date), he/she shall be entitled to receive the shares after complying with the vesting period established in the program. In this case, restrictions on the transfer of shares under the program shall remain force.

In case of death or permanent disability of the beneficiary – in the latter case, contingent upon the execution and performance, by the beneficiary, of a non-compete agreement with the Company according to the terms and conditions established by the Board of Directors – he/she or his/her heirs or successors, as applicable, shall be entitled to immediately receive the shares resulting from the options granted, as well as the shares already assigned in the period, all of them free and clear.

- Programs 2018.2, 2019.2, 2019.4, 2020.1, 2021.1, 2022.1, 2023.1 and 2024.1: For such programs, in the event the employment agreement or term of office of the beneficiary terminates (a) after the exercise date, for any reason, the beneficiary will remain entitled to the shares acquired under the program, as well as those acquired due to bonus, split, subscription or other acquisition form related to said shares, or (b) prior to the exercise date, the beneficiary will lose right to the exercise of the options.

Share Value Rights

In relation to lot A:

In the events of (i) dismissal for cause or similar reason; (ii) leave without pay for a period exceeding 24 months; (iii) renouncement or resignation; (iv) dismissal without cause; (v) severance resulting from outsourced services, sale of subsidiary, affiliate company or business unit of the Company; and (vi) severance after a beneficiary has cumulatively achieved 70 years (i.e. sum of his/her age and the duration of his/her service with the Company at severance date), the Share Value Rights will be canceled and terminated by operation of law.

In the events of (i) severance after a beneficiary has cumulatively achieved 80 years (i.e. sum of his/her age and the duration of his/her service with the Company at severance date); and (ii) permanent disability, the Share Value Rights granted during the period starting on their grant date and ending on the severance date shall remain valid and their settlement shall comply with the vesting periods provided for in the relevant agreement, provided that receipt of the corresponding bonus shall be contingent upon the beneficiary executing and performing a non-compete agreement with the Company.

 

In the event of death of the beneficiary, the Share Value Rights shall be settled on a pro rata basis according to a formula calculated based on the number of calendar months completed during the effectiveness of his/her employment contract with the Company and the beneficiary or, as applicable, his/her term of office as manager of the Company since the grant date.

In relation to lot B:

In the events of (i) dismissal for cause or similar reason; (ii) leave without pay for a period exceeding twenty-four (24) months; and (iii) renouncement or resignation, the Share Value Rights shall be canceled and terminated by operation of law.

In the events of (i) dismissal without cause; (ii) severance resulting from outsourced services, sale of subsidiary, affiliate company or business unit of the Company; and (iii) severance after a beneficiary has cumulatively achieved 70 years (i.e. sum of his/her age and the duration of his/her service with the Company at severance date), the following rules shall apply: (a) severance before the 5-year vesting period: - the Share Value Rights shall be canceled and terminated by operation of law; and (b) severance between five and ten years of grant date anniversary: - the Share Value Rights shall be settled on a pro rata bass according to a formula calculated based on the number of calendar months completed during the effectiveness of his/her employment contract with the Company and the beneficiary or, as applicable, his/her term of office as manager of the Company since the grant date.

 

In the events of (i) severance after a beneficiary has cumulatively achieved 80 years (i.e. sum of his/her age and the duration of his/her service with the Company at severance date); and (ii) permanent disability, the Share Value Rights granted during the period starting on the grant date and ending on severance date shall remain valid and their settlement shall comply with the vesting periods established in the relevant agreement, provided that receipt of the corresponding bonus shall be contingent upon the beneficiary executing and performing a non-compete agreement with the Company.

In the event of death of the beneficiary, the Share Value Rights shall be settled on a pro rata basis according to a formula calculated based on the number of calendar months completed during the effectiveness of his/her employment contract with the Company and the beneficiary or, as applicable, his/her term of office as manager of the Company since the grant date.

Programs (Stock Plan)

- Programs 2019.1, 2019.3, 2019.6, 2020.1, 2020.3A, 2020.3B, 2020.5, 2020.8, 2021.2, 2021.7, 2021.9, 2021.12, 2022.1, 2022.2, 2022.3, 2022.4, 2022.8, 2022.9, 2022.10, 2023.1, 2023.2, 2023.3, 2023.4, 2023.8, 2023.9, 2023.10, 2023.11 and 2024.1

As a general rule, the aforementioned programs establish that, in the event the employment agreement or term of office of the participant terminates during the vesting period, for any reason, the participant will lose the right to receive the respective Restricted Shares or Performance Shares (as applicable) that are not free for delivery to the participant, except in the cases (or in some of the cases) set forth in items (a) to (d) below (“Exceptions”).

It should be noted that the transfer restrictions on the shares, provided for in the programs, will remain in force if any Exceptions are applied, except in the case set forth in item “d.1” below.

a) Severance Without Cause

(a.1) Resignation or Termination of Term of Office without Cause – Board of Directors

Rule applicable to the programs intended to the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to the Conditions for Exceptions (defined below).

 

Pursuant to a decision approved by the unpaid members of the Company’s Board of Directors at a meeting held on April 25, 2023, in case of non-reelection or termination without cause of the term of office of a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (who is a participant in one or more of the programs mentioned above) during the vesting period, such participant will receive the Restricted Shares that are not free for delivery at the time of the severance.

(a.2) Involuntary Dismissal Without Cause – Board of Officers

Rule provided for in the Programs 2019.1, 2019.3, 2020.1, 2021.2, 2022.1, 2022.2, 2022.3, 2022.8, 2022.9, 2022.10, 2023.1, 2023.2, 2023.3, 2023.8, 2023.9, 2023.10, 2023.11 and 2024.1.

If the severance occurs due to involuntary dismissal without cause after 24 months after the grant date, and provided that the Conditions for Exceptions are observed, the participant will receive the Restricted Shares or Performance Shares, as applicable, on a pro-rata basis (description below).

Specifically in the Program 2019.6, in case of severance due to involuntary dismissal without cause, with respect to the Restricted Shares that are not free for delivery, the participant will receive the shares on a pro-rata basis in the following events, provided that the Conditions for Exceptions are observed:

(1) if (a) the severance occurs before 24 months after granting, and (b) the participant has participated, through the allocation of part or all of its net variable compensation (i.e., annual gratification, bonus or participation on the results, net of income tax and other levied charges) of all the Company’s stock option programs approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in which its name has been included in the list of beneficiaries in the 5 years immediately prior to its severance (or if the participant has become eligible to participate in such programs for less than 5 years, as many years as the years the participant has become eligible), or

(2) if the severance occurs after 24 months after the date of grant of the shares.

(b) Severance after 70 years combined (i.e., sum of age plus length of service at the Company on the severance date)

Rule provided for in all programs, except in the Programs 2019.6, 2020.5, 2022.10, 2023.4, 2023.10 and 2023.11.

With respect to the Restricted Shares or Performance Shares, as applicable, that are not yet free for delivery, in case of severance after 70 years combined, the participant will receive the shares on a pro-rata basis in the following events, provided that the Conditions for Exceptions are observed:

(b.1) if the severance occurs before 24 months after granting and the participant has participated, through the allocation of part or all of its net variable compensation (i.e., annual gratification, bonus or participation on the results, net of income tax and other levied charges) of all the Company’s stock option programs approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in which its name has been included in the list of beneficiaries in the 5 years immediately prior to its severance (or if the participant has become eligible to participate in such programs for less than 5 years, as many years as the years the participant has become eligible); or

(b.2) if the severance occurs after 24 months after the grant date.

(c) Severance after reaching 80 years combined (i.e., sum of age plus length of service at the Company on the severance date)

Rule provided for in all programs, except in the Programs 2019.6, 2020.5, 2022.10, 2023.4, 2023.10 and 2023.11.

Provided that the Conditions for Exceptions are observed, in case of severance after 80 years combined, the participant will receive the Restricted Shares or the Performance Shares, as applicable, that are not yet free for delivery.

(d) Death and Permanent Disability

 

Rule provided for in all programs.

(d.1) In case of death of the participant, his/ her heir / successor will immediately receive the Restricted Shares or Performance Shares, as applicable, that are not yet free for delivery pursuant to the programs, and all shares will be free and clear for sale at any time.

(d.2) Provided that the Conditions for Exceptions are observed, the participant severed in case of permanent disability will receive the Restricted Shares or the Performance Shares, as applicable.

- Conditions - Exceptions

The Exceptions will only apply if the following conditions are met (“Conditions for Exceptions”):

(i)       if the termination of the participant’s employment agreement or term of office at the Company was without cause (provided that, specifically for the Exception set forth in item “a.2” above, the participant will only be entitled to pro-rata in case of involuntary severance and without cause);

(ii)       specifically in the cases established in item “a.1”, only the participants members of the Board of Directors as from April 25, 2023 onwards will be eligible;

(iii)       if the participant signs and complies with the non-compete agreement entered with the Company, under the terms established by the Board of Directors (except in the event set forth in item “d.1” above); and

(iv)       specifically in relation to the programs involving Performance Shares, if the performance criteria established in the respective programs are met.

- Pro-Rata Calculation

Once the Conditions for Exceptions are met and the terms set forth in each program are observed, the Restricted Shares or Performance Shares, as applicable, to be delivered to the participants on a pro-rata basis, will be equivalent to the result of the Restricted Shares / Performance Shares held by the participant on the severance date, multiplied by the number of complete calendar months of employment or term of office, for the period between the grant date and the respective termination of the relationship with the Company (which will always be less than 36 or 60 months), divided by 36 or 60, depending on the program.

 

 

8.5 – Regarding the share-based compensation in the form of stock options recognized in income for the past three fiscal years and that expected for the current fiscal year of the board of directors and the board of officers

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2024

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
No. of Members 13,00 13,00
No. of members receiving compensation 4,00 8,00
WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF OPTIONS:    
(a) Options outstanding in the beginning of fiscal year 18,05 18,07
(b) Options lost and expired during the fiscal year -    -   
(c) Options exercised during the fiscal year -    -   
Potential dilution in case of exercise of all outstanding options 0,0066% 0,0140%

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2023

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
No. of Members 12,67 13,50
No. of members receiving compensation 5,00 8,00
WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF OPTIONS:    
(a) Options outstanding in the beginning of fiscal year 18,06 17,96
(b) Options lost and expired during the fiscal year 17,56 17,18
(c) Options exercised during the fiscal year -    -   
Potential dilution in case of exercise of all outstanding options 0,0267% 0,0392%

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2022

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
No. of Members 12,00 14,00
No. of members receiving compensation 7,00 10,00
WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF OPTIONS:    
(a) Options outstanding in the beginning of fiscal year 17,80 18,01
(b) Options lost and expired during the fiscal year 17,20 17,48
(c) Options exercised during the fiscal year -    -   
Potential dilution in case of exercise of all outstanding options 0,0179% 0,0302%

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2021

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
No. of Members 12,00 13,00
No. of members receiving compensation 7,00 11,00
WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF OPTIONS:    
(a) Options outstanding in the beginning of fiscal year 17,26 17,75
(b) Options lost and expired during the fiscal year 8,15 11,97
(c) Options exercised during the fiscal year 11,97 11,97
Potential dilution in case of exercise of all outstanding options 0,0329% 0,0512%

 

 

8.6 - Regarding each grant of stock options carried out in the past three fiscal years and expected for the current fiscal year of the board of directors and the board of officers

The Company did not offer new grants of stock options that have been recognized in the results of the last 3 fiscal years pursuant to CPC 10 – Share-Based Payment and does not foresee grants under these terms for the current fiscal year.

 

 

8.7 - Regarding the outstanding options of the Board of Directors and the Board of Officers at the end of the past fiscal year

12/31/2023
Part I
Board of Directors Board of Officers Board of Officers Board of Directors Board of Officers Board of Officers Board of Directors
Total number of members 12,67 13,50 13,50 12,67 13,50 13,50 12,67
No. of members receiving compensation 4 6 3 3 8 2 2
Grant Date 12/01/2014 12/01/2014 12/22/2014 12/01/2015 12/01/2015 12/22/2015 12/01/2016
Options not qualified for exercise              
Number of Options - - - - - - -
Date on which they may be exercised 12/01/2019 12/01/2019 12/22/2019 12/01/2020 12/01/2020 12/22/2020 12/01/2021
Maximum term for exercise - - - - - - -
Lock-up Period - - - - - - -
Weighted average exercise price - - - - - - -
Fair value of options on the last day of the fiscal year - - - - - - -
Options qualified for exercise              
Number of Options 794.486 331.360 376.537 463.915 322.123 211.136 468.212
Maximum term for exercise 12/01/2024 12/01/2024 12/22/2024 12/01/2025 12/01/2025 12/22/2025 12/01/2026
Lock-up Period N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Weighted average exercise price 16,85 16,85 16,85 18,64 18,64 18 17,15
Fair value of options on the last day of the fiscal year 0,63 0,63 0,90 0,91 0,91 1,07 1,95
Fair value of the total of options on the last day of the fiscal year 501.928 209.342 339.854 423.634 294.153 226.238 913.573

 

12/31/2023
Part II
Board of Officers Board of Officers Board of Directors Board of Officers Board of Officers Board of Directors Board of Officers  
 
Total number of members 14,00 14,00 12,00 14,00 14,00 12,00 14,00  
No. of members receiving compensation 9 3 4 10 2 4 10  
Grant Date 12/01/2015 12/22/2015 12/01/2016 12/01/2016 12/22/2016 12/01/2017 12/01/2017  
Options not qualified for exercise                
Number of Options - - - - - - -  
 

 

Date on which they may be exercised 12/01/2020 12/22/2020 12/01/2021 12/01/2021 12/22/2021 12/01/2022 12/01/2022  
Maximum term for exercise - - - - - - -  
Lock-up Period - - - - - - -  
Weighted average exercise price - - - - - - -  
Fair value of options on the last day of the fiscal year - - - - - - -  
Options qualified for exercise                
Number of Options 392.740 369.488 554.550 774.200 146.113 498.976 1.151.238  
Maximum term for exercise 12/01/2025 12/22/2025 12/01/2026 12/01/2026 12/22/2026 12/01/2027 12/01/2027  
Lock-up Period N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A  
Weighted average exercise price 18,64 18,00 17,15 17,15 16,34 20,56 20,56  
Fair value of options on the last day of the fiscal year 1,67 1,85 2,45 2,45 2,70 2,03 2,03  
Fair value of the total of options on the last day of the fiscal year 657.154 683.304 1.358.160 1.896.109 394.972 1.011.671 2.334.128  

 

12/31/2023

Part III - Final

Board of Officers Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 13,50 12,67 13,50
No. of members receiving compensation 1 4 8
Grant Date 02/21/2019 12/02/2019 12/02/2019
Options not qualified for exercise      
Number of Options 347.315 1.032.919 1.853.426
Date on which they may be exercised 02/21/2024 12/02/2024 12/02/2024
Maximum term for exercise 02/21/2029 12/02/2029 12/02/2029
Lock-up Period N/A N/A N/A
Weighted average exercise price 18,15 18,05 18,05
Fair value of options on the last day of the fiscal year 2,58 2,92 2,92
Options qualified for exercise      
Number of Options - - -
Maximum term for exercise - - -
Lock-up Period - - -
Weighted average exercise price - - -
 

 

Fair value of options on the last day of the fiscal year - - -
Fair value of the total of options on the last day of the fiscal year 895.454 3.017.160 5.413.863

(1) Whenever necessary, the number of options granted and fair value were adjusted to reflect all stock splits that took place within the relevant period.

(2) According to the accounting method of predecessor cost adopted by the Company, data related to periods before 2014 relates to Companhia de Bebidas das Américas – Ambev historical information.

 

 

8.8 - Regarding the options exercised relating to the share-based compensation of the board of directors and the board of officers, in the past three fiscal years

 

Exercised options related to the share-based compensation - Fiscal Year ended 12/31/2023

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,67 13,50
Number of members receiving compensation 0,00 0,00
Number of shares (A) - -
Weighted average exercise price (B) R$ 0,00 R$ 0,00
Weighted average market price of the shares relating to the options exercised (C) R$ 00,00 R$ 00,00
Multiplying the total number of options exercised by the difference between the weighted average exercise price and the weighted average market price of the shares relating to the options exercised [A x (C-B)] R$ 0,00 R$ 0,00

 

Exercised options related to the share-based compensation - Fiscal Year ended 12/31/2022

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,00 14,00
Number of members receiving compensation 0,00 0,00
Number of shares (A) - -
Weighted average exercise price (B) R$ 0,00 R$ 0,00
Weighted average market price of the shares relating to the options exercised (C) R$ 0,00 R$ 0,00
Multiplying the total number of options exercised by the difference between the weighted average exercise price and the weighted average market price of the shares relating to the options exercised [A x (C-B)] R$ 0,00 R$ 0,00

 

Exercised options related to the share-based compensation - Fiscal Year ended 12/31/2021

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,00 13,00
Number of members receiving compensation 3,00 9,00
Number of shares (A) 532.405 226.715
Weighted average exercise price (B) R$ 11,97 R$ 11,97
Weighted average market price of the shares relating to the options exercised (C) R$ 19,37 R$ 16,98
Multiplying the total number of options exercised by the difference between the weighted average exercise price and the weighted average market price of the shares relating to the options exercised [A x (C-B)] R$ 3.938.732 R$ 1.135.063

 

 

8.9 - Regarding the share-based compensation, in the form of shares to be delivered directly to the beneficiaries, recognized in income of the past three fiscal years and that expected for the current fiscal year, of the board of directors and the board of officers

 

(i) Amounts originated from the accounting effects provided for in CPC 10 – Share-Based Payment

 

Share-based compensation, in the form of shares to be delivered directly to the beneficiaries –

Forecast for the current fiscal year (2024)

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 13,00 13,00
Number of members receiving compensation 7,00 13,00
Potential dilution in case of granting of all shares to the beneficiaries 0,0158% 0,1090%

The dilution estimate presented above considers the shareholding position of the Company on 12/31/2023 as a basis.

 

Share-based compensation, in the form of shares to be delivered directly to the beneficiaries –

Fiscal year ended 12/31/2023

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,67 13,50
Number of members receiving compensation 7,00 13,00
Potential dilution in case of granting of all shares to the beneficiaries 0,0170% 0,1182%

 

Share-based compensation, in the form of shares to be delivered directly to the beneficiaries –

Fiscal year ended 12/31/2022

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,00 14,00
Number of members receiving compensation 7,00 14,00
Potential dilution in case of granting of all shares to the beneficiaries 0,0177% 0,1119%

 

Share-based compensation, in the form of shares to be delivered directly to the beneficiaries –

Fiscal year ended 12/31/2021

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,00 13,00
Number of members receiving compensation 7,00 13,00
Potential dilution in case of granting of all shares to the beneficiaries 0,0096% 0,0583%

 

 

8.10 - Regarding each grant of shares carried out in the past three fiscal years and expected for the current fiscal year of the board of directors and the board of officers

(i) Amounts originated from the accounting effects provided for in CPC 10 – Share-Based Payment

 

Grants of shares expected for the current fiscal year (2024)

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 13,00 13,00
Number of members receiving compensation 7,00 13,00
Estimated grant date

03/01/2024

12/15/2024

03/01/2024

12/15/2024

Estimated number of shares granted (A) 245.825 7.550.317
Estimated maximum period for delivery of shares

03/01/2027

12/15/2029

03/01/2027

12/15/2027

Estimated restriction period for the transfer of shares 03/01/2027 03/01/2027
12/15/2029 12/15/2027
Fair value of shares on the grant date (B) 13,73 13,73
Multiplying the number of shares granted by the fair value of the shares on the grant date (A x B) 3.375.172 103.665.856

The information above is based on the best estimate of the Company’s Management considering the fiscal year ended in 2023. In addition, the shares fair value considers the market value of the Company’s shares in 12/31/2023.

 

Grants of shares for the fiscal year ended 12/31/2023

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,67 13,50
Number of members receiving compensation 7,00 13,00
Grant date

03/06/2023

12/01/2023

03/06/2023

12/01/2023

12/18/2023

Number of shares granted (A) 565.259 6.323.228
Maximum period for delivery of shares

03/06/2026

12/01/2026

12/01/2028

03/06/2026

12/01/2026

12/18/2026

12/01/2028

12/18/2028

Restriction period for the transfer of shares

03/06/2026

12/01/2026

12/01/2028

 

03/06/2026

12/01/2026

12/18/2026

12/01/2028

12/18/2028

Fair value of shares on the grant date (B) 13,34 14,35
Multiplying the number of shares granted by the fair value of the shares on the grant date (A x B) 7.540.543 90.737.404

 

Grants of shares for the fiscal year ended 12/31/2022

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,00 14,00
Number of members receiving compensation 7,00 14,00
 

 

Grant date 03/01/2022
12/01/2022
03/01/2022
12/01/2022
02/14/2022
Number of shares granted (A) 1.276.530 8.578.825
Maximum period for delivery of shares 03/01/2025
12/01/2027

03/01/2025
12/01/2025
12/14/2025
03/01/2027
12/01/2027
12/14/2027
Restriction period for the transfer of shares 03/01/2025
12/01/2027

03/01/2025
12/01/2025
12/14/2025
03/01/2027
12/01/2027
12/14/2027
Fair value of shares on the grant date (B) 15,52 15,70
Multiplying the number of shares granted by the fair value of the shares on the grant date (A x B) 19.818.124 134.725.521

 

Grants of shares for the fiscal year ended 12/31/2021

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,00 13,00
Number of members receiving compensation 7,00 12,00
Grant date 12/01/2021 12/01/2021
12/13/2021
Number of shares granted (A) 369.980 1.313.013
Maximum period for delivery of shares 12/01/2026 12/01/2024
12/13/2024
12/01/2026
12/13/2026
Restriction period for the transfer of shares 12/01/2026 12/01/2024
12/13/2024
12/01/2026
12/13/2026
Fair value of shares on the grant date (B) 16,06 16,02
Multiplying the number of shares granted by the fair value of the shares on the grant date (A x B) 5.941.879 21.040.568

 

 

 

8.11 - Regarding the shares delivered relating to the share-based compensation of the Board of Directors and the Board of Officers, in the past three fiscal years

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2023

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,67 13,50
Number of members receiving compensation 2,00 11,00
Number of shares (A) 699.536 2.420.667
Weighted average acquisition price (B) 18,16 16,74
Weighted average market price of the shares acquired (C) 14,21 14,08
Multiplying the total number of shares acquired by the difference between the weighted average acquisition price and the weighted average market price of the shares acquired [A x (C-B)] (2.759.993) (6.430.538)

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2022

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,00 14,00
Number of members receiving compensation - 2,00
Number of shares (A) - 11.872
Weighted average acquisition price (B) - 17,21
Weighted average market price of the shares acquired (C) - 15,26
Multiplying the total number of shares acquired by the difference between the weighted average acquisition price and the weighted average market price of the shares acquired [A x (C-B)] - (23.150,40)

 

Fiscal Year: 12/31/2021

  Board of Directors Board of Officers
Total number of members 12,00 13,00
Number of members receiving compensation 3,00 9,00
Number of shares (A) 209.855 300.915
Weighted average acquisition price (B) 18,25 18,25
Weighted average market price of the shares acquired (C) 15,13 15,13
Multiplying the total number of shares acquired by the difference between the weighted average acquisition price and the weighted average market price of the shares acquired [A x (C-B)] (654.747,60) (938.854,80)

 

 

 

8.12 - Summary description of the information necessary for understanding the data disclosed in items 8.5 to 8.11, such as the explanation of the method of pricing the value of shares and options, appointing

(a)       Pricing Model

The fair value of the options granted under the Option Plan is determined based on Hull Binomial Pricing Model. The model is based on the assumption that the price of a share in the future periods may follow two possible ways: one upward and another downward. Then, a binomial tree is built in relation to the share price. The upward and downward factors are determined based on volatility of the share and the time frame between the steps of the tree. The trajectories for share price are determined until maturity. In parallel, a tree is also constructed to represent the option value per period. The option value is determined backwards, starting from the expiration of the vesting period. In the final period, the holder of the option shall decide whether to exercise the option or not.

In the case of Share Value Rights, at the end of the vesting period of each lot, the number of Share Value Rights shall be converted into an amount equal to the closing price of shares or ADRs issued by the Company and traded at B3 or NYSE, respectively, on the trading session immediately before such term, it being certain that each Share Value Rights shall correspond to one share or ADR, as applicable. There is no exercise price for the Share Value Rights, which represent only an obligation of the Company to pay to the beneficiary, on the date of the expiration of the vesting periods, the amount equivalent to the market price of Company’s shares traded on B3 or ADRs traded on the NYSE, with no disbursement by the beneficiary.

For grants of deferred shares and grants under the Stock Plan, the fair value corresponds to the closing price of shares or ADR traded at B3 or NYSE, as the case may be, on the day immediately before its grant date, and a discount may be applied under certain conditions as provided in each program. For the programs under the Stock Plan, the shares will be granted free of charge after the three or five-year grace period and provided that the participant maintains the employment and/or statutory relationship with the Company until the end of such term, observing the other terms of the Stock Plan and of each program. For specific information about such programs, refer to item 8.4.

(b)       Data and assumptions used in the pricing model, including the weighted average price of shares, the exercise price, the expected volatility, the duration of the option, expected dividends and risk-free interest rate

Calculation date

According to Technical Pronouncement CPC 10 – Share-Based Payment, options granted until 2019 must be assessed on the date of their respective grant.

Weighted average price of shares

The price of the shares of the Company taken as basis to calculate the value of the respective options is the exercise price corresponding to the average closing prices of shares traded at B3 over a 30-day window before grant date, or, in specific cases (e.g., to employees of subsidiaries of the Company headquartered abroad), the average closing price of ADRs traded at NYSE in the period (“Market Value”).

Exercise Price

- Programs from 2010 to 2019

The exercise price of each option granted under the Option Plan corresponds to the closing price, in Brazilian Reais, of the Company’s shares traded on B3 in the trading session immediately prior to the grant date.

Expected volatility

 

The options’ expected volatility is based on historical volatility calculated since March 29, 2004. Based on the Hull Binomial Model, it is assumed that all employees would exercise their options immediately if the price of the shares of the Company would reach 2.5 times the exercise price. The Company does not use the sliding window method, in which volatility estimate is fixed length “m” (i.e., for each daily update information from the previous day is aggregated and the information of m+1 days ago is disregarded). To calculate the expected volatility, the Company used the daily stock returns of the Company. For every daily update of the calculation, information concerning that day is added to the base and no information is disregarded. Therefore, the base has mobile extension beginning on March 29, 2004 until the date of calculation.

- Programs from 2010 to 2019

Under the Option Plan, the options have a grace period of five years from the date of grant, and the beneficiary may exercise them within five years after the grace period ends, upon payment of the exercise price until five business days from the exercise date, for the delivery of the shares to be carried out, therefore, having a term of up to ten years.

Expected dividends (dividends distribution rate)

The dividends distribution rate represents the ratio between the dividend per share paid out over a certain period and the price of share in the market. The Company’s dividend distribution rate of 5% was calculated based on its history of dividends distribution and payment of interest on own capital.

Risk-free interest rate

The risk-free interest rates were obtained based on the closing price of the futures contract DI1 (Future of Average Rate of One-Day Interbank Deposits) disclosed by B3 on the respective grant dates for similar maturity.

For illustrative purposes, the data explained in this item “b” was the following for the options granted in the fiscal years of 2019, which was last fiscal year in which the Company granted stock options of shares considering the CPC-10 – Share-Based Payment and aligned with the methodology described in this item:

OPTION PRICING MODEL

Assumptions 2019
Pricing Model Hull Binomial
Fair value of options granted 4.50
Share price 17.66
Exercise price 17.66
Expected volatility 23.8%
Vesting (years) 5
Expected dividends 5,0%
Risk-free interest rate 7.8%

Information based on the weighted average of the programs granted, exception made to the estimate on dividends and risk-free interest rate. The percentages include the stock options and ADRs granted during the fiscal year, whereas ADRs are denominated in US Dollars.

(c) Method used and assumptions made to incorporate the expected effects of early exercise of options

Based on the Hull Binomial Model used by the Company, the immediate exercise of all options granted is assumed if the price of the shares issued by the Company reaches 2.5 times the exercise price. The premise for the period in which the option will be exercised after the expiration of the grace period is related to the behavior of the beneficiaries of the options, which differs from individual to individual. Despite the measurement of past behavior of the beneficiaries to estimate future behavior, in general, prove to be more appropriate, the Option Plan underwent significant changes, especially in relation to the protection of dividends, capable to influence the decision on the exercise of the option. Accordingly, the Company chose to use as a premise the average result of two studies cited by Hull himself, and carried out by Huddart Lang and Carpenter, the conclusion of which established that the exercise of options in a compensation program would occur when the price of the stock issued by the Company reached 2.8 and 2.2 times the exercise price, respectively.

 

(d) How the expected volatility is determined

As of the 2010 option programs, the expected volatility is measured since March 2004. As explained in item “c” above, the Hull Binomial Model, adopted by the Company, assumes that all employees would exercise their options immediately if the price of the shares issued by the Company reached 2.5 times the exercise price.

(e) Has any other characteristic of the option been incorporated to the determination of its fair value

Other characteristics were not incorporated in the measurement of the fair value of the options.

 

 

8.13 - Inform the number of shares, quotas and other securities convertible into shares or quotas, issued, in Brazil or abroad, by the issuer, its direct or indirect controlling shareholders, controlled companies or companies under common control, which are held by members of the board of directors, board of officers or fiscal council, grouped by body

Instruments issued by Ambev – 12/31/2023    
Body No. Shares and ADRs No. of Deferred Shares No. Options Total
Board of Directors 11.523.872 2.675.190 4.206.780 18.405.842
Board of Officers 3.692.578 18.617.707 6.171.726 28.482.011
Fiscal Council - - - -
Total 15.216.450 21.292.897 10.378.506 46.887.853

 

Instruments Issued by ABI – 12/31/2023      
Body No. Shares and ADRs No. of Deferred Shares No. Options Total
Board of Directors 697.880 5.004.104 10.553.161 16.255.145
Board of Officers 16.279 787.299 3.961.845 4.765.423
Fiscal Council - - - -
Total 714.159 5.791.403 14.515.006 21.020.568

 

 

 

8.14 - Regarding the pension plans in force granted to the members of the board of directors and board of officers, provide the following information

Retirement Benefits Board of Directors Board of Officers
No. of members 12,67 13,50
No. of members receiving compensation 5,67 9,00
Name of the plan Defined Contribution Defined Contribution
Number of managers that are eligible to retire 1 0
Conditions to early retirement 53 years of age and 11 years of plan 53 years of age and 11 years of plan
Updated number of contributions accrued until the end of the last fiscal year, after deducting the amounts corresponding to contributions made directly by the managers R$ 27.307.394 R$ 11.223.013
Total amount of contributions made during the last fiscal year, after deducting the amounts corresponding to contributions made directly by the managers R$ 2.101.433 R$ 1.423.077
Is there a possibility of early redemption and what are the conditions? Yes, in the event of termination of employment contract with the Company and provided that participant is neither eligible to a retirement benefit under the Plan, nor elects the pro rata deferred benefit, the portability or self-sponsorship. The amount redeemed shall correspond to the contributions made by the participant him/herself. Yes, in the event of termination of employment contract with the Company and provided that participant is neither eligible to a retirement benefit under the Plan, nor elects the pro rata deferred benefit, the portability or self-sponsorship. The amount redeemed shall correspond to the contributions made by the participant him/herself.

 

 

 

8.15 - Indicate in the tables below, regarding the board of directors, the board of officers and the fiscal council, for the past three fiscal years, the following

Annual amounts

  Board of Officers Board of Directors Fiscal Council
  12/31/2023 12/31/2022 12/31/2021 12/31/2023 12/31/2022 12/31/2021 12/31/2023 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
No. of members 13,50 14,00 13,00 12,67 12,00 12,00 6,00 6,00 6,00
No. of members receiving compensation 13,50 14,00 13,00 7,33 8,00 8,50 6,00 6,00 6,00
Amount of the highest individual compensation(Reais) 30.929.473 25.226.847 23.046.749,40 12.998.750 14.155.409 12.250.056,24 473.093 443.668 401.807,20
Amount of the lowest individual compensation (Reais) 4.491.204 3.489.535 2.539.606,70 864.098 679.357 501.488,00 236.547 221.834 200.903,60
Average amount of the individual compensation (Reais) – total compensation of the body divided by the number of members receiving compensation 8.459.894 6.809.657 6.435.739,15 2.558.758 2.855.532 3.010.756,82 354.820 332.751 301.355,40

 

Notes:

Board of Officers
12/31/2023

- The average compensation of the Board of Officers presented in this item is calculated considering the number of members of the Board of Officers (13,50 members) that receive compensation from the Company for their services.

- Includes share-based compensation of the Company and of the Controlling Shareholder.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

12/31/2022

- The average compensation of the Board of Officers presented in this item is calculated considering the number of members of the Board of Officers (14,00 members) that receive compensation from the Company for their services.

- Includes share-based compensation of the Company and of the Controlling Shareholder.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

12/31/2021

- The average compensation of the Board of Officers presented in this item is calculated considering the number of members of the Board of Officers (13,00 members) that receive compensation from the Company for their services.

- Includes share-based compensation of the Company and of the Controlling Shareholder.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

 

Board of Directors
12/31/2023

- The average compensation of the Board of Directors presented in this item is calculated considering the number of members of the Board of Directors (7,33 members) that receive compensation from the Company for their services.

- Includes share-based compensation of the Company and of the Controlling Shareholder.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

 

 

12/31/2022

- The average compensation of the Board of Directors presented in this item is calculated considering the number of members of the Board of Directors (8,00 members) that receive compensation from the Company for their services.

- Includes share-based compensation of the Company and of the Controlling Shareholder.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

12/31/2021

- The average compensation of the Board of Directors presented in this item is calculated considering the number of members of the Board of Directors (8,50 members) that receive compensation from the Company for their services.

- Includes share-based compensation of the Company and of the Controlling Shareholder.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

 

Fiscal Council
12/31/2023

- It was considered the 3 full members and the 3 alternate members of the Fiscal Council.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

12/31/2022

- It was considered the 3 full members and the 3 alternate members of the Fiscal Council.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

12/31/2021

- It was considered the 3 full members and the 3 alternate members of the Fiscal Council.

- The member that received the highest individual compensation worked for 12 months.

 

 

8.16 - Describe contractual arrangements, insurance policies or other instruments that structure compensation or indemnification mechanisms for the management in the event of dismissal from their job or retirement, indicating the financial consequences for the issuer

 

There are no contractual arrangements, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies (“D&O”), or other instruments that structure compensation mechanisms or indemnification for the specific administrators for the hypothesis of removal from office or retirement.

 

As stated on item 7.7 of the Reference Form, the Company has D&O, contracted with the Insurer Zurich Minas Brasil Seguros S/A, for the period from November 18, 2023 to November 18, 2024, with premium value of approximately US$ 64,000.00, for the coverage of losses and damages to third parties, for acts related to the exercise of functions and attributions of the administrators, during and after their respective mandates, up to the amount of US$ 15 million.

 

For more information on the insurance policies for payment or reimbursement of expenses borne by the Company's managers, see item 7.7 of the Reference Form.

 

 

 

8.17 - Regarding the past three fiscal years and the forecast for the current fiscal year, indicate the percentage of the total compensation of each body recognized in the issuer’s income referring to members of the board of directors, board of officers or fiscal council who are parties related to the direct or indirect controlling shareholders, as defined by the accounting rules dealing with this matter

Forecast for December 31, 2024      
Body No. of Members Related Party’s Compensation Total Compensation %
Board of Directors 6,00 - 22.012.539 0%
Fiscal Council - - 2.316.015 0%
Board of Officers - - 161.969.633 0%
Total 6,00 - 186.298.187 0%

 

December 31, 2023

       
Body No. of Members Related Party’s Compensation Total Compensation %
Board of Directors 6,00 - 18.764.227 0%
Fiscal Council - - 2.128.919 0%
Board of Officers - - 114.208.575 0%
Total 6,00 - 135.101.720 0%

 

December 31, 2022

       
Body No. of Members Related Party’s Compensation Total Compensation %
Board of Directors 4,00 - 22.844.255 0%
Fiscal Council - - 1.996.508 0%
Board of Officers - - 95.335.200 0%
Total 4,00 - 120.175.963 0%

 

December 31, 2021

       
Body No. of Members Related Party’s Compensation Total Compensation %
Board of Directors 5,00 601.785,60 25.591.433,97 2%
Fiscal Council - - 1.808.132,40 0%
Board of Officers - - 83.664.608,96 0%
Total 5,00 601.785,60 111.064.174,33 1%

 

 

 

 

8.18 - Regarding the past three fiscal years and the forecast for the current fiscal year, indicate the amounts recognized in the issuer’s income as compensation for members of the board of directors, board of officers or fiscal council, grouped by body, for any reason other than their position in the company, such as, for example, commissions and consulting or advisory services provided

 

There are no amounts recognized in the Company’s results for the last three fiscal years as compensation for members of the Board of Directors, Executive Board or the Supervisory Board, since they do not receive compensation from the Company for any other reason (e.g., consulting, advisory etc.), except as a result of the exercise of their positions.

 

 

8.19 - Regarding the past three fiscal years and the forecast for the current fiscal year, indicate the amounts recognized in the income of direct or indirect controlling shareholders, companies under common control and companies controlled by the issuer as compensation of members of the issuer’s board of directors, board of officers or fiscal council, grouped by body, specifying the title to which such amounts were attributed to such individuals

 

The alternate members and four effective members of the Board of Directors of the Company, which are also Controlling Shareholder’s managers, are directly compensated by the Controlling Shareholder specifically for the performance of their attributions as managers of the Controlling Shareholder, as below:

 

Forecast for the current fiscal year (2024)

 

Board of

Directors (i)

Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total(ii)
Direct and indirect controlling shareholders 490.562.255 64.841.882 - 555.404.138
Companies controlled by the issuer - - - -   
Companies under common control - - - -   

* The information above is based on the best estimate of ABI considering the data of the fiscal year ended in 12/31/2023.

 

Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2023

 

Board of

Directors (i)

Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total(ii)
Direct and indirect controlling shareholders 449.713.650 59.728.766 - 509.442.416
Companies controlled by the issuer - - - -   
Companies under common control - - - -   

 

Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2022

 

Board of

Directors (i)

Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total(ii)
Direct and indirect controlling shareholders 260.507.502 46.625.719 - 307.133.221
Companies controlled by the issuer - - - -
Companies under common control - - - -

 

Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2021

 

Board of

Directors (i)

Board of Officers Fiscal Council Total(ii)
Direct and indirect controlling shareholders 102.292.210,51 15.863.775,58 - 118.155.986,10
Companies controlled by the issuer - - - -
 

 

Companies under common control - - - -

 

(i) Original amounts in dollar, by converted into Brazilian Reais by the annual average rate of each fiscal year.

(ii) The amounts consider the accounting effects provided for in CPC 10 - Share-based Payment.

 

 

8.20 – Provide other information that the issuer deems relevant

 

Clawback Policy

On October 19, 2023, the Company adopted a clawback policy that applies to incentive-based compensation received by certain executives (which currently comprise the members of the Board of Officers). Under this policy, “incentive-based compensation” is defined broadly to include any compensation that is granted, received or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a financial reporting measure (e.g., variable compensation related to the performance (bonus) and to the Restricted Shares). The policy provides that in the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of the financial statements due to the material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirements under the applicable securities laws, it will recover, from the respective Executive Officers (on a pre-tax basis), any incentive-based compensation received by such executives on or after October 2, 2023, and during the three fiscal years preceding the date the restatement was required, that exceeds the amount of incentive-based compensation that otherwise would have been received had such compensation been determined according to the applicable accounting restatement, subject to limited exceptions. The recovery of such compensation will apply regardless of whether any misconduct occurred and without regard to whether an executive officer engaged in misconduct or otherwise caused or contributed to the requirement for such restatement.

 

The Clawback Policy can be found at the CVM website and at the Investor Relations website of the Company (https://ri.ambev.com.br).

 

In addition to the foregoing, there is no other relevant information regarding this item 8.

 

***

EX-99.5 6 ex99-5.htm EX-99.5

Exhibit B.I – Report on the Changes to the Bylaws and the Restated Bylaws

(as article 12 of CVM Resolution 81/22)

1. Report on Changes to the Bylaws:

CURRENT

ARTICLES OF THE BYLAWS

PROPOSED CHANGES

(WITH MARKS)

JUSTIFICATION

CHAPTER II

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARES

CHAPTER II

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARES

 
Article 5 – The capital stock is of R$ 58.130.517.165,22, divided into 15.750.216.851 nominative common shares, without par value. Article 5 – The capital stock is of  R$ 58.177.928.601, 85, divided into   15.753.833.284 nominative common shares, without par value. Reflect the capital increases approved by the Company's Board of Directors, within the authorized capital limit until the date of the General Meeting.

CHAPTER IV

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

CHAPTER IV

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

Article 15 – The Company shall be managed by a Board of Directors and a Board of Executive Officers, pursuant to law and these Bylaws.

 

(...)

 

Paragraph 5 – At least: (i) two members; or (ii) twenty percent (20%) of the total number of members of the Board of Directors of the Company, whichever is greater, will be independent directors, it being understood, for the purposes hereof, as independent directors those in compliance with the following requirements:

 

(…)

 

h) he/she must have founded the Company and has significant influence over it.

Article 15 – The Company shall be managed by a Board of Directors and a Board of Executive Officers, pursuant to law and these Bylaws.

 

(...)

 

Paragraph 5 – At least: (i) two members; or (ii) twenty percent (20%) of the total number of members of the Board of Directors of the Company, whichever is greater, will be independent directors, it being understood, for the purposes hereof, as independent directors those in compliance with the following requirements:

 

(…)

 

h) he/she must not have founded the Company nor has significant influence over it.

Rectify item “h”, to expressly state that for the purposes of characterizing the independency of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company, he/she must not have founded the Company nor has significant influence over it.
 

 

CHAPTER IV

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

SECTION II

BOARD OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

CHAPTER IV

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

SECTION II

BOARD OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Article 22 – The Board of Executive Officers shall be composed of two (2) to fifteen (15) members, shareholders or not, of whom (i) one shall be the Chief Executive Officer (ii) one shall be the Commercial Vice President Officer, (iii) one shall be the Sales Vice President Officer, (iv) one shall be the People and Management Vice President Officer, (v) one shall be the Logistics Vice President Officer, (vi) one shall be the Marketing Vice President Officer, (vii) one shall be the Industrial Vice President Officer, (viii) one shall be the Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer, (ix) one shall be the Legal Vice President Officer, (x) one shall be the Non-Alcoholic Beverages Vice President Officer, (xi) one shall be the Compliance Vice President Officer, (xii) one shall be the Information Technology

Vice President Officer and (xiii) the remaining Officers shall have no specific designation; all of whom shall be elected by the Board of Directors, and may be removed from office by it at any time, and shall have a term of office of three

(3) years, reelection being permitted.

Article 22 – The Board of Executive Officers shall be composed of two (2) to fifteen (15) members, shareholders or not, of whom (i) one shall be the Chief Executive Officer (ii) one shall be the Commercial Vice President Officer, (iii) one shall be the Sales Vice President Officer, (iv) one shall be the People and Management Vice President Officer, (v) one shall be the Logistics Vice President Officer, (vi) one shall be the Marketing Vice President Officer, (vii) one shall be the Industrial Vice President Officer, (viii) one shall be the Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer, (ix) one shall be the Legal and Compliance Vice President Officer, (x) one shall be the Beyond Beer Vice President Officer, (xi) one shall be the Information Technology Vice President Officer and (xii) the remaining Officers shall have no specific designation; all of whom shall be elected by the Board of Directors, and may be removed from office by it at any time, and shall have a term of office of three (3) years, reelection being permitted. Adjust the nomenclature of the positions of the Board of Executive Officers and exclude the position of Compliance Vice President Officer, the duties of which will be incorporated by the Legal and Compliance Vice President Officer, in accordance with the Company’s current organizational structure.
 

 

Article 32 – It is the Legal Vice President Officer responsibility to: a) establish, manage and coordinate the legal strategy adopted by the Company, and to supervise its judicial and administrative proceedings; b) be responsible for the Company’s corporate documents; and c) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

Article 32 – It is the Legal and Compliance Vice President Officer responsibility to: a) establish, manage and coordinate the legal strategy adopted by the Company, and to supervise its judicial and administrative proceedings; b) be responsible for the Company’s corporate documents; c) implement, manage and operationalize the Company’s compliance program, ensuring compliance, effectiveness and continuous improvement; d) investigate any allegations of violations to the Company’s compliance program; and e) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Paragraph 1 – It is granted to the Legal and Compliance Vice-President Officer, in the exercise of his/her duties, direct access to the Board of Directors

Pursuant to the proposed amendment to article 22 of the Bylaws, adjust the nomenclature of the position and include the attributions of the extinct position of Compliance Vice President Officer to the Legal and Compliance Vice President Officer, in accordance with the Company’s current organizational structure.
Article 33 – It is the Non-Alcoholic Beverages Vice President Officer’s responsibility to: a) coordinate and supervise the non-alcoholic and non-carbonated drinks sector, and establish its planning strategy; and b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

Article 33 – It is the Beyond Beer Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) coordinate and supervise the beverage sectors other than beer, i.e. involving other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks , and establish their planning strategy; and

 

b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

Pursuant to the proposed amendment to article 22 of the Bylaws, adjust the nomenclature of the position and include a new attribution to the Beyond Beer Vice President Officer, in accordance with the Company’s current organizational structure.

Article 34 – It is the Compliance Vice President Officer’s responsibility to: a) implement, manage and operationalize the Company's compliance program, ensuring compliance, effectiveness and continuous improvement; b) investigate any allegations of violations to the Company's compliance program; and c) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Paragraph 1 – It is granted to the Compliance Vice-President Officer, in the exercise of his/her duties, direct access to the Board of Directors.

 

Pursuant to the proposed amendment to article 22 of the Bylaws, exclude the duties of the extinct position, which were incorporated by the Legal and Compliance Vice President Officer.
 

 

Article 35 – It is the Information Technology Vice President Officer’s responsibility to: a) respond for the direction, planning and control of the information technology sector of the Company; and b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors. Article 34 – It is the Information Technology Vice President Officer’s responsibility to: a) respond for the direction, planning and control of the information technology sector of the Company; and b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors. Renumber the article.
Article 36 – It is incumbent upon the other Executive Officers to exercise the prerogatives conferred upon them by means of a Meeting of the Board of Directors, which may establish specific titles for their positions. Article 35 – It is incumbent upon the other Executive Officers to exercise the prerogatives conferred upon them by means of a Meeting of the Board of Directors, which may establish specific titles for their positions. Renumber the article.
Article 37 – The Documents involving the Company in any commercial, banking, financial or equity liability, such as agreements in general, check endorsements, promissory notes, bills of exchange, trade bills and any credit instruments, debt acknowledgments, granting of aval guarantees and sureties, credit facility agreements, acts performed by branches, ad negocia and ad judicia powers of attorney, and any other acts creating any liability for the Company or waiving third-party obligations or obligations to the Company, shall be valid upon the signature of two members of the Executive Board. Article 36 – The Documents involving the Company in any commercial, banking, financial or equity liability, such as agreements in general, check endorsements, promissory notes, bills of exchange, trade bills and any credit instruments, debt acknowledgments, granting of aval guarantees and sureties, credit facility agreements, acts performed by branches, ad negocia and ad judicia powers of attorney, and any other acts creating any liability for the Company or waiving third-party obligations or obligations to the Company, shall be valid upon the signature of two members of the Executive Board. Renumber the article.

CHAPTER V

FISCAL COUNCIL

CHAPTER V

FISCAL COUNCIL

 
Article 38 – The Company shall have a Fiscal Council, on a permanent basis, composed of three (3) to five (5) members and an equal number of alternates. All of its members shall be elected at a Shareholders’ Meeting and by it removed at any time. Their term of office shall expire at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to be held following their election, reelection being permitted. Article 37 – The Company shall have a Fiscal Council, on a permanent basis, composed of three (3) to five (5) members and an equal number of alternates. All of its members shall be elected at a Shareholders’ Meeting and by it removed at any time. Their term of office shall expire at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to be held following their election, reelection being permitted. Renumber the article.
 

 

Article 39 – The compensation of the Fiscal Council's members shall be established by the Shareholders’ Meeting that elects them. Article 38 – The compensation of the Fiscal Council's members shall be established by the Shareholders’ Meeting that elects them. Renumber the article.

CHAPTER VI

FISCAL YEAR, BALANCE SHEET AND RESULTS

CHAPTER VI

FISCAL YEAR, BALANCE SHEET AND RESULTS

 
Article 40 – The fiscal year shall have the duration of one year and shall end on the last day of December of each year. Article 39 – The fiscal year shall have the duration of one year and shall end on the last day of December of each year. Renumber the article.
Article 41 – At the end of each fiscal year, the financial statements determined by law shall be drawn up in accordance with the Company's bookkeeping. Article 40 – At the end of each fiscal year, the financial statements determined by law shall be drawn up in accordance with the Company's bookkeeping. Renumber the article.
Article 42 – From the profits ascertained in each year, accumulated losses and a provision for income tax shall be deducted prior to any other distribution. Article 41 – From the profits ascertained in each year, accumulated losses and a provision for income tax shall be deducted prior to any other distribution. Renumber the article.

CHAPTER VII

LIQUIDATION, WINDING-UP AND EXTINGUISHMENT

CHAPTER VII

LIQUIDATION, WINDING-UP AND EXTINGUISHMENT

 
Article 43 – The Company shall be liquidated, wound up and extinguished in the cases contemplated by law or by resolution of the Shareholders’ Meeting. Article 42 – The Company shall be liquidated, wound up and extinguished in the cases contemplated by law or by resolution of the Shareholders’ Meeting. Renumber the article.

CHAPTER VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 
Article 44 – The dividends attributed to the shareholders shall be paid within the legal time frames, and monetary adjustment and/or interest shall only be assessed if so determined by the Shareholders’ Meeting. Article 43 – The dividends attributed to the shareholders shall be paid within the legal time frames, and monetary adjustment and/or interest shall only be assessed if so determined by the Shareholders’ Meeting. Renumber the article.
Article 45 – The Company shall comply with the shareholders' agreements registered as provided for in article 118 of Law No. 6,404/76. Article 44 – The Company shall comply with the shareholders' agreements registered as provided for in article 118 of Law No. 6,404/76. Renumber the article.
 

 

Article 46 – The Company will provide the members of the Board of Directors, of the Board of Executive Officers and of the Fiscal Council, or the members of any corporate bodies with technical functions set up to advise the managers, a legal defense in lawsuits an d administrative proceedings filed by third parties during or after their respective terms of office, for acts performed during the exercise of their functions, including through a permanent insurance policy, shielding them against liability for acts arising from the exercise of their positions or functions, including the payment of court costs, legal fees, indemnifications and any other amounts arising from such proceedings. Article 45 – The Company will provide the members of the Board of Directors, of the Board of Executive Officers and of the Fiscal Council, or the members of any corporate bodies with technical functions set up to advise the managers, a legal defense in lawsuits an d administrative proceedings filed by third parties during or after their respective terms of office, for acts performed during the exercise of their functions, including through a permanent insurance policy, shielding them against liability for acts arising from the exercise of their positions or functions, including the payment of court costs, legal fees, indemnifications and any other amounts arising from such proceedings. Renumber the article.

 

 

 

2. Restated Bylaws:

 

“AMBEV S.A.

 

CNPJ/ME [National Corporate Taxpayers Register of the Ministry of Economy] No. 07.526.557/0001-00

NIRE [Corporate Registration Identification Number] 35.300.368.941

Openly Held Company

 

BYLAWS

 

CHAPTER I

NAME, HEADQUARTERS, PURPOSE AND DURATION

 

 Article 1 - AMBEV S.A. (“Company”) is a corporation (sociedade anônima), which shall be governed by these Bylaws and by applicable law.

 

Article 2 – The Company has its headquarters and jurisdiction in the City of São Paulo, State of São Paulo. Branches, offices, deposits or representation agencies may be opened, maintained and closed elsewhere in Brazil or abroad, by a joint resolution of the Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer and the Legal Vice President Officer, for achievement of the Company’s purposes.

 

Article 3 – The purpose of the Company, either directly or by participation in other companies, is:

 

a) the production and trading of beer, concentrates, soft drinks and other beverages, as well as foods and drinks in general, including ready-to-drink liquid compounds, flavored liquid preparations, powdered or tubbed guaraná;

 

b) the production and trading of raw materials required for the industrialization of beverages and byproducts, such as malt, barley, ice, carbonic gas, and of anything else that may be necessary or useful for the activities listed in item (a) above, including the manufacturing and sale of packages for beverages, as well as the manufacturing, sale and industrial use of raw material necessary for the manufacturing of such packages, as well as the production, trading, rental, maintenance and repair of appliances, machinery, utensils and equipment;

 

c) the production, certification and commerce of seeds and grains, as well as the commerce of fertilizers and fungicides and other related activities, as necessary or useful to the development of the main activities of the Company as stated in these Bylaws;

 

d) the packaging and wrapping of any of the products belonging to it or to third parties;

 

e) the agricultural cultivation and promotion activities in the field of cereals and fruits which are the raw material used by the Company in its industrial activities, as well as in other sectors that require a more dynamic approach in the exploration of the virtues of the Brazilian soil, mainly in the food and health segments;

 

 

f) the operation on the following areas: research, prospecting, extraction, processing, industrialization, commercialization and distribution of mineral water, in all national territory;

 

g) the beneficiation, expurgation and other phytosanitary services, and industrialization of products resulting from the activities listed in item (d) above, either for meeting the purposes of its industry or for trading of its byproducts, including, but not limited to, byproducts for animal feeding;

 

h) the advertising of products belonging to it and to third parties, including agency of advertising space and the production, trading or rental of promotional and advertising materials, as well as the rendering of information and internet content services and business intermediation;

 

i) the promotion and intermediation of financial services’ and payments’ offers, and the rendering of technical, market and administrative assistance services and other services at all times directly or indirectly related to the core activities of the Company;

 

j) the importation of anything necessary for its industry and trade;

 

k) the exportation of its products;

 

l) the direct or indirect exploration of bars, restaurants, luncheonettes and similar places;

 

m) the contracting and/or the rendering of logistics services, including warehousing, stock management in storages owned by the Company or by third parties, general warehouse operation and cargo transportation in general;

 

n) printing and reproduction of recorded materials, including the activities of printing, services of preprinting and graphic finishing and reproduction of recorded materials in any base;

 

o) generation and trading of energy and equipment required for generating energy, as well as any other ancillary activity to enable the implementation of projects for generation, use or trade of energy, related, directly or indirectly, to the core activities of the Company;

 

p) collection, transportation, treatment, recycling, reuse, disposition and/or trading of scrap and solid waste of the Company or of third parties; the reuse of such waste, in its transformation cycle or any other productive cycles of third parties, or any other environmentally appropriate final destination (for reverse logistics), among other related activities;

 

q) the sale and/or distribution, directly or through third parties, of household, commercial and/or personal consumer products in general, without restriction; and

 

r) the creation, development, licensing, exploitation, commercialization, including leasing of computerized systems (softwares), customizable or not, and/or any technological solution that enables the rendering of services, contents and/or commercialization of products by any electronic means or of communication, as well as the rendering of consulting services, technical assistance and training related to the use of systems and solution developed or sold by the Company.

 

 

Sole Paragraph – Additionally to the provisions of the caption of this article, the Company may participate in or associate itself with other commercial and civil companies, as partner, shareholder or quotaholder, in Brazil or abroad.

 

Article 4 – The Company is established for an indeterminate term.

 

CHAPTER II

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARES

 

Article 5 – The capital stock is of R$ 58.177.928.601, 85, divided into   15.753.833.284 nominative common shares, without par value.

 

Paragraph 1 – Each common share shall be entitled to one vote in the resolutions of the Shareholders’ Meeting.

 

Paragraph 2 – The Company shares are in the book-entry form and shall be held in a deposit account in the name of the respective holders, with a financial institution indicated by the Board of Directors.

 

Paragraph 3 – The Company may suspend the services of transfer and splitting of shares and certificates in accordance with the Shareholders’ Meeting's determination, provided that this suspension does not exceed ninety (90) intercalary days during the fiscal year or fifteen (15) consecutive days.

 

Article 6 – The Company is authorized to increase its share capital up to the limit of 19,000,000 (nineteen billion) shares, irrespective of an amendment to the Bylaws, by resolution of the Board of Directors, which shall resolve on the paying-up conditions, the characteristics of the shares to be issued and the issue price, and shall establish whether the increase shall be carried out by public or private subscription.

 

Sole Paragraph – The issuance of shares pursuant to any special laws regarding fiscal incentives (art. 172, sole paragraph, of Law No. 6,404/76) shall not give rise to preemptive rights to shareholders; provided, however, that shares subscribed with funds originated from fiscal incentives shall not carry preemptive rights for subscription in connection with any issuance of shares after such subscription.

 

Article 7 – The issuance of shares, debentures convertible into shares and subscription bonds, the placement of which shall be made (i) by sale on the stock exchange; (ii) by public subscription; or (iii) for share swap, in a public offering for acquisition of control which, under the terms of articles 257 and 263, of Law No. 6,404/76, may be carried out with exclusion of the preemptive right or with reduction in the period which is addressed in article 171, paragraph 4 of Law No. 6,404/76.

 

Article 8 – The Board of Directors may also, within the limit of the authorized capital, (i) based on a plan approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting, grant call options to management, employees or individuals that render services to the Company or companies under its control; (ii) approve the capital increase by capitalizing profits or reserves, with or without the issuance of new shares; and (iii) resolve on the issuance of subscription bonus or debentures convertible into shares.

 

Article 9 – Failure by the subscriber to pay the subscribed value, on the conditions set forth in the bulletin or call shall cause it to be considered in default by operation of law, for purposes of articles 106 and 107 of Law No. 6,404/76, subjecting it to the payment of the amount in arrears, adjusted for inflation according to the variation in the General Market Price Index (IGP-M) in the shortest period permitted by law, in addition to interest at twelve percent (12%) per year, pro rata temporis, and a fine corresponding to ten percent (10%) of the amount in arrears, duly updated.

 

 

CHAPTER III

SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

 

Article 10 – The Shareholders’ Meeting has the power to decide on all businesses related to the object of the Company and to take any resolutions it may deem advisable for its protection and development.

 

Article 11 – Shareholders’ Meetings shall be convened and presided over by the Chairman or one of the Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors, as applicable, or person appointed by them, who may designate up to two secretaries.

 

Article 12 – Any resolutions of the Shareholders’ Meetings, except for the cases contemplated by law, shall be taken by an absolute majority of votes, excluding any blank votes.

 

Article 13 – Annual Shareholders’ Meetings shall be held within the first four months after the end of the fiscal year, and shall decide on matters under their authority, as set forth in law.

 

Article 14 – Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings shall be held whenever the interests of the Company so require, as well as in the events established in law and in these Bylaws.

 

CHAPTER IV

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

Article 15 – The Company shall be managed by a Board of Directors and a Board of Executive Officers, pursuant to law and these Bylaws.

 

Paragraph 1 – The Shareholders’ Meeting shall establish the aggregate compensation of the Management, which shall be apportioned by the Board of Directors, as provided for in article 21 hereof.

 

Paragraph 2 – The management must adhere to the Manual on Disclosure and Use of Information and Policy for the Trading with Securities Issued by the Company, by executing the Joinder Agreement.

 

Paragraph 3 – The Board of Directors will be composed, in its majority, by external members, that is, directors without current, employment or management relationship, with the Company, who may or may not be considered independent members, observed the provisions of paragraph 5 of this article 15.

 

Paragraph 4 – The offices of Chairman or Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors, as applicable, and Chief Executive Officer of the Company may not be cumulated by the same person.

 

Paragraph 5 - At least: (i) two members; or (ii) twenty percent (20%) of the total number of members of the Board of Directors of the Company, whichever is greater, will be independent directors, it being understood, for the purposes hereof, as independent directors those in compliance with the following requirements:

 

 

a) he/she must not be a Controlling Shareholder, or spouse or relative up to second-degree thereof;
b) he/she must not have been, for the last three years, an employee or officer (i) of the Company or of a company controlled by the Company, or (ii) of the Controlling Shareholder or of a company controlled thereby (“Jointly-Controlled Company”);
c) he/she must not have business relationships, including he/she must not be a supplier or buyer, whether direct or indirect, of services and/or products of the Company, of a company controlled by the Company, of the Controlling Shareholder, an associated company or of a Jointly Controlled Company, in all cases in magnitude which implies in the loss of independence;
d) he/she must not be an employee or manager of a company or entity which is offering or requesting services and/or products of the Company, of a company controlled by the Company, of the Controlling Shareholder or of a Jointly Controlled Company, as per item (c) above;
e) he/she must not be a spouse, partner or straight-line or collateral relative up to second degree of any manager of the Company, of a company controlled by the Company, of the Controlling Shareholder, of a manager of the Controlling Shareholder or of a Jointly Controlled Company;
f) he/she must not receive compensation by the Company, by a company controlled by the Company, by the Controlling Shareholder, an associated company or by a Jointly Controlled Company, except as a member of the Board of Directors (cash provisions from capital interests are excluded from this restriction);
g) he/she must not have his/her voting exercise in the meetings of the Board of Directors bound by a shareholders’ agreement whose purpose are matters related to the Company;
h) he/she must not have founded the Company nor has significant influence over it.

 

Paragraph 6 - Directors elected pursuant to art. 141, paragraphs 4 and 5, of Law No. 6,404/76 will also be considered Independent Directors, notwithstanding of complying with the independence criteria provided in this article.

SECTION I

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Article 16 – The Board of Directors shall be composed of five (5) to eleven (11) sitting members, with two (2) to eleven (11) alternates, bound or not to a specific sitting Director, and shall be elected by the Shareholders’ Meeting and be dismissed thereby at any time, with a term of office of three (3) years, reelection being permitted.

 

Paragraph 1- Subject to the caption of this article, the number of members that will make up the Board of Directors in each management period shall be previously established at each Shareholders’ Meeting whose agenda includes election of the members of the Board of Directors, and this matter shall be forwarded by the Chairman of the Shareholders’ Meeting.

 

Paragraph 2 - The Board of Directors may determine the creation of advisory committees formed in its majority by members of the Board of Directors, defining their respective composition and specific duties.  The rules of article 160 of Law No. 6,404/76 shall apply to members of the advisory committees.  It will be incumbent upon said committees to analyze and discuss the issues defined as being within the scope of their duties, as well as to formulate proposals and recommendations for deliberation by the Board of Directors.

 

Paragraph 3- The members of the Board of Directors shall be invested in office upon the execution of the respective instrument, drawn up in the proper book, and shall remain in office until they are replaced by their successors.

 

 

Paragraph 4 - The Director shall have an indisputable reputation, and cannot be elected, unless waived by the Shareholders’ Meeting, if it (i) occupies a position in companies that can be considered as a competitor of the Company, or (ii) has or represents a conflicting interest with the Company; the voting rights of the Director cannot be exercised by him/her in case the same impediment factors are configured.

 

Article 17 - The Board of Directors shall have one Chairman or two (2) Co-Chairmen, as defined by the vote of the majority of its members, and, in the case of Co-Chairmen, this must be done in a shared manner, with both Co-Chairmen having identical prerogatives and duties. The Chairman or Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors, as applicable, will be elected by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, immediately after said members are invested in office.

 

Article 18 - The Board of Directors shall meet, ordinarily, at least once each quarter and, extraordinarily, whenever necessary, upon call by the Chairman or any of its Co-Chairmen, as applicable, or by the majority of its members, through letter, email, telegram or personally, with at least 24 (twenty-four) hours in advance.

 

Article 19 - The Board of Directors shall be convened, operate and pass valid resolutions by the favorable vote of the majority of its members present in the meeting.

 

Paragraph 1 – The Directors may attend meetings by telephone, videoconferencing, telepresence or by previously sending their votes in writing.  In this case, the Director will be considered to be present at a meeting in order to ascertain the quorum for declaring it open and voting, with this vote being deemed valid for all legal effects, being included in minutes of such meeting.

 

Paragraph 2 – In the event of a tie in the resolutions of the Board of Directors, neither the Chairman nor any of the Co-Chairmen, as applicable, shall have the casting vote, but only their own personal votes.

 

Paragraph 3 – The Director shall not have access to information or take part in meetings of the Board of Directors related to matters in which it has conflicting interests with the Company.

 

Article 20 - In the case of permanent absence or impediment of any Director, and if there is an alternate Director, the Board of Directors shall decide whether the alternate shall fill the vacant office, or if the vacant office shall be filled by a substitute on a permanent basis; the substitute Director shall, in any case, complete the term of office of the absent or impeded Director.

 

Sole Paragraph – In the event of temporary absence or impediment, the members of the Board of Directors shall be replaced by the respective alternates, or in the absence thereof, by another Director appointed for such purpose by the absent Director. In this latter case, the Director that is replacing the absent or impeded Director shall cast the vote of the absent Director in addition to his own vote.

 

Article 21 – The Board of Directors shall resolve on the matters listed below:

 

a) establish the general direction of the Company's business, approving the guidelines, corporate policies and basic objectives for all the main areas of performance of the Company;
b) approve the annual investment budget of the Company;
c) approve the annual long-term strategic plans of the Company;
d) elect and dismiss the Company's Officers, and set their attributions;
 

e) supervise the management of the Board of Executive Officers, review at any time the books and documents of the Company, and request information regarding any acts executed or to be executed by the Company;
f) attribute, from the aggregate value of the compensation established by the Shareholders’ Meeting, the monthly fees of each of the members of the Company's Management;
g) define the general criteria on compensation and benefit policy (fringe benefits, participation in profits and/or sales) for the management and senior employees (namely, managers or employees in equivalent direction positions) of the Company;
h) appoint the Company's independent auditors;
i) resolve on the issue of shares and warrants, within the limit of the authorized capital of the Company;
j) provide a previous manifestation on the management's report, the Board of Executive Officers' accounts, the financial statements for the fiscal year, and review the monthly balance sheets;
k) submit to the Shareholders’ Meeting of the proposal of allocation of the net profits for the year;
l) call the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and, whenever it may deem advisable, the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings;
m) approve any business or agreements between the Company and/or any of its controlled companies (except those fully controlled), management and/or shareholders (including any direct or indirect partners of the Company's shareholders), without impairment of item “q” below;
n) approve the creation, acquisition, assignment, transfer, encumbering and/or disposal by the Company, in any way whatsoever, of shares, quotas and/or any securities issued by any company controlled by the Company or associated to the Company; except in case of operations involving only the Company and companies fully controlled thereby or in case of indebtedness operation, in which case the provisions of item “o” bellow shall apply;
o) approve the contracting by the Company of any debt in excess of ten percent (10%) of the Company's shareholders’ equity reflected on the latest audited balance sheet; this amount shall be considered per individual transaction or a series of related transactions;
p) approve the execution, amendment, termination, renewal or cancellation of any contracts, agreements or similar instruments involving trademarks registered or deposited in the name of the Company or any of its controlled companies; except (i) for the agreements entered into between the Company and its fully controlled companies, or (ii) in the event of licensing of brands to be used in gifts, accessory materials connected to such brands, or disclosure in events, or yet (iii) for agreements in which the licensing of brands is an accessory element to the execution of its main purpose (provided they do not depend on the approval of the Board of Directors for any other reason provided in this article 21);
q) approve the granting of loans and the rendering of guarantees of any kind by the Company for amounts exceeding one percent (1%) of the shareholders’ equity of the Company reflected on the latest audited balance sheet, to any third party, except in favor of any companies controlled by the Company;
r) approve the execution by the Company of any long-term agreements (i.e., agreements executed for a term exceeding one year), involving an amount in excess of five percent (5%) of the shareholders’ equity of the Company, as shown on the latest audited balance sheet; this amount shall be considered per individual transaction or a series of related transactions, except in the case of agreements entered into between the Company and its fully controlled companies;
s) resolve on the Company's participation in other companies, as well as on any participation in other undertakings, including through a consortium or special partnership, that involves (i) an amount greater than five hundredths percent (0.05%) of the shareholders’ equity of the Company, as shown in the latest audited balance sheet, considered individual transaction; or (ii) any amount, once it is verified that the series of transactions with an amount equal to or lower than the amount referred in item (i) has reached, within the same fiscal year, the global limit of seventy-five hundredths percent (0.75%) of the shareholders’ equity of the Company, as shown in the latest audited balance sheet;
 

t) resolve on the suspension of the Company's activities, except in the cases of stoppage for servicing of its equipment;
u) authorize the acquisition of shares of the Company to be kept in treasury, be canceled or subsequently disposed of, as well as the cancellation and further sale of such shares, with due regard for applicable law;
v) resolve on the issuance of Trade Promissory Notes for public distribution, pursuant to CVM Ruling No. 134;
w) resolve, within the limits of the authorized capital, on the issuance of convertible debentures, specifying the limit of the increase of capital arising from debentures conversion, by number of shares, and the species and classes of shares that may be issued, under the terms of article 59 paragraph 2 of Law No. 6,404/76
x) authorize the disposal of fixed assets, excepted for the ones mentioned in item “n” of this article, and the constitution of collateral in an amount greater than 1% (one percent) of the shareholders’ equity reflected in the latest audited balance sheet. This amount will be considered per individual transaction or a series of related transactions;
y) perform the other legal duties assigned thereto at the Shareholders’ Meeting or in these Bylaws; and
z) resolve on any cases omitted by these Bylaws and perform other attributions not conferred on another body of the Company by the law or these Bylaws.

 

Paragraph 1 – The decisions of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in minutes, which shall be signed by those present in the meeting.

 

Paragraph 2 – Any favorable vote cast by a Company representative in connection with any resolution on the matters listed above, in Shareholders’ Meetings and in other corporate bodies of the companies controlled by the Company, either directly or indirectly, shall be conditional on the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company.

  

SECTION II

BOARD OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Article 22 – The Board of Executive Officers shall be composed of two (2) to fifteen (15) members, shareholders or not, of whom (i) one shall be the Chief Executive Officer (ii) one shall be the Commercial Vice President Officer, (iii) one shall be the Sales Vice President Officer, (iv) one shall be the People and Management Vice President Officer, (v) one shall be the Logistics Vice President Officer, (vi) one shall be the Marketing Vice President Officer, (vii) one shall be the Industrial Vice President Officer, (viii) one shall be the Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer, (ix) one shall be the Legal and Compliance Vice President Officer, (x) one shall be the Beyond Beer Vice President Officer, (xi) one shall be the Information Technology Vice President Officer and (xii) the remaining Officers shall have no specific designation; all of whom shall be elected by the Board of Directors, and may be removed from office by it at any time, and shall have a term of office of three (3) years, reelection being permitted.

 

Paragraph 1 – Should a position of Executive Officer become vacant or its holder be impeded, it shall be incumbent upon the Board of Directors to elect a new Executive Officer or to appoint an alternate, in both cases determining the term of office and the respective remuneration.

 

 

Paragraph 2 – It is incumbent upon the Executive Board to exercise the prerogatives that the law, the Bylaws and the Board of Directors confer upon it for the performance of the actions required for the Company to function normally.

 

Paragraph 3 – The Executive Officers shall be invested in office upon the execution of the respective instrument, drawn up in the proper book, and shall remain in office until their successors are vested in office.

 

Article 23 – The Executive Board, whose presidency will be held by the Chief Executive Officer, shall meet as necessary, it being incumbent upon the Chief Executive Officer to call and to be the chairman of the meeting.

 

Article 24 – It is the Chief Executive Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) submit the annual work plans and budgets, investment plans and new Company expansion programs to the Board of Directors for approval, causing them to be carried out, pursuant to their approval;

 

b) formulate the Company’s operating strategies and guidelines, as well as establishing the criteria for executing the resolutions of the Shareholders’ Meetings and of the Board of Directors, with the participation of the other Executive Officers;

 

c) supervise all the Company’s activities, providing the guidelines best suited to its corporate purpose;

 

d) coordinate and oversee the activities of the Board of Executive Officers; and

 

e) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 25 – It is the Commercial Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) be responsible for the direction, strategic planning and control of the Company's sales and marketing areas; and

 

b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 26 – It is the Sales Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) develop the strategic sales planning of the Company;

 

b) be responsible for the management of the commercial team and develop and implement an action model for the sector; and

 

c) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 27 – It is the People and Management Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) organize and manage the Company’s human resources; and

 

b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.
 

 

Article 28 - It is the Logistics Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) establish, manage and be responsible for the pre-production and post-production distribution and logistics strategy of the Company; and

 

b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 29 - It is the Marketing Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) be responsible for the direction, planning and control of the marketing area of the Company; and

 

b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 30 – It is the Industrial Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) manage the branches, warehouses, industrial plants and other units of the Company related to its industrial production; and

 

b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 31 – It is the Chief Financial and Investor Relations Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) manage and respond for the budget control of the Company;

 

b) provide managerial and financial information;

 

c) be responsible for the control over the cash flow and financial investments of the Company;

 

d) provide any and all information to investors, to the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários) and to B3 S.A. - Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão;

 

e) maintain the registration of the Company as an openly held company updated; and

 

f) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 32 – It is the Legal and Compliance Vice President Officer responsibility to:

 

a) establish, manage and coordinate the legal strategy adopted by the Company, and to supervise its judicial and administrative proceedings;

 

b) be responsible for the Company’s corporate documents;

 

c) implement, manage and operationalize the Company’s compliance program, ensuring compliance, effectiveness and continuous improvement;

 

 

d) investigate any allegations of violations to the Company’s compliance program; and

 

e) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Paragraph 1 – It is granted to the Legal and Compliance Vice-President Officer, in the exercise of his/her duties, direct access to the Board of Directors

 

Article 33 – It is the Beyond Beer Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) coordinate and supervise the beverage sectors other than beer, i.e. involving other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks , and establish their planning strategy; and

 

b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article 34 – It is the Information Technology Vice President Officer’s responsibility to:

 

a) respond for the direction, planning and control of the information technology sector of the Company; and

 

b) exercise the other prerogatives conferred upon it by the Board of Directors.

 

Article 35 – It is incumbent upon the other Executive Officers to exercise the prerogatives conferred upon them by means of a Meeting of the Board of Directors, which may establish specific titles for their positions.

 

Article 36 – The Documents involving the Company in any commercial, banking, financial or equity liability, such as agreements in general, check endorsements, promissory notes, bills of exchange, trade bills and any credit instruments, debt acknowledgments, granting of aval  guarantees and sureties, credit facility agreements, acts performed by branches, ad negocia and ad judicia powers of attorney, and any other acts creating any liability for the Company or waiving third-party obligations or obligations to the Company, shall be valid upon the signature of two members of the Executive Board.

 

Paragraph 1 –The representation of the Company in the aforementioned documents may be delegated to an attorney-in-fact, and such documents may be executed by an Attorney-in-Fact in conjunction with an Officer, or by two Attorneys-in-Fact, jointly, provided that the instruments of power of attorney appointing these attorneys-in-fact are executed by two Officers.

 

 

Paragraph 2 –The Company shall be represented, individually, by any of the Officers or by a duly appointed Attorney-in-Fact, as regards receipt of service of process or judicial notices and rendering of personal deposition.

 

CHAPTER V

FISCAL COUNCIL

 

Article 37 – The Company shall have a Fiscal Council, on a permanent basis, composed of three (3) to five (5) members and an equal number of alternates. All of its members shall be elected at a Shareholders’ Meeting and by it removed at any time. Their term of office shall expire at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to be held following their election, reelection being permitted.

 

Paragraph 1 – In order for the Fiscal Council to function, the majority of its members must attend its meeting.

 

Paragraph 2 –  It shall be incumbent upon the Fiscal Council to elect its Chairman in the first meeting to be held after its instatement.

 

Paragraph 3  – In addition to the duties conferred to it by these Bylaws and by law, the Fiscal Council shall establish in its Internal Regiment the procedures for receiving, recording and treating complaints received in connection with accounting, internal accounting controls and matters related with the auditing of the Company, as well as any other communication received on such matters.

 

Paragraph 4 – The provisions of Paragraph 2 of article 15 of these Bylaws apply to the members of the Fiscal Council.

 

Article 38 – The compensation of the Fiscal Council's members shall be established by the Shareholders’ Meeting that elects them.

 

CHAPTER VI

FISCAL YEAR, BALANCE SHEET AND RESULTS

 

Article 39 – The fiscal year shall have the duration of one year and shall end on the last day of December of each year.

 

Article 40 – At the end of each fiscal year, the financial statements determined by law shall be drawn up in accordance with the Company's bookkeeping.

 

Paragraph 1 – The Board of Directors may resolve to draw up half-yearly balance sheets or for shorter periods, and approve the distribution of dividends and/or interest on net equity based on the profits ascertained in such balance sheets, subject to the provisions set forth in Article 204 of Law No. 6,404/76.

 

Paragraph 2 – At any time, the Board of Directors may also resolve on the distribution of interim dividends and/or interest on net equity based on the accrued profits or existing profits reserves presented in the latest yearly or half-yearly balance sheet.

 

 

Paragraph 3 – The interim dividends and interest on net equity shall always be considered as an advance on the minimum mandatory dividends.

 

Article 41 – From the profits ascertained in each year, accumulated losses and a provision for income tax shall be deducted prior to any other distribution.  

 

Paragraph 1 – Over the amount ascertained as provided for in the caption of this article, it will be calculated:

 

a) the statutory participation of the Company’s employees up to the maximum limit of 10% (ten percent), to be distributed according to the parameters to be established by the Board of Directors; and

 

b) the statutory participation of the management, up to the maximum legal limit.

 

Paragraph 2 – Over the amount ascertained as provided for in the caption of this article, it may be calculated, in addition, up to the limit of 10% (ten percent), a contribution for the purpose of meeting the charges of the assistance foundation for employees and management of the Company and its controlled companies, with due regard for the rules established by the Board of Directors to this effect.

 

Paragraph 3 – The following allocations shall be made from the net income of the fiscal year, obtained after the deductions dealt with in the previous paragraphs:

 

a) five percent (5%) shall be allocated to the legal reserve, up to twenty percent (20%) of the paid-in capital stock or the limit established in article 193, paragraph 1 of Law No. 6,404/76;

 

b) from the balance of the net profit of the fiscal year, obtained after the deduction mentioned in item (a) of this article and adjusted pursuant to article 202 of Law No. 6,404/76, forty percent (40%) shall be allocated to pay the mandatory dividend to all its shareholders; and

 

c) an amount not greater than sixty percent (60%) of the adjusted net profits shall be allocated to the formation of an Investment Reserve, for the purpose of financing the expansion of the activities of the Company and its controlled companies, including through subscription of capital increases or the creation of new business developments.

 

Paragraph 4 – The reserve set out in item (c) of paragraph 3 of this article may not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the capital stock. Upon reaching this limit, the Shareholders’ Meeting shall resolve either to distribute the balance to the shareholders or increase the Company’s corporate capital.

 

CHAPTER VII

LIQUIDATION, WINDING-UP AND EXTINGUISHMENT

 

Article 42 – The Company shall be liquidated, wound up and extinguished in the cases contemplated by law or by resolution of the Shareholders’ Meeting.

 

 

Paragraph 1 – The manner of liquidation shall be determined at a Shareholders’ Meeting, which shall also elect the Fiscal Council that will function during the liquidation period.

 

Paragraph 2 – The Board of Directors shall appoint the liquidator, establish its fees and determine the guidelines for its operation.

 

CHAPTER VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

 Article 43 – The dividends attributed to the shareholders shall be paid within the legal time frames, and monetary adjustment and/or interest shall only be assessed if so determined by the Shareholders’ Meeting.

 

Sole Paragraph – The dividends not received or claimed shall become time-barred within three years from the date on which they were made available to the shareholder and shall revert to the benefit of the Company.

 

Article 44 – The Company shall comply with the shareholders' agreements registered as provided for in article 118 of Law No. 6,404/76.

 

Article 45 – The Company will provide the members of the Board of Directors, of the Board of Executive Officers and of the Fiscal Council, or the members of any corporate bodies with technical functions set up to advise the managers, a legal defense in lawsuits an d administrative proceedings filed by third parties during or after their respective terms of office, for acts performed during the exercise of their functions, including through a permanent insurance policy, shielding them against liability for acts arising from the exercise of their positions or functions, including the payment of court costs, legal fees, indemnifications and any other amounts arising from such proceedings.

 

Paragraph 1 – The guarantee set forth in the caption of this article extends to employees working regularly to comply with powers-of-attorneys granted by the Company or the subsidiaries controlled by the Company.

 

Paragraph 2 – If any of the persons mentioned in the caption or in Paragraph 1 of this article be sentenced by a final court decision due to negligent or criminal conduct, the Company must be reimbursed by such person for all costs and expenses disbursed on legal assistance, as set forth by law.”

 

 

These Bylaws were approved at the Company's Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting held on April 30, 2024.