AB InBev: 22% EPS Growth as China Slides: Rapid Earnings Reaction
AB InBev's earnings jumped, but its operating results were less impressive. Can strong beer brands and a shrinking debt burden outweigh weakness in the U.S. and China?
AB InBev's third-quarter earnings showed a 22% increase in underlying earnings per share, but this growth didn't fully translate into stronger operating performance. The brewer's EBITDA grew by 3.9% organically, while margins narrowed due to increased marketing and commodity costs. Revenue rose as a whole, but total beer volumes slipped slightly.
AB InBev's top-line growth was driven by premium beers and a shift toward higher-margin products like Corona and Michelob Ultra, which saw significant revenue growth outside their home markets. However, these gains didn't lead to commensurate profit growth, as higher marketing expenses and commodity costs dampened EBITDA growth.
Currency translation and a reduction in net interest expense contributed to the earnings boost. The company raised its interim dividend, citing a stronger balance sheet and cash generation. Middle Americas, which includes Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, showed solid growth in organic revenue and EBITDA, while the U.S. and China struggled with declining volumes and revenue.
The company's management highlighted the need for U.S. businesses to translate market-share gains into revenue and profit growth, and for China to see if volume declines ease after a weak quarter.
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