With me here are Ramón Perez ,our CFO and IRO, as well as Ian Nuñez, our Industrial Relations Executive Manager. The usual is to add a presentation on slide two, where you can find our disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements. Moving on to slide three, I will present the main data related to the market of new vehicles in Brazil. As can be seen in the top graph, domestic sales in the first quarter of 2025 were up 7% year -on -year. This performance is in line with the growth projections of the ANFAVEA Association for the year 2025. The statistics have been favorable conditions for buying vehicles in Brazil, such as low unemployment rate, rising incomes, and reforms that improve predictability for finance institutions that grant auto loans. On the bottom left, we show the production grew by 8% in Q1 2025.
This increase was due to the performance of domestic sales, as well as exports of vehicles from Brazil, which grew 39%, a consequence of the depreciation of the Brazilian currency, BRL, and the growth of the market, mainly Argentina. On slide four, we present the main operating indicators of the Automotive Logistics Division. The number of vehicles transported in the first quarter of 2025 totaled 145,000 units, up 3.1% in the yearly comparison. This increase is a reflection of the growth in exports, as explained in the previous slide. Our market share contracted 1.9 percentage points year-on-year to 23.1% in the first quarter of 2025. This drop in market share compared to the previous year was due to the lower-than-average performance of the automakers' market, for which we have significant exposure.
Lastly, average distance traveled in Q1 2025 was 3.3% lower year -on- year due to the slight reduction in the average distance of domestic trips and an increase in the share of trips to export activities, which entail a shorter distance. After these highlights, I'll give the floor to our Chief Financial Officer, Ramón Pérez, who will address our results, cash flow, and other indicators.
Good afternoon, everyone. Moving on to slide five, let's talk about the results of the Automotive Logistics Division. We can see in the top graph that there was a 14% increase in the division's net revenue in the first quarter of 2025, explained by the operational performance already explained, the transportation tariff adjustment in 2024 and 2025, in addition to an increase in revenues from logistics services and transfer of vehicles between yards and factories.
Below, we see that EBITDA in the first quarter was approximately BRL 61 million, with an EBITDA margin of 15.3%, almost 1% higher year-on-year. The growth in EBITDA margin stems from the evolution of the company's gross margin combined with control of administrative expenses. It is worth noting that the division's expenses in Q1 2025 were impacted by BRL 1.5 million related to M&A activity expenses. On slide six, we have the results of the Automotive Logistics Division. We can see that the division's net revenue in the first quarter decreased by 10% year-on-year. The performance of ROC Logistics, previously known as Chemical Operations, reflects the increase in the number of ships carrying raw materials and the new contracts signed with existing clients for transportation and storage services.
The performance of Integrated Logistics, previously called Household Appliances Operation, is the result of the positive evolution of product sales in the country and the higher turnover of a new client in this operation, which began at the end of last year. In Q1 2025, EBITDA totaled BRL 8.4 million, with an EBITDA margin of 18.3%, down from 20.1% in the year-on-year comparison, as shown in the bottom chart. This performance is explained through the costs of renting out a new operation and increased expenses, mainly related to the reinforcement of the commercial team's staff and the hiring of a new officer dedicated to this division. On slide seven, we show GDL's financial highlights. As you can see in the top graph, net revenue in the first quarter of 2025 grew by 29% year-on-year, totaling BRL 67 million.
This growth is the result of increased demand for bonded warehousing services and demand from distribution centers for the products of automotive parts and heavy machinery. On the bottom chart, we show on the left the evolution of the joint venture's net income, which stood at BRL 13 million in Q1 2025, roughly the same compared to Q1 2024. Despite increased revenue, the stable margin resulted from adjustment of GDL's main lease contracts, and this happened in September of 2024. The adjustment included not only inflation-based price corrections but also rent increases to match regional market values. Moving on to slide eight, we present the company's consolidated results. Net revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was BRL 440 million, increasing 13% year-on-year. Below, we see that in the first quarter, EBITDA margin increased from 15% to 15.6% in the yearly comparison.
The evolution is explained mainly by the performance of Automotive Logistics. Finally, net income for the first quarter of 2025 stood at BRL 44 million, up 17% year-on-year, with net margin expanding by 0.2 percentage points. This performance is driven by gains in the operating results and improved financial outcomes. Now, moving on to slide nine, the graph on the left shows the company's cash-to-cash cycle at the end of this quarter, which was 42 days, higher than the level of the past quarter, but within the normal range of the last 12 months. We did not have any unusual payment delays. EBITDA in the first quarter of 2025 was BRL 10 million, or 2.2% of net revenue.
Among the most significant investments we highlight, software licenses, including a new ERP system totaling BRL 4.6 million, and improvements made on the land located in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, state of Pernambuco, near the Port of Suape. These improvements aim to increase storage capacity for imported vehicles and amount to BRL 900,000. Lastly, on the right, we show the free cash flow of the company, which in the first quarter of 2025 was positive, BRL 92 million. This cash generation is due to the company's recurring and positive results, coupled with a sharp reduction in accounts receivable compared to December 2024. On slide ten, we present details of our capital structure. In the graph on the left, we can see the company's current cash of BRL 339 million, which is significantly higher than the gross debt to be repaid in the following years.
In the first quarter, we raised BRL 6 million in a loan from the BNDES for the acquisition of 20 trailers for the chemicals operation. We also amortized BRL 1 million as part of a loan. In the table below, we can see that our net cash position in March 2025 was BRL 229 million. Finally, on the top right, we present the history of our cost of debt, which currently stands at CDI plus 1.6%. Below is information on our rating, which was reaffirmed by Fitch in April 2025 as a local goods chemical outlet. Moving on to slide 11, we show the company's profitability indicators. Return on invested capital for the first quarter of 2025, in gray, was 39.6%, roughly flat quarter on quarter. This is due to results growing proportionally with investments.
Also, in the case of return on equity, the orange line, ROE was 30.2%, similar to that of Q4 2024, for similar reasons. In the graph on the bottom left, we can see that after a sequence of quarters, when EBITDA was growing, EBITDA showed stability, for reasons similar to the stability of ROIC and ROE. On the right, we show the history of dividends and interest on capital paid by the company. On the left slide, we show our share performance, the orange line, compared to the Ibovespa Index in black, and the Small Cap Index in red, using as a comparison last year's closing position. Tegma Gestão Logística is shown in the top chart. Outperformed both industries since the beginning of February due to the positive performance of the automotive market and the company's positive results.
Lastly, in the chart below, we present the history of the multiples at which Tegma shares have been trading. Despite the robust indicators and results, we can see that they continue to show multiples below their historical average. With that, I would like to thank everyone once again for your participation and interest in our company. Now, let us begin the question-and-answer session. Thank you.
Thank you, Ramón. We are starting the Q&A session for investors and analysts. If you would like to ask a question, please press the raise hand button. If your question was answered, you can leave a queue by clicking put down your hand. If you wish to ask a question in writing, please type your question into the Q&A field at the bottom of the screen. We're ready to have one question from Gabriel Rezende with Itaú. Let's enable Gabriel's microphone, please.
Hello, everyone. Good afternoon. Thank you for taking my question. Congrats on the results. Two points I'd like you to elaborate on. First has to do with the dynamic of sales of your clients. We saw a contraction of market share in your business given the fluctuation of market share of your clients. In talking with these clients and considering the dynamic of the other OEMs, how do you see this market share evolving in the coming months? That's number one. Number two, if you could remind us of the freight dynamics of Tegma comparing with a different diesel dynamic. Diesel prices now being corrected downward. This could lead to a change in the f prices of the sector. Thank you.
Gabriel, this is Nivaldo speaking. Thank you for the question. To your first point, market share.
I can explain what is happening, what we have been seeing with GM and some of the other OEMs. Recently, GM announced an investment plan which was heavily robust, about BRL 7 billion in Brazil, and executed between 2024 and 2028. The initiative of theirs aims to recover competitiveness of their brand. With this plan, we expect to see a gradual recovery of GM sales in the country. GM is planning to launch new models in Brazil, including the Spin Minivan and the new Captiva to fight with BYD and Great Wall that have similar models. They are also expected to update some low-income models, Onix, Tracker, and S10. Another factor that will favorably collaborate with possible sales increase and increase in GM's market share in the country is that they are going to get the Flex Hybrid Technology. Brazil will be the first market to get the technology.
Parallel to that, GM accounts for a big share of our transportation mix. On the other hand, we also see a share of other players that is helping fill out the gap that GM has. Your second question is about the effect of diesel. In May, we have the month of tariff adjustments. The cost composition in which the price adjustments will be suggested to the automakers and to our suppliers all take into account this diesel price fluctuation. All of our contracts include what we call a trigger. In other words, whenever there is a variation that is higher than 8-10% more or less, the cost of diesel and the tariff is adjusted. Although diesel in the short term had three fluctuations, this is being taken into account in the new tariffs that will enter into force as of May 1. Gabriel?
Excellent. Nivaldo, this is very clear. Thank you very much.
We have another question by Christian Oliveira, Levante Ideias de Investimento . Let's enable Christian's mic, please.
Hello, everyone. Good afternoon. Thank you for taking my questions, and congratulations on your results. I would like you to elaborate on services mix, particularly what we have seen in transfer of vehicles between your own factories. This has been a positive surprise in recent quarters. Based on your contacts with the customers and tax benefits, at least points to do that, and also considering warehousing, how do you see this mix of services playing out looking forward? Thank you very much.
Hello, Christian. Thank you for the question. Indeed, the mix of services, this chain of services, which is additional to transport, is something that is volatile. It fluctuates. It adds to our revenue, to our turnover. Let me give you a practical example.
GM has a high inventory of vehicles in their yards. This is public knowledge. They have a lower transportation volume because they're selling less. Consequently, our warehousing prices become relevant. Just like GDL, when the yards are full, the warehousing tariffs become more relevant compared to other services and logistics services provided by GDL. This is Tegma's virtue, if we can call it that. The fact that we can count on these services, that we can offer these additional services, inter-yard transportation or transfer and storage in our own yards so that we can supply this low demand or possibly supply an additional need by the automakers. This is a variable that has difficult predictability. We are always attentive, and we have the adequate structures to supply the market.
Nivaldo, Christian, any other questions?
Only if I can explore just one point.
I'd like to get a follow-up regarding appetite for M&A activities. Because in the recent quarter, you increased your net cash position. You also reported the expenses with M&A evaluation studies. If you could elaborate on that, it would be helpful.
This is Ramón speaking. Good afternoon, Christian. What I can tell you is that in several opportunities, we have been saying that we have been investing a lot of time and energy in that. In a way, the increase in our administrative expenses is related to these additional M&A activities. This ratifies what we have been saying. It is not just in lip service. We have indeed been investing a lot of time and energy in this. These negotiations are public. They take time. For quite a while now, we've been subsuming to these negotiations. Until now, we have not been successful.
On the other hand, I guess that just shows one of the company's characteristics, i.e., its capital discipline. We believe that we can use our ability for financial leverage to fund a possible operation. Of course, we're only going to do that if that deal will surely bring value to all of the stakeholders and our shareholders. This is a strategic decision to be made by the company to continue to invest in M&A assessment. As you studied yourself, the management of our capital structure is related to these projects moving forward. I would like to highlight this, to stress this, because this is important. We have not gotten any binding negotiation, any firm deal, not yet. The moment that this happens, we will inform the market. Okay?
Thank you, Ramón. Christian? Are you okay? Yeah,
This is what I have. Thank you very much.
It's very clear.
Thank you, Christian. Just one question. I see the name. It's Christian from Levante. We have a question in writing by Guilherme Ávila with the partner BTG Pactual. What are GDL expectations for the year 2025? Do you see this drop in margins as a new level of profitability?
Hello, Guilherme. GDL expectations for 2025, in our view, are quite good. You do notice a slight change in our profitability margin. This is due mainly to an investment in the rent of our land, of our yards. With this great amount of imported vehicles, especially by BYD, we had to rent areas that are neighbor to GDL and also the full occupation of GDL's area. These new areas were rented at normal market price, routine price. GDL's own land, according to a contract provision, suffered a value adjustment. Yes, there was an increase.
On the other hand, we had two ships that were carrying vehicles that were delayed. The volume of handling in March was reduced compared to what we had budgeted. That was upset. It was a simple delay. Now, leaving aside vehicles and talking about general warehousing and bonded warehousing services, we have good expectations and we hope that we will have good results posted in GDL in 2025.
Okay, a question now by Caio Baroni with Moza Capital. The company showed a strong evolution in year-on-year cash generation in 2025. In addition to the normal size of receivables at the beginning of the year and a slightly lower level of CapEx, what other factors—sorry, I lost the stress on it. What other factors could explain this strong increase in cash generation? Ramón?
In this quarter, in addition to the operational results, which was really very good, we did not have any non-recurring events. The point that we highlighted in our earnings was that given the seasonal nature of the sector, we have an account receivable which was very high in Q1. It was very high in the fourth quarter of 2024 because that is the strongest quarter in the year for us. There was a drop, which is seasonal. In Q1, we got paid a good amount that was billed in the end of the year. That contributed to our free cash flow. If we had not had an even stronger first quarter, we would not have dealt with the impact because part of the funds would be spent in working capital.
This is a normal movement that happens in every first quarter in terms of generation cash flow. In terms of our cash position itself, although we have had a payout way above our policy, around 66% in 2024, this also contributed to the retention of part of these resources in line with investments we have. That explains the robustness of our capital structure and balance sheet.
Thank you, Ramón. We have another question in the chat by Tiago Duarte with a BTG Pactual. He writes, "Good afternoon, congratulations on the results. BYD plans to produce 400,000 cars at the assembly plant in Camaçari. Is your plan to capture the transportation of all BYD's production?" Thank you.
Hello, Tiago. These 400,000 will be manufactured over a certain period of time. It is estimated that BYD will start producing cars in the beginning of 2026.
Today, Tegma already handles a part of the imported vehicles transportation. Regarding these vehicles to be produced in Salvador, I guess that they are going to have a bid. It is their usual habit to have two or three logistics suppliers, logistics providers.
Thank you, Nivaldo. We have another question by André Prais, an individual investor. He writes, "Can you talk about how Tegma has been dealing with Artificial Intelligence and its business? Are there any CapEx plans in this area?"
André, this is a super interesting topic, which is always present in our discussions, in our leadership meetings, and in our IT organization meetings and the strategic part of the meeting. This is something we addressed in our investor day. If you are interested, you can listen to our investor day.
A little of what was said during our investor day, André, was related to initiatives to deploy AI in structuring data. I think transportation is a sector that involves a lot of unstructured data, sometimes physical documents. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve the processing of these unstructured data and information. Another point that we have been developing in our operation is the recognition of damage. As you know, we transported 700,000 cars last year. The amount of movement in the cars, it's a lot more because there are cars that come from the other nation. They unload, then we have to reload them to deliver them to their final destination. Of course, there's a small percentage of damage. That happens. Today, we have our inspectors paying attention to this kind of damage.
One of the initiatives for this is to use AI to improve damage to the body, workout of the vehicle. It is important because sometimes the cars get to the dealers and there is some damage there. We overlook the AI will improve the accuracy of information, and it will improve the process of recognizing these damages so we can notify the insurance company or the dealer. There are other initiatives that we had in our investor day, and you are invited to visit our investor day.
As a reminder, if you have any questions, this is the moment or else I will hand it over to Nivaldo for his closing statements. Nivaldo, over to you. All right.
Thank you all for participating, for listening to us, for giving us an opportunity to discuss our first quarter 2025 results, to speak about Tegma, how we see the future of Tegma. I would like to stress our conviction in continuing to post good results for Tegma and for GDL throughout the year of 2025. Thank you very much. Have a great rest of your day.