LEADING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER CONTINUES ONGOING INVESTMENTS ACROSS AMERICA, PART OF $300+ MILLION INVESTED IN U.S. FACILITIES IN 2025 BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Stella Artois, today announced a new $9 million investment in its Baldwinsville, NY brewery. Over the last five years, Anheuser- Busch has invested more than $2 billion in its manufacturing facilities ...

Core Insights - Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (AB InBev) reported second-quarter 2025 results with earnings per share (EPS) exceeding estimates and showing year-over-year improvement, while revenues declined and missed consensus estimates [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Underlying EPS was 98 cents, an increase of 8.7% year over year, driven by 10.2% EBIT growth and optimized net finance costs, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 94 cents [2][6] - Revenues totaled $15 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.33 billion and reflecting a 2.1% year-over-year decline, although organic revenue grew by 3% across 70% of markets [3][4] - Revenue per hectoliter improved by 4.9% year over year, supported by revenue-management initiatives [4][6] Volume and Market Performance - Total organic volume decreased by 1.9%, with a 2.2% decline in own-beer volume, partially offset by a 0.3% increase in non-beer volume, primarily affected by soft market conditions in China and Brazil [4][6] - Excluding China and Brazil, volume increased by 0.7%, indicating strong momentum in other markets [7] Brand Performance - Megabrands, particularly Corona, contributed to a 5.6% revenue increase, with Corona seeing a 7.7% revenue rise outside of Mexico [6][7] - The Beyond Beer portfolio recorded a 6.4% revenue rise, driven by significant growth in brands like Cutwater and Nütrl in the U.S. [9] Cost Management - Cost of sales decreased by 3.1% to $6.6 billion, while SG&A expenses fell by 3.9% year over year to $4.6 billion [9][11] - Normalized EBITDA was $5.3 billion, nearly flat year over year, with an organic growth of 6.5% and an expanded EBITDA margin of 35.3% [11] Future Outlook - For 2025, AB InBev anticipates EBITDA growth of 4-8%, with projected net capital expenditure between $3.5 billion and $4 billion [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EBITDA increased by 6.5% with continued margin expansion [6][10] - Revenue per hectoliter growth accelerated by 4.9% [6] - Underlying EPS grew by 8.7% in U.S. Dollar terms and 17.4% in constant currency [10][25] - Free cash flow increased by $5 billion compared to last year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-alcohol beer portfolio revenues increased by 33% [8] - In the U.S., volumes grew by low teens in spirits-based drinks, led by Cutwater and Neutrol [12] - In Brazil, revenue declined by 1.9% due to volume performance, while EBITDA increased by 5.3% [13] - In Europe, volumes were flat, but revenue and EBITDA grew by mid-single digits [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, revenue declined by 6.2% with underperformance in volumes [16] - In Mexico, volumes grew by low single digits, outperforming the industry [12] - Revenue increased in 70% of markets, with top and bottom line growth across four of five operating regions [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest in mega brands and platforms, with $3.6 billion spent on sales and marketing in the first half of the year [18] - Focus on premiumization and innovation to drive growth in the beer category [20] - The company aims to optimize its business through disciplined revenue management and operational efficiency [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the long-term growth of the industry despite short-term volume challenges [37][90] - The company is focused on improving execution in China and leveraging opportunities in the off-premise channel [66] - Management anticipates a recovery in consumer confidence and purchasing power, which could positively impact volumes [56] Other Important Information - The company has a diversified geographic footprint, which has proven to be a strength in delivering consistent results [11] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio improved to 3.27 times, reflecting progress in deleveraging [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about volume growth in fiscal 2025 - Management acknowledged the volume decline but emphasized confidence in long-term growth potential and the ability to navigate challenges [35][37] Question: Margin improvement sustainability - Management indicated that margin improvements are expected to be sustainable, driven by disciplined revenue management and operational efficiencies [39][40] Question: Key learnings from U.S. market performance - Management highlighted the importance of consistent long-term planning and investment in brands that align with consumer trends [46][48] Question: Consumer slowdown in Mexico and Brazil's volume decline - Management noted that while Mexico outperformed the industry, consumer confidence is lower than historical levels, impacting overall performance [55][56][68] Question: On-premise channel progress in China - Management reported that the on-premise channel remains weak, but there is growth in the off-premise channel, presenting opportunities for improvement [64][66] Question: Plans for category activation around FIFA 2026 - Management sees significant opportunities for category activation during major events like FIFA 2026 and the Winter Olympics, leveraging past experiences for better ROI [91][93]

Core Insights - AB InBev is focused on investments to drive growth and diversify its portfolio of global, international, and craft specialty premium brands [1] - The company plans to invest $300 million in its U.S. manufacturing operations in 2025 to enhance training, recruitment, and local production [2] - This investment follows a nearly $2 billion investment in U.S. facilities over the past five years, aimed at boosting the economy and sustaining jobs [3] Investment and Operations - The investments are intended to improve internal systems at U.S. manufacturing facilities, enhancing brewery efficiency and economic prosperity [4] - AB InBev reported mixed first-quarter 2025 results, with strong earnings performance but soft sales, driven by diversified operations and demand for megabrands [5] - Revenues from megabrands increased by 4.4%, particularly benefiting from the strong performance of the Corona brand [5] Digital Transformation - The company has been rapidly growing its digital platforms, with B2B digital platforms contributing approximately 72% to revenues in Q1 2025 [6] - The omnichannel ecosystem generated $275 million in revenues during the same period [6] Beyond Beer Portfolio - AB InBev's Beyond Beer portfolio saw a revenue increase of 16.6%, driven by double-digit growth in brands like Cutwater and Nütrl in the U.S. and Beats in Brazil [7] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, AB InBev's shares have increased by 25.5%, outperforming the industry growth of 18.9% [8]

Core Viewpoint - AB InBev reported first-quarter 2025 results with earnings per share (EPS) exceeding estimates, while revenue declined and missed expectations, indicating mixed performance driven by strong consumer demand for megabrands and a diversified market presence [1][2]. Financial Performance - Underlying EPS was 81 cents, reflecting a 7.1% year-over-year increase, driven by 10.3% EBIT growth and optimized net finance costs, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 77 cents [2]. - Revenues totaled $13.63 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $13.85 billion and declining 6.3% year over year, although organic revenue grew by 1.5% in half of its markets [3][4]. - Revenue per hectoliter improved by 3.7% year over year, supported by revenue-management initiatives, despite a total organic volume decline of 2.2% [4]. Brand Performance - Premium and super premium beer brands showed strong performance, with the above-core beer portfolio growing by 1.8% year over year, led by Corona's 11.2% revenue increase outside Mexico [5]. - Megabrands revenues increased by 4.4%, primarily driven by the strong performance of the Corona brand [5]. Digital Transformation - AB InBev has focused on digital investments, with B2B digital platforms contributing approximately 72% to revenues in Q1 2025, and the omnichannel ecosystem generating $275 million in revenues [6][8]. Cost and Margin Analysis - Cost of sales decreased by 9.2% to $6.04 billion, while SG&A expenses rose by 5.6% year over year to $4.2 billion [9]. - Normalized EBITDA was $4.9 billion, down 2.6% year over year, but improved 7.9% on an organic basis, with the EBITDA margin expanding to 35.6% [10]. Future Outlook - For 2025, AB InBev anticipates EBITDA growth of 4-8%, with net capital expenditure projected at $3.5-$4 billion [12].

Core Insights - Anheuser-Busch has produced its 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water, highlighting its commitment to disaster relief efforts since 1988 [1][4] - The company is investing over $6 million to enhance capabilities at its Fort Collins brewery, which will improve the production of both beer and emergency drinking water [3][4] Investment and Production - The $6 million investment aims to strengthen Anheuser-Busch's brewing and packaging capabilities, further supporting its disaster relief initiatives [3] - Anheuser-Busch's breweries in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Cartersville, Georgia, are dedicated to producing emergency drinking water year-round to ensure availability during disasters [4] Partnerships and Community Impact - Anheuser-Busch collaborates with the American Red Cross and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to deliver emergency drinking water to communities in need [5][6] - The company plans to deliver 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to over 630 volunteer fire departments across 45 states as part of its annual campaign [5] Historical Context - Anheuser-Busch has paused beer production at all 12 of its U.S. breweries at various times to produce emergency drinking water, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to community support [4] - More than 10% of the 100 million cans produced have been distributed to fire departments, providing essential resources and cost savings for these organizations [6]