
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total volumes decreased by 6.1% and revenue decreased by 5.6% in the first half of 2025, while revenue per hectoliter increased by 0.5% [8][9] - Normalized EBITDA decreased by 8% and normalized EBITDA margin contracted by 82 basis points [8][9] - In the second quarter, total volumes and revenue decreased by 6.2% and 3.9% respectively [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, volumes decreased by 7.4% in the second quarter, with revenue decreasing by 6.4% and revenue per hectoliter increasing by 1.1% [10] - In South Korea, volumes were impacted by shipment phasing, but the company continued to gain market share in both on-premise and in-home channels [6][13] - In India, the Budweiser brand grew ahead of the industry, delivering double-digit revenue growth and significant EBITDA margin improvement [13][74] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In APAC West, volumes and revenue decreased by 6.9% and 7.1% respectively, with normalized EBITDA decreasing by 8.8% [9] - The contribution of the in-home channel to volumes and revenue increased, with premium and super premium portfolio weights exceeding those in the Chinese restaurant channel [11] - The Indian market showed strong growth momentum, with the premium and super premium portfolio growing by double digits [74] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest in mega brands and focus on expanding the in-home channel while enhancing trade execution [5][20] - A channel expansion strategy is in place, focusing on premiumization in the in-home channel [11] - The company is committed to maintaining a sound balance sheet and disciplined financial practices [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing challenges in China, particularly in the restaurant channel, and expects volume headwinds to continue into the third quarter [20][57] - The company remains focused on enhancing execution of mega brands and expanding distribution in the in-home channel [58] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of the Indian market, driven by premiumization and favorable regulatory changes [74] Other Important Information - The company reported a net cash position of $2.4 billion as of June 30, 2025 [15] - An internal restructuring led to a non-underlying income tax of $53 million, which is expected to have no further impact on financials [83] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of anti-extravagance campaign on China - Management acknowledged a slowdown in the Chinese restaurant channel and indicated that the impact would continue into the third quarter [20] Question: Update on South Korea customs tax dispute and anti-dumping duties in Taiwan - The customs tax dispute is ongoing, and management is committed to defending the matter [25] - The impact of anti-dumping duties in Taiwan is still uncertain, and management is monitoring the situation closely [27] Question: Progress on inventory destocking in China - Management reported that inventory levels are lower than the previous year and expect a more normalized base by the end of the year [32] Question: In-home channel penetration and expansion plans - The in-home channel is expected to continue growing, with plans to enhance distribution and execution [39] Question: Market share strategy in Guangdong - Management emphasized the importance of expanding coverage in the in-home channel and improving execution to regain market share [49] Question: Core plus segment performance and competition - Management acknowledged competition pressures in the core plus segment and outlined plans to enhance brand power and distribution [61] Question: Margin outlook in South Korea - Management expressed confidence in future margin recovery driven by pricing, operational efficiencies, and premiumization [71] Question: Trends in the Indian market - The Indian market is experiencing strong growth, particularly in the premium segment, with favorable regulatory changes expected to further boost growth [74]