AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris has toasted his company’s success, as investment in the beer giant’s ‘megabrands’ paid off in sales growth.
Group revenue swelled 5.6% in the second quarter of 2026, as a strong summer and World Cup season helped push beer volumes up 1.1%.
AB InBev estimated that it gained or maintained share in 70% of its markets. Throwing marketing weight behind key brands, such as Michelob Ultra’s Fifa World Cup marketing campaign in the US, helped build momentum for what the company called its “global megabrands”.
Corona, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra grew revenues by 17%, 19% and 21% respectively outside of their home markets.
When combined with currency exchange effects, total revenue came in at $16.7bn (£12.6bn), up 11% on a year ago. Total revenue for the half was $31.9bn.
The group’s underlying profitability also improved in the quarter, as normalised EBITDA gained 5.8% to reach $5.9bn and underlying profit jumped from $2bn to $2.4bn.
“Cheers to beer,” said Doukeris.
He added AB InBev’s performance reflected the “strength” of the beer category, and his company’s “consistent execution”.
“Through investment in our megabrands and mega platforms, innovation and offering more choices across more occasions, we are strengthening the cultural relevance of our brands with consumers,” he said.
Non-alcoholic beer volumes jumped 27% globally in the second quarter.
AB InBev’s results largely exceeded market expectations, though the company’s guidance for its full-year financial performance remained unchanged.
While the company’s profit growth made for a “very strong” beat, said Bernstein analyst Nadine Sarwat, “investors’ main focus will likely be on group volumes missing by ~2%.”
No comments yet