Global Alcohol Consumption Declines, AB InBev Grows Against the Trend
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy BUD?
Source: Fool
- Global Consumption Trend: According to the World Health Organization, global alcohol consumption per capita decreased from 5.7 to 5.0 liters between 2010 and 2022, representing a significant 12% decline, reflecting a growing health consciousness among consumers.
- AB InBev Performance Growth: Despite the decline in global alcohol consumption, Anheuser-Busch InBev reported a 5.8% year-over-year revenue increase and over 20% growth in earnings per share in Q1 2026, showcasing its strong market performance.
- Product Strategy Shift: AB InBev's focus on premium products and the growth of its
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Analyst Views on BUD
Wall Street analysts forecast BUD stock price to fall
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 80.250
Low
75.00
Averages
80.00
High
85.00
Current: 80.250
Low
75.00
Averages
80.00
High
85.00
About BUD
Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA is a Belgium-based company. The Company is primarily engaged in the manufacturing of beer. The Company operates through six segments: North America, Middle Americas, South America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, Global Export and Holding companies. The Company's brand portfolio includes global brands, such as Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois; international brands, including Beck's, Leffe and Hoegaarden, and local champions, such as Bud Light, Skol, Brahma, Antarctica, Quilmes, Victoria, Modelo Especial, Michelob Ultra, Harbin, Sedrin, Klinskoye, Sibirskaya Korona, Chernigivske, Cass and Jupiler. The Company's soft drinks business consists of both own production and agreements with PepsiCo related to bottling and distribution arrangements between its various subsidiaries and PepsiCo. Ambev, which is a subsidiary of the Company, is a PepsiCo bottler. Brands that are distributed under these agreements are Pepsi, 7UP and Gatorade.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Surge in Trading Volume: The trading volume reached 72.4 million shares, 193% above the three-month average of 24.7 million shares, indicating strong investor interest in the company's prospects.
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- Global Consumption Trend: According to the World Health Organization, global alcohol consumption per capita decreased from 5.7 to 5.0 liters between 2010 and 2022, representing a significant 12% decline, reflecting a growing health consciousness among consumers.
- AB InBev Performance Growth: Despite the decline in global alcohol consumption, Anheuser-Busch InBev reported a 5.8% year-over-year revenue increase and over 20% growth in earnings per share in Q1 2026, showcasing its strong market performance.
- Product Strategy Shift: AB InBev's focus on premium products and the growth of its
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- Creative Marketing Achievement: AB InBev has been named the 2026 Creative Marketer of the Year at the Cannes Lions International Festival, becoming the first company in history to win this honor three times, highlighting its leadership in global creative marketing.
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- Significant Revenue Growth: Anheuser-Busch InBev reported a 12% revenue increase in Q1, reaching $15.3 billion, exceeding analyst expectations by $580 million, indicating the company is capturing more market share amid industry challenges.
- Improved Profitability: Adjusted earnings per share rose by 20.8% to $0.97, surpassing estimates by $0.06, reflecting effective pricing strategies and favorable currency impacts that bolstered profitability.
- Strong Market Performance: Despite a 2.6% decline in overall beer consumption, AB InBev's beer volumes increased by 1.2%, demonstrating the effectiveness of its branding and marketing efforts, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the industry.
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