Leading American Manufacturer Marks Production with over $6 Million Investment in Enhancing Capabilities at its Ft. Collins, CO BreweryFT. COLLINS, Colo., April 30, 2025  /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Stella Artois, today produced its 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water for communities impacted by disaster since 1988. Anheuser-Busch Emergency Drinking Water For decades, Anheuser-B ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the full year 2024, total Budweiser APAC volumes decreased by 8.8% and revenue decreased by 7%, while revenue per hectoliter grew by 2% [18] - Normalized EBITDA decreased by 6.3%, but the normalized EBITDA margin increased by 21 basis points [18] - Cost of sales increased by 0.7% on a per hectoliter basis, driven by cost management initiatives and commodity tailwinds [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, volumes decreased by 11.8% in 2024, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter decreasing by 13% and 14% respectively [19] - In APAC East, volumes increased by 3.6% in the full year, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter increasing by 12% and 8.7% respectively [20] - In South Korea, total market share reached its highest level in over a decade, with significant growth in brands like Kas and Casa [14][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The business in China faced challenges due to weak consumer sentiment and a decline in on-premise channels [10] - In India, the net revenue of the premium and triple premium portfolio grew by almost 20% in both the fourth quarter and the full year [15] - The in-home channel's volume and revenue contribution increased, reflecting ongoing efforts to premiumize this channel [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on market share growth in China, with a clear strategy to prioritize Budweiser and adapt to current consumption trends [11][32] - The geographic expansion strategy for the Budweiser brand remains on track, with distribution expanding from 220 cities to 235 cities in 2024 [11] - The company aims to leverage technology to enhance commercial capabilities and drive value creation [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a soft consumer environment in China, impacting overall beer market performance [26] - There is confidence in capturing a disproportionate share of category and profit growth in China, despite current challenges [36] - The company plans to continue focusing on premiumization and expanding its distribution network in the in-home channel [99] Other Important Information - The company announced a dividend of $750 million for the full year 2024, representing a 7% increase versus the prior year [21] - The number of carbon-neutral breweries in China doubled to six, with significant reductions in carbon emissions and water usage [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent sales performance in China and inventory management - Management acknowledged a soft consumer environment impacting sales, with proactive inventory management contributing to volume decline [26][29] Question: Strategic focus in China post-management change - The top priority for 2025 is market share growth, with a focus on Budweiser and adapting to current consumption trends [32] Question: Balancing market share recovery with margin and premiumization - The company aims to prioritize market share growth while maintaining long-term margin goals through operational efficiencies and brand mix [45][46] Question: Premiumization strategy and consumer trends - The company has a strong activation plan for Budweiser and is focusing on health and wellness trends with innovations like Zero Sugar [51][52] Question: In-home penetration strategy and challenges - The in-home channel is crucial for growth, with strategies focused on distribution and leveraging partnerships to enhance market presence [99][100] Question: Long-term growth pillars and geographic expansion - Geographic expansion remains a key strategic pillar, with tailored strategies based on market maturity and consumer demand [104]