BUD APAC(HK:01876)2026-02-12 04:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In full year 2025, total volumes decreased by 6% and net revenue declined by 6.1% [5][6] - Normalized EBITDA decreased by 9.8% with a margin contraction of 113 basis points [5] - In Q4 2025, total volumes decreased by 0.7%, with revenue declining by 4.2% and revenue per hectoliter down by 3.5% [5][6] - Normalized EBITDA for Q4 decreased by 24.7%, with a margin contraction of 425 basis points [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In APAC West, volumes decreased by 6.7%, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter down by 8.2% and 1.5% respectively [6] - In China, Q4 volumes decreased by 3.9% and revenue per hectoliter decreased by 7.7%, leading to an 11.4% revenue decline [7] - In India, strong double-digit revenue growth was achieved, with the Premium and Super Premium portfolio representing over two-thirds of total revenue [10] - In APAC East, volumes decreased by 1.3%, while revenue and revenue per hectoliter increased by 1.3% and 2.5% respectively [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In South Korea, volumes decreased by low single digits, but revenue remained flat due to ongoing revenue management initiatives [11] - The non-alcoholic beer and flavored beer segments are performing well in South Korea, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its in-home go-to-market strategy, enrich its portfolio, and innovate behind its mega brands to reignite growth [4] - Focus on expanding the in-home and O2O channels, with significant investments in marketing campaigns and innovations [8][9] - The company plans to prioritize top-line growth in China, potentially increasing commercial investments at the expense of short-term profitability [31][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that performance in China was below potential, but sees signs of stabilization and initial improvement in Q4 2025 [16][18] - The company is optimistic about the impact of the World Cup on industry demand and plans to leverage this event for brand activation [28] - Management emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and disciplined financial practices, with a dividend recommendation of $750 million for 2025 [12] Other Important Information - The company continues to invest in its mega brands and has launched several innovative marketing initiatives, including collaborations with popular cultural events [11][12] - The net cash position at the end of 2025 was above $2.8 billion, reflecting a decrease of $39 million from the previous year [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the latest demand trend in China and any updates on Chinese New Year preparations? - Management noted that the industry shows signs of stabilization, but on-trade demand recovery has not been significant yet [16][18] Question: Will the shareholder reward policy be reviewed with the new CEO? - Management confirmed that the rigorous review process for dividends will remain intact, and it is too early to discuss changes to the policy [20] Question: What will be done differently in 2026 to turn around the business in China? - The focus will be on reigniting growth and enhancing execution in key channels, with a strong emphasis on innovations and marketing campaigns [25][26] Question: How will the company manage inventory levels in China? - Management stated that inventory levels are lower than the previous year, and they will continue to manage inventories attentively [65] Question: What is the pricing trend expected in China for 2026? - The company aims to maintain pricing discipline while investing in brand growth, with a favorable brand mix contributing positively to revenue [70][71]