BUD APAC(01876) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the full year 2025, total volumes decreased by 6% and net revenue declined by 6.1% [6][12] - Normalized EBITDA decreased by 9.8%, with a normalized EBITDA margin contraction of 113 basis points [6] - In Q4 2025, total volumes decreased by 0.7%, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter decreasing by 4.2% and 3.5%, respectively [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In APAC West, volumes decreased by 6.7%, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter decreasing by 8.2% and 1.5%, respectively [7] - In China, volumes decreased by 3.9% in Q4, with revenue per hectoliter decreasing by 7.7%, resulting in an 11.4% revenue decline [7] - In India, strong double-digit revenue growth was delivered, with the Premium and Super Premium portfolio representing over two-thirds of total revenue [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In APAC East, volumes decreased by 1.3%, while revenue and revenue per hectoliter increased by 1.3% and 2.5%, respectively [10] - In South Korea, volumes decreased by low single digits, but revenue remained flat due to ongoing revenue management initiatives [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing in-home go-to-market strategies, enriching its portfolio, and innovating behind mega brands to rebuild momentum and reignite growth [4] - Strategic priorities for 2026 include increasing commercial investments in China to prioritize top-line growth over profitability [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the performance in China was below potential, but there are signs of stabilization in the industry [4][15] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming World Cup as a potential boost for industry demand [28] Other Important Information - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with a net cash position above $2.8 billion and recommended a dividend of $750 million for 2025 [12] - The company is actively managing inventory levels, which are lower than the previous year, to ensure a healthy route to market [65] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What are the latest demand trends in China? - Management indicated that the industry shows signs of stabilization, but on-trade recovery has not yet been significant [15] Question: Will the shareholder reward policy be reviewed with a 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 rebuilding volume momentum, with significant emphasis on commercial investments [25][31] Question: How is the company managing inventory levels in China? - The company has proactively adjusted inventory levels, which are now lower than the previous year, ensuring a better position going into the Chinese New Year [65] Question: What is the pricing trend in China for 2026? - The company aims to maintain pricing discipline while investing to lead and grow the category, with a favorable brand mix contributing to revenue [72]