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Ab InBev Sells More Beer, Consumers Swallow Higher Prices
Published by Wanda Rich
Posted on May 5, 2022
2 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
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Company
Published by Wanda Rich
Posted on May 5, 2022
2 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleAB InBev beat Q1 expectations as volumes rose 2.8% and consumers absorbed price hikes. Revenue grew 11.1% and EBITDA 7.4% to $4.49B, led by Europe and Latin America, while 2022 guidance was reaffirmed.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Anheuser-Busch InBev reported higher than expected earnings in the first quarter on Thursday, as consumers bought more of its beer and accepted higher prices, prompting it to repeat its outlook for growth this year.
The world’s largest brewer said earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) would rise between 4% and 8% in 2022, in line with its medium-term growth target.
The maker of Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois also said that revenue would grow at a faster pace than EBITDA, and the result for the first three months of the year were in line with that.
Price hikes and consumers trading up to more expensive brews have propelled revenue, while higher costs for commodities and beer deliveries curbed profit.
The Belgium-based brewer said it sold 2.8% more drinks by volume in the first quarter than a year ago, with increases across Latin America and Europe and declines in North America and the Asia-Pacific region.
Revenue grew 11.1%, while core profit (EBITDA) was up 7.4% at $4.49 billion. Both increases exceeded average forecasts for rises of 7.6% and 4.6%, respectively, in a company-compiled poll.
, the world’s second- and third-largest brewers, which have said that rising consumer prices have not so far dented demand for beer or for pricier premium brands.
AB InBev increased first-quarter earnings in major market Brazil as well as other Latin American countries and saw a sharp improvement in Europe, where coronavirus-related restrictions have been steadily eased, allowing bars and restaurants to reopen.
Earnings were also sharply higher in South Africa, a year on from a month-long ban on alcohol sales.
In the United States, the company’s largest market, AB InBev increased revenue despite reduced beer shipments, with profit flat.
Profits were also little changed in China, where the reintroduction of coronavirus restrictions led to a decline in beer volumes.
(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Edmund Klamann)
Retail trade refers to the sale of goods and services to consumers for personal use. It involves various businesses that sell products directly to the public, such as stores and online shops.
Consumer perception is how consumers view and interpret a brand, product, or service based on their experiences, beliefs, and feelings. It significantly influences their purchasing decisions.
Corporate profits are the earnings that a company generates after all expenses, taxes, and costs have been deducted from its total revenue. These profits can be reinvested or distributed to shareholders.
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