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AB InBev CEO: Brands such as Michelob Ultra and Busch Light are leading our growth
CNBC Television· 2025-07-31 18:31
Market Share & Growth - The company experienced one of its best quarters in years in the US [1] - The company's market share continues to accelerate, reaching an inflection point last year [1] - Mikabultra and Bush Light are leading the company's growth [1] - Michelob Ultra is the fastest-growing brand in the US [1] - Bush Light is the second fastest-growing brand in the US [1] - Michelob Ultra Zero (29 calories zero alcohol beer) and Bush Light Apple (seasonal beer) became the third fastest-growing brands in the US industry within a month [2] Innovation Impact - Innovations are hitting a sweet spot with consumers [1]
Ambev(ABEV) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-31 16:32
Financial Performance - The company reported a high single-digit organic EBITDA increase with a margin expansion of 110 basis points, despite soft interest volumes in several markets due to adverse weather conditions [6][9] - EBITDA grew double digits with a margin expansion of 160 basis points, and EPS increased by 6.5% [7][9] - Cash flow from operating activities grew 4%, reaching BRL3 billion, despite a 9.2% decline year-over-year due to volume dynamics [27][28] Business Unit Performance - In Brazil, beer volumes declined by 9%, primarily due to unfavorable weather, with June accounting for over 60% of the volume impact [15][16] - Premium and super premium brands in Brazil grew mid-teens, gaining market share, while core brands sustained almost 30% of volumes [16][18] - In Argentina, beer volumes returned to growth after seven quarters, with the premium segment growing double digits [19] Market Dynamics - The company faced a mid-single-digit industry decline attributed to adverse weather, with 70% of the decline explained by weather conditions [36][37] - The core segment's decline was in line with low teens due to higher sensitivity to industry performance and revenue management decisions [40] - In Canada, volumes grew by 0.8%, driven by a growing Ontario industry and strong performance in the non-alcoholic beer segment [20] Strategic Direction - The company emphasized a disciplined focus on cost efficiency, which offset non-commodity cost inflation, resulting in significant savings [14] - The growth strategy includes leading and growing the category, digitizing and monetizing the ecosystem, and optimizing business operations [8][10] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate cost pressures and maintain brand equity, with a focus on premiumization and digital engagement [29][42] Management Commentary - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning for the second half of the year, citing improved weather conditions and easing consumer price relativity [42][43] - The company remains focused on sustainable value creation through disciplined capital allocation and operational efficiency [28][29] - Management highlighted improvements in employee engagement and brand equity, reinforcing confidence in future performance [29][99] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved an intermediary dividend payout of BRL2 billion, totaling BRL6 billion declared this year [7][8] - The company reported a significant increase in marketplace GMV, driven by partnerships and improved customer engagement [10][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Volume performance in Brazil and future outlook - Management noted that the mid-single-digit industry decline was largely due to adverse weather, with no structural change in consumer demand expected [36][37] - Confidence in the second half is based on improved weather conditions and initial signs of easing consumer price relativity [42] Question: Cost management initiatives - Management emphasized ongoing cost optimization efforts, including SKU rationalization and improved distribution expenses [44][45] Question: Dynamics between on-trade and off-trade channels - Management indicated that revenue management initiatives were implemented across all segments, with a focus on maintaining pricing aligned with inflation [56][57] Question: Digital marketplace performance - The digital marketplace saw a 90% growth in GMV, driven by partnerships and increased customer engagement [65][66] Question: Brand equity and Skol strategy - Management highlighted improvements in brand power metrics and ongoing adjustments to the Skol brand strategy [99][100]
Ambev(ABEV) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-31 16:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a high single-digit organic EBITDA increase with a margin expansion of 110 basis points despite soft interest volumes in several markets due to adverse weather conditions [5][6] - EBITDA grew double digits with a margin expansion of 160 basis points, while EPS increased by 6.5% and cash flow from operating activities grew by 4% [6][20] - The Board of Directors approved an intermediary dividend payout of BRL2 billion, totaling BRL6 billion declared this year [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premium and super premium brands delivered low teens growth, expanding in seven out of the top 10 markets, while the balanced choice portfolio grew in the low 20s [7][15] - In Brazil, beer volumes declined by 9% primarily due to unfavorable weather, but premium and super premium brands grew mid-teens, gaining market share [14][15] - The core segment volumes declined by low teens, reflecting higher sensitivity to industry performance and revenue management decisions [15][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Brazil, the beer industry experienced a mid single-digit sellout decline, largely attributed to adverse weather conditions, with 70% of the decline explained by weather [36][39] - Argentina saw a sequential improvement in beer volumes, returning to growth after seven quarters, while the premium segment grew double digits [16][17] - In Canada, volumes grew by 0.8%, offsetting a soft industry affected by colder temperatures [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing a disciplined growth strategy with an emphasis on revenue and cost management [5][6] - The digital ecosystem is seen as a bridge between core business and new revenue streams, with significant growth in the marketplace GMV [9][65] - The company aims to optimize its business through cost efficiency, with a disciplined focus on reducing non-commodity cost inflation [13][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current challenges, citing improved brand equity and a strong portfolio [29][30] - The company anticipates a significant improvement in performance in the second half of the year, driven by better weather conditions and easing consumer price relativity [42][80] - Management emphasized that there is no structural change in consumer demand in Brazil, and they remain optimistic about future growth opportunities [36][42] Other Important Information - The company has reduced the number of SKUs by around 10% to increase productivity and manage costs effectively [23][92] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 18.4%, a decrease from 28.6% in the previous year, driven by non-recurrent events and favorable court rulings [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about volume performance in Brazil - Management explained that the volume decline was primarily due to adverse weather, with 70% of the decline attributed to this factor, and expressed confidence in recovery in the second half of the year [36][42] Question: Insights on cost management and future initiatives - Management highlighted ongoing efforts in cost optimization and SKU rationalization, indicating that there is still room for further efficiency improvements [43][44] Question: Dynamics between on-trade and off-trade channels - Management noted that revenue management initiatives were implemented across all segments, with a focus on maintaining pricing aligned with inflation while managing cost inflation [55][56] Question: Digital marketplace performance - The company reported a 90% growth in marketplace GMV, driven by partnerships and an increase in customer engagement [64][65] Question: Update on brand equity and Skol strategy - Management provided insights into brand equity improvements based on tracking metrics and discussed ongoing efforts to revamp the Skol brand, indicating positive trends in distribution and support [99][102]
AB InBev CEO on Q2 earnings, international market weakness and outlook
CNBC Television· 2025-07-31 16:20
Financial Performance - ABMBBEV (Anheuser-Busch InBev) Q2 revenue missed expectations, leading to its worst day since March 2020 [1] - ABMBBEV delivered results in line or above consensus across most financial metrics, with EBITDA growth and strong cash flow generation [2] - ABMBBEV experienced a decline in volumes [2] Market Dynamics - Weakness in China and softness in Brazil significantly impacted ABMBBEV's volumes [2][3] - China's industry was improving but still negative, with ABMBBEV overindexing in weaker segments and geographies, presenting an opportunity to expand in off-trade channels [3][4] - Brazil experienced abnormal cold weather and revenue management initiatives (pricing) that led to a slowdown in volumes [4][5] - The US had one of its best quarters in years, driven by market share acceleration [6] - Michelob Ultra is the fastest-growing brand in the US, and Bud Light is the second-fastest [6] - Michelob Ultra Zero and Bud Light Apple innovations hit a sweet spot in the US market [7] Pricing Strategy - ABMBBEV's prices in the US tend to grow with inflation [7][8] - ABMBBEV is investing heavily in brand support through platforms like NBA, NFL, FIFA Clubs, and the World Cup [8]
ABInBev(BUD) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-31 14:02
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]
ABInBev(BUD) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-07-31 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EBITDA increased by 6.5% with continued margin expansion [7] - Revenue per hectoliter growth accelerated by 4.9% compared to last year [7] - Overall revenue increased by 3% this quarter versus last year [10] - 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] - Net debt to EBITDA ratio improved to 3.27 times from 3.42 times year over year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-alcohol beer portfolio revenues increased by 33% [8] - In the U.S., Michelob Ultra and Busch Light were the top two volume share gainers in the industry [12] - In Brazil, revenue declined by 1.9% due to volume performance [13] - In Colombia, record high volumes drove high single-digit top and bottom line growth [13] - In Europe, volumes were flat, but revenue grew due to premiumization [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes declined by 1.9% globally, impacted by soft industry performance in China and Brazil [9] - In China, revenue declined by 6.2% with underperformance in volumes [16] - 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 invested in sales and marketing in the first half of the year [17] - Focus on premiumization and innovation to drive growth in the beer category [20] - The company aims to optimize its business and improve margins 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 [36] - The company expects to deliver on its 2025 outlook of 4% to 8% EBITDA growth [29] - Management highlighted the importance of consumer confidence and economic recovery in driving future growth [56] Other Important Information - The company is focusing on digital platforms to enhance consumer engagement and drive new consumption occasions [22] - The company is committed to increasing investments in mega brands and expanding its non-alcohol beer portfolio [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about volume growth and long-term outlook - Management acknowledged the volume decline but emphasized the strength of their global footprint and consistent performance in other KPIs [36][37] Question: Margin improvement sustainability - Management indicated that margin improvements are expected to be sustainable, driven by operational efficiencies and disciplined cost management [39][40] Question: Key learnings from U.S. market performance - Management highlighted the importance of consistent long-term planning and strategic investments in brands to drive growth [46][47] Question: Consumer slowdown in Mexico and Brazil - Management noted that while there are challenges, underlying demand remains strong, and they are monitoring consumer confidence closely [54][56] Question: On-premise channel performance in China - Management reported that the on-premise channel remains weak, but there is growth in the off-premise channel, presenting opportunities for improvement [62] Question: Future marketing opportunities with FIFA 2026 - Management expressed optimism about leveraging major events like FIFA 2026 to drive category growth and brand momentum [88][90]
ABInBev(BUD) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-07-31 13:00
Financial Performance - The company experienced EBITDA growth of 6.5% in 2Q25[10] - EBITDA margin expanded by 116 bps[10, 11, 75] - Underlying USD EPS increased by 8.7%[10, 11] - H1 Free Cash Flow was up by $0.5 billion year-over-year[10, 81] Revenue and Volume - Revenue per hl accelerated by 4.9% in 2Q25[10, 11, 15] - Total revenue increased by 3.0% in 2Q25[11] - Total volumes decreased by 1.9% in 2Q25[11] Regional Performance - North America saw organic revenue growth of 2.2% and organic EBITDA growth of 4.5%[18, 21] - Middle Americas experienced organic revenue growth of 5.1% and organic EBITDA growth of 6.9%[18, 24] - South America's organic revenue grew by 3.6% and organic EBITDA by 7.2%[18, 28] - EMEA had organic revenue growth of 5.2% and organic EBITDA growth of 9.5%[18, 33] - Asia Pacific's revenue declined by 4.5% and organic EBITDA declined by 4.8%[18, 40] Brand and Innovation - No-alcohol beer revenue increased by 33%[10, 61] - BEES Marketplace GMV grew by 63% to $785 million[10, 66, 68] Debt and Outlook - Net finance costs are expected to be between $190 million and $220 million per quarter[93] - The average gross debt coupon is approximately 4%[93, 91]