AB InBev Q2 profit beats forecasts, shares slip on China sales lag

Anheuser‑Busch InBev reported second‑quarter revenue, profit and volume growth that topped analysts’ expectations, posting a 5.8% rise in organic operating profit versus a 4.6% forecast. Global brands Corona, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra posted 17‑21% revenue gains, helped by the recent FIFA World Cup, while volumes rose for a second consecutive quarter.

Growth was strongest in the Americas, with record‑high beer volumes in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and a return to growth in Brazil. However, volumes fell 9.7% in China, dragging down overall performance, and U.S. wholesaler sales also declined as consumers shifted away from beer. The mixed results sent AB InBev shares down about 1‑3% despite a 36% rise year‑to‑date. CEO Michel Doukeris noted the World Cup boost fell short of the planned 25‑basis‑point uplift, and RBC analyst James Edwardes Jones described the quarter as solid but warned of possible disappointment given the recent share rally.