JBS IPO: Brazilian Meat Giant Lists in US
JBS,the world’s largest meatpacking company,made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange,marking a critically important moment for the Brazilian meat giant. Shares surged, valuing the company at approximately $30 billion despite facing prior scrutiny related to corruption allegations. The listing, trading under the ticker “JBS,” saw initial delays. Dive into the details of JBS’s journey to the U.S. market, including the challenges and controversies it overcame, and the contributions made by its subsidiary, pilgrim’s Pride. News Directory 3 has the complete story from the NYSE floor. Discover what’s next for this major player in the global meat industry.
JBS Shares Rise on NYSE Debut, Valuing Meat Giant at $30 Billion
Updated June 14, 2025
Shares of JBS, the Brazilian meatpacking company and world’s largest in its sector, saw a positive start on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Friday. The opening trade valued the company at approximately $30 billion,surpassing Tyson Foods’ market capitalization. the stock closed at $13.87, a slight increase for the day. The accomplished JBS market debut marks a significant milestone for the company.
Trading under the ticker “JBS,” the debut was initially slated for Thursday but was delayed due to unresolved operational procedures. Prior to this,JBS stock was delisted from the Sao Paolo Exchange as part of its dual-listing strategy. With divisions spanning Brazil, the U.S., and Australia, JBS also holds a majority stake in Pilgrim’s Pride, a major U.S. poultry producer. The poultry market remains a key area for JBS.
The path to a U.S. listing has been lengthy. Initial plans for a public offering were announced in 2009 but were twice postponed and ultimately canceled. A subsequent announcement in 2016, outlining a U.S. IPO as part of a broader restructuring, was soon followed by a Brazilian government investigation into corruption allegations involving JBS and its executives.
In 2017, J&F Investimentos, the holding company with a controlling stake in JBS, paid a $3.2 billion fine to resolve bribery charges. Joesley and Wesley Batista, top shareholders and sons of the company’s founder, avoided prison by cooperating with prosecutors. In 2020, the Batistas and J&F reached a $27 million settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
While the Batistas initially exited J&F following the scandal, they rejoined the company’s board last year after being acquitted of insider trading charges. In October, JBS faced further scrutiny when the Brazilian government fined the company for allegedly purchasing cattle raised illegally in protected Amazon land. This history of corruption and bribery allegations fueled opposition to the U.S. listing, raising doubts about regulatory approval.
Following President Donald trump’s reelection, Pilgrim’s Pride contributed $5 million to his inauguration commitee, becoming the largest single donor. At the time,