Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved dollar-based EPS growth of 6% to $3.73 per share, with a 9.4% increase in constant currency, reflecting a CAGR of 6.7% since 2021 [20][21] - EBITDA increased by 4.9%, with margin expansion of 101 basis points, resulting in top-line growth of 2% [6][20] - Free cash flow was maintained at $11.3 billion, allowing for increased share buybacks and a 15% increase in dividends compared to the previous year [6][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Mega Brands and premium portfolio outperformed the overall business, with Beyond Beer revenue increasing by 23% and non-alcohol beer revenue growing by 34% [5][15] - BEES Marketplace GMV increased by 61% to $3.5 billion, indicating strong growth in the digital marketplace segment [5][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased in 65% of the company's markets, with EBITDA growth in four of five operating regions [7][8] - In the U.S., the company gained market share in both beer and spirits, with significant growth from brands like Michelob ULTRA and Busch Light [9][10] - In China, revenue declined by low teens, but market share trends improved in Q4, indicating potential for recovery [11][45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on premiumization, innovation, and expanding its digital ecosystem through the BEES Marketplace [12][17] - The strategy emphasizes long-term growth drivers such as balanced choices, premiumization, and the Beyond Beer segment, which is projected to grow at double the rate of the overall beer category [15][16] - The company aims to leverage its diversified geographic footprint to capture future industry growth, particularly in emerging markets [8][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the 2026 outlook, citing improved momentum exiting 2025 and upcoming major events like the FIFA World Cup as opportunities for growth [26][33] - The company remains committed to its strategic priorities despite challenges in 2025, with a focus on maintaining financial discipline and optimizing resource allocation [20][26] Other Important Information - The company achieved its sustainability goals related to water and agriculture, with ongoing efforts in climate and packaging [24][25] - The company plans to maintain a progressive dividend policy and has proposed a final dividend of 1 EUR per share for 2025 [24] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Insights on the role of beer in consumer culture - Management highlighted that beer brings people together for moments of celebration and emphasized the importance of promoting moderate consumption [30][31] Question: Key elements of the U.S. market turnaround - Management credited consistency and strategic investments in brand segmentation as key to the U.S. market turnaround, with plans to apply these learnings to other markets, particularly China [36][40] Question: Update on commercial execution in China - Management noted significant progress in the off-trade channel and a stabilization in the on-trade channel, with cautious optimism for 2026 [43][45] Question: Thoughts on BEES Marketplace scaling - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential of the BEES Marketplace, particularly in the third-party segment, which is becoming increasingly profitable [73][76]

FY & 4Q25 Results February 12, 2026 Legal disclaimer Certain statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements, notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified. In addition, certain statements may be contained in the future filings of the Company with the competent securities regulators or other authorities, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by or with the approval of the Company that are not sta ...

The world's largest brewer said it is confident of continued earnings growth after beer sales volumes fell 1.5%, less than expected. ...

The trading week is about to serve up a heavy dose of consumer reality with a trio of earnings reports from the titans of fast food, consumer staples, and beverages. McDonald’s (MCD), Kraft Heinz (KHC), and Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) are all scheduled to report within a tight window starting early Wednesday, Feb. 11, providing a comprehensive look at how the American consumer is handling the high-cost economy of 2026. This cluster of reports functions like a post-Super Bowl feast for analysts, revealing ...

Core Viewpoint - Anheuser-Busch InBev is expected to report year-over-year growth in both revenue and earnings for the fourth quarter of 2025, with anticipated revenues of $15.6 billion and earnings per share of 92 cents, reflecting growth of 5% and 4.6% respectively from the previous year [1][2][10] Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues is $15.6 billion, indicating a 5% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - The consensus estimate for earnings per share is 92 cents, suggesting a 4.6% growth compared to the prior year's figure [2] - In the last reported quarter, the company's earnings per share exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.1%, with an average earnings surprise of 8.4% over the last four quarters [3] Factors Influencing Q4 Results - AB InBev's results are expected to benefit from strategic measures such as pricing actions, premiumization, and revenue management initiatives, alongside strong consumer demand for its brand portfolio [4] - The company's focus on premium beer offerings aligns with consumer preferences, and its diverse portfolio of global and specialty brands is expected to support performance [5] - However, the company faces challenges from soft volumes in key markets like China and Brazil, indicating that revenue growth is primarily driven by price/mix rather than consumption growth [6] Cost and Macro Challenges - Elevated costs from commodity inflation, supply chain issues, and investments for long-term growth are anticipated to impact quarterly performance [7] - A challenging macroeconomic environment, particularly in China and Argentina, along with currency and interest rate fluctuations, may also weigh on results [7] Valuation and Stock Performance - The stock has a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 18X, compared to a five-year high of 23.71X and the industry average of 16.37X [11] - Over the past six months, AB InBev shares have increased by 23.5%, outperforming the industry average increase of 9.9% [13]

Core Insights - Early testing indicates that 2026 could be the strongest year for Big Game advertising, with brands like the NFL, Budweiser, and Ring leading the way in audience engagement and emotional response [1] Group 1: Advertising Performance - System1's platform ranks early-release ads, revealing that the top ads elicit strong positive emotional responses, with the highest-ranking ads including NFL, Budweiser, Ring, Dove, and Pepsi [1] - The average score for early-release Big Game ads is 3.2 Stars, significantly higher than the 2.3-Star average for all U.S. ads, indicating strong brand-building potential [1] - Only seven Big Game ads since 2020 have achieved a 5-Star rating, with two brands reaching this milestone already this year [1] Group 2: Creative Strategies - Successful ads utilize exaggeration and parody, with humor being a key driver of long-term growth, yet still underutilized in advertising [1] - Melodic music plays a crucial role in engaging viewers, with brands like Hellmann's and Pepsi effectively using soundtracks to enhance emotional impact [1] - Pop culture references are prevalent, with brands like Budweiser and Pepsi creatively leveraging cultural cues to strengthen their messaging [1] Group 3: Brand Recall Challenges - Brand recall, or Fluency, has dropped to a record low of 77%, highlighting the need for brands to employ distinctive codes and memorable characters to stand out [1] - The top ads are ranked by Star Rating, with the highest-rated ads including Budweiser's "American Icon" at 5.6 Stars and the NFL's "You Are Special" at 5.9 Stars [1]

Core Insights - Companies are investing approximately $10 million for 30 seconds of advertising during the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched television events, which generates significant ad revenue [1][1] - High-profile figures such as Lady Gaga, Ben Stiller, Bowen Yang, and Emma Stone are featured in this year's Super Bowl commercials to create buzz and engage audiences [1][1] - The cost of airing ads has increased alongside viewership, with 30-second spots costing around $10 million, and total costs including production ranging from $16 million to $29 million [1][1] Advertising Trends - Brands are releasing teasers for their Super Bowl commercials, aiming to build anticipation among football fans [1][1] - Companies like Redfin, Svedka, and Budweiser are utilizing creative content to attract viewers, with Budweiser releasing a full 60-second ad ahead of the game [1][1] - Online prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket are seeing significant betting activity on which companies will advertise during the Super Bowl [1][1] Market Impact - The Super Bowl's advertising landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with brands facing scrutiny over their marketing campaigns [1][1] - A record 128 million viewers watched the Super Bowl last year, indicating a growing audience for advertisers [1][1] - The unique opportunity to reach an engaged audience during the Super Bowl is seen as valuable by companies with substantial marketing budgets [1][1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the food and beverage industry [9] Core Insights - The report highlights a structural differentiation in consumer recovery across various segments, with high-end consumption showing signs of recovery while mid-range and mass-market segments lag behind [1] - Foreign brands are facing challenges due to weak demand and a trend towards "de-branding," which has led to overall performance pressure [1] - Companies achieving growth are primarily relying on their own brand strength and channel strategies [1] Alcoholic Beverages - The overseas spirits giants are experiencing performance pressure in China, with Pernod Ricard and Diageo reporting significant declines in sales [2][13] - Diageo's management remains cautious, expecting continued challenges in the market, particularly in the white liquor segment [2][14] - Rémy Cointreau's sales in China have stabilized, but internal performance shows structural differentiation [2][15] Dairy Products - Foreign brands in the dairy sector, particularly in milk beverages and nutritional products, are performing well due to strong brand management and product innovation [3][22] - The market for dairy products is expected to continue growing, especially in segments like low-temperature fresh milk and cheese [3][32] - The high import dependency in certain dairy categories presents opportunities for domestic alternatives [3][32] Soft Drinks - The soft drink industry is experiencing varied performance across segments, with carbonated drinks under pressure while energy drinks and sugar-free tea are expanding [4][33] - Coca-Cola and PepsiCo maintain high market shares in carbonated drinks but face increasing competition from local brands [4][33] - Monster's sales in China are growing rapidly, indicating a positive outlook for the energy drink segment [4][44] Beer - The beer market is under pressure due to weakened dining demand, with Budweiser experiencing a significant decline in sales [5] - Carlsberg has stabilized its performance through product adjustments, while Heineken benefits from partnerships with local brands [5] Snacks - The snack sector is seeing a weak recovery, with foreign brands struggling against local competitors [6] - Mondelez has managed to maintain steady growth in China through localized marketing strategies [6] Condiments - Foreign condiment brands are focusing on improving product value and adapting to changing consumer preferences [7] - The market is shifting towards value-oriented consumption, prompting companies to adjust their strategies [7]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry is facing pressure due to inflation impacting labor, transportation, and raw material costs, leading to compressed margins and profitability challenges [1][5][6] - Tariffs on imports are further complicating the U.S. beverage alcohol market by increasing prices for imported brands, which may soften consumer demand and strain supply chains [1][7] Growth Opportunities - Despite the challenges, the industry is experiencing growth through premiumization, with consumers favoring higher-quality and distinctive offerings [2][8] - Categories such as ready-to-drink spirits, canned wines, hard seltzers, and flavored malt beverages are gaining traction among younger consumers and established drinkers [2][8] Company Strategies - Leading companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev, Constellation Brands, Brown-Forman, and Boston Beer are investing in innovation and premium brand positioning to capitalize on market trends [3][21][25][29] - These companies are diversifying their portfolios to include ready-to-drink options and other premium products, enhancing their relevance and growth potential [22][26][30][34] Financial Performance - The Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry has collectively returned 10.6% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Consumer Staples sector's 4.2% but underperforming the S&P 500's 17.2% [13] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 15.31X, lower than the S&P 500's 23.37X and the sector's 17.23X, indicating potential valuation opportunities [16] Company-Specific Insights - **Anheuser-Busch InBev**: Focused on premiumization and expanding its Beyond Beer portfolio, with a projected sales growth of 6.2% and earnings growth of 13.6% for 2026 [21][22] - **Constellation Brands**: Emphasizing brand building and innovation, with a focus on premium products, although projected earnings for fiscal 2026 suggest declines of 10.7% [25][26] - **Brown-Forman**: Concentrating on premium spirits and emerging markets, with a focus on disciplined pricing and innovation, although projected earnings for fiscal 2026 indicate declines of 3.3% [29][30] - **Boston Beer**: Largest premium craft brewer in the U.S., focusing on product innovation and expansion into non-beer categories, with projected earnings growth of 19.5% for 2026 [33][34]

Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of the Chinese beer industry from "scale expansion" to "value growth," aligning with national policies to enhance domestic consumption and quality development [1] - The Budweiser Snow Beer factory in Putian is showcased as a model of modern manufacturing, integrating advanced technology and sustainable practices to drive efficiency and environmental responsibility [4][7] Industry Overview - The Chinese beer industry is undergoing a shift towards high-quality development, responding to the government's call for expanding the supply of quality goods and services [1] - The Budweiser Snow Beer factory is positioned as a leading player in this transformation, with a focus on digitalization, green manufacturing, and regional economic development [10][12] Technological Advancements - The factory employs a comprehensive management system based on 5G technology, enabling real-time monitoring of production processes and achieving a daily output of 2,550 tons of beer [4][5] - Automation is enhanced through the use of a robotic dog for inspections, reducing inspection time from 2 hours to 40 minutes and improving detection accuracy [5] Sustainability Practices - The factory has implemented a green manufacturing system, achieving a water usage efficiency of 94% and reducing carbon emissions significantly through solar energy and waste recycling initiatives [7][8] - Budweiser's commitment to sustainability is evident in its zero-waste policy and the conversion of by-products into valuable resources, contributing to a circular economy [8] Economic Impact - The Budweiser factory is a key driver of regional economic growth, with plans to create a food processing hub generating over 30 billion yuan in annual output [10][11] - The establishment of a beer town and food industry park around the factory is expected to attract numerous suppliers and create thousands of jobs, enhancing local tax revenues [11] Consumer Engagement - The factory's initiatives include the development of a beer museum and tourism projects, which have become popular attractions, drawing over 80,000 visitors annually [12] - Budweiser is actively promoting a vibrant night economy in Putian through themed events and unique consumer experiences, further integrating beer culture into the city's identity [13]