The Brazilian meat packer, JBS SA posted earnings that were higher than expected for the fourth quarter of 2024. Prior to taxes and interest, the earnings totaled $1.9 Billion for 2024, more than double the profits from 2023. As reported by Reuters, CEO Gilberto Tomazoni shared in an interview that “its U.S. beef business remained strong despite U.S. challenges of cattle becoming scarce and expensive, pressuring margins in the market where the company derives most of its sales.” The continued strong demand for chicken and pork helped boost profits with consumers seeking cheaper proteins with U.S. beef’s higher prices. Tomazoni also pointed out the “turnaround” of their Brazilian processed foods division, Seara after turning in higher margins the last two quarters.