Americanas (AMER3): CFO Shake-Up Sparks Stock Surge, Ranking Among Top Gainers on B3
- Why Is Americanas Stock Soaring Today?
- Who Is Americanas' New CFO?
- What Challenges Await the New Leadership?
- Is This the Start of Americanas' Comeback?
- How Does This Compare to Other Retail Turnarounds?
- What's Next for AMER3 Investors?
- FAQs About Americanas' Leadership Change
In a surprising market twist, Americanas (AMER3) shares rocketed nearly 6% today (December 2, 2025) following the appointment of a new CFO with turnaround expertise. The embattled retailer's stock became one of the top performers on Brazil's B3 exchange, peaking at an 8% intraday gain as investors bet on Sebastien Durchon's ability to steer the company through its post-scandal recovery. This dramatic MOVE comes exactly 23 months after the company's billion-dollar accounting fraud surfaced, showing how quickly market sentiment can shift when fresh leadership takes the wheel.
Why Is Americanas Stock Soaring Today?
The market clearly approves of Americanas' executive shuffle - shares jumped from R$6.27 to as high as R$6.78 before settling around 5.7% up by early afternoon trading. This makes AMER3 one of today's top three gainers on B3, according to TradingView data. The catalyst? Friday night's announcement that Sebastien Durchon, a retail turnaround specialist, WOULD replace Camille Loyo Faria as CFO effective immediately. Investors seem to be betting that Durchon's experience rescuing struggling retailers like Dia (where he closed 342 stores during restructuring) makes him the right captain for Americanas' stormy seas.
Who Is Americanas' New CFO?
Sebastien Durchon isn't your typical finance chief. The French executive cut his teeth at Mazars auditing firm before founding consultancy Consomind and holding key positions at Carrefour (where he led their Brazilian IPO) and Fives Group. His most recent gig? Steering Spanish discount chain Dia through bankruptcy - an experience that likely prepared him for Americanas' current judicial recovery process. "This is a classic 'bring in the turnaround guy' move," noted BTCC market analyst Rafael Costa. "Durchon's playbook likely involves asset sales, operational streamlining, and rebuilding creditor trust - exactly what Americanas needs after its R$20 billion accounting black hole."
What Challenges Await the New Leadership?
The new CFO inherits a mess worthy of Hercules:
- 96.4% plunge in net profit (R$367 million vs prior year)
- 74.6% collapse in digital GMV (R$167 million)
- Ongoing judicial recovery since January 2023 fraud revelation
Is This the Start of Americanas' Comeback?
Market reactions suggest cautious optimism. The stock's surge mirrors Durchon's first weeks at Dia, where his restructuring plan eventually stabilized operations. Americanas emphasized his four-month internal transition (since August as VP Finance) should ensure continuity in their strategic repositioning. Outgoing CFO Camille Faria isn't exiting entirely - she'll advise on asset sales crucial to the recovery plan. "This isn't just a personnel change," observed a BTCC research note, "it's signaling that Americanas is moving from crisis containment to growth planning."
How Does This Compare to Other Retail Turnarounds?
Durchon's playbook at Dia involved:
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Store closures | 342 underperforming locations |
| Operational overhaul | Return to positive EBITDA |
| Debt restructuring | Successful court approval |
What's Next for AMER3 Investors?
With the stock still down 89% from pre-scandal levels, today's pop feels more like a hopeful tremor than an earthquake. Key milestones to watch:
- Q4 earnings (February 2026) - Will operational declines stabilize?
- Asset sales - Which divisions might get auctioned?
- Supplier relations - Can Durchon rebuild crucial partnerships?
FAQs About Americanas' Leadership Change
Why did Americanas stock rise today?
AMER3 surged up to 8% after appointing turnaround expert Sebastien Durchon as new CFO, signaling a shift toward growth after two years of scandal recovery.
What experience does the new CFO bring?
Sebastien Durchon previously restructured Spanish retailer Dia through bankruptcy, closed 342 stores, and led Carrefour's Brazilian IPO - ideal experience for Americanas' challenges.
How bad are Americanas' current finances?
Net profit fell 96.4% to R$367 million with digital sales collapsing 74.6%, though physical stores remain stable at R$3.4 billion GMV.
