AB InBev opened 2026 on a solid footing, posting broad-based growth across key financial and operating metrics as disciplined execution, brand strength, and expanding digital capabilities drove performance across markets.

Meanwhile, Business wire in its report revealed that, revenue rose by 5.8% to 15.27 billion dollars, supported by a 4.5% increase in revenue per hectolitre and a favourable mix effect across premium and innovation-driven segments. On a reported basis, revenue climbed 12.0%, boosted by currency translation gains.

Volume performance remained stable with total volumes increasing by 0.8%, while beer volumes expanded by 1.2%, reinforcing the resilience of the core category. Non-beer volumes, however, declined by 1.9% as the company continued to reshape its portfolio.

According to the report, underlying earnings momentum strengthened significantly, with Underlying EPS jumping 20.8% to 0.97 dollars, up from 0.81 dollars in the prior year period.

While normalised EBITDA rose 5.3% to 5.44 billion dollars, although margins held flat at 35.6% due to disciplined reinvestment in marketing and FX pressures.

It stated that, profit attributable to equity holders increased to 2.56 billion dollars, compared to 2.15 billion dollars in the previous year, while underlying profit rose to 1.92 billion dollars.

However, Chief Executive Officer Michel Doukeris attributed the performance to consistent execution and category strength, noting that the company is “investing behind megabrands and innovations to lead and grow the category” while positioning for major global consumption moments ahead.

Across strategic priorities, AB InBev continued to advance three core pillars: category leadership, digital ecosystem expansion, and operational optimisation.

No doubt, brand performance remained a key growth engine. Megabrands delivered an 8.2% revenue increase, with Corona, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra recording strong international momentum.

Corona alone grew 16% outside its home market, supported by high-profile activations including the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Moreover, innovation-led segments also posted strong gains. The Balanced Choices portfolio rose 17%, driven by accelerating demand for low and no-alcohol options, which expanded 27% and now position AB InBev as a global leader in the category.

Beyond Beer surged 37%, supported by brands such as Flying Fish and Cutwater, the latter becoming a major growth contributor in the United States.

Premiumisation continued to strengthen overall mix, with the above-core portfolio expanding 11%, reinforcing consumer shift toward higher-value offerings.

Also, digital transformation also remained a key growth lever. The company’s BEES ecosystem now operates across 29 markets, capturing 14.6 billion dollars in gross merchandise value, up 15% year on year. The BEES Marketplace alone surged 55% to 1.1 billion dollars, reflecting deeper integration across the route-to-market.

Direct-to-consumer platforms also expanded, with brands such as Zé Delivery and TaDa reaching 12 million active users and generating 139 million dollars in revenue.

Operational efficiency gains supported profitability. EBITDA growth was complemented by productivity initiatives and disciplined overhead management, while recent credit rating upgrades and ongoing share buybacks reflected balance sheet strength and capital discipline.

Regionally, performance was mixed but broadly positive. Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and parts of Europe delivered record or near-record volume levels, while Nigeria and broader African markets showed resilience despite softer industry conditions. The United States saw continued category outperformance, led by Michelob Ultra, Busch Light, and rapid growth in Beyond Beer.

Looking ahead, AB InBev reaffirmed its 2026 outlook, projecting EBITDA growth in line with its medium-term range of 4% to 8%, alongside continued investment in marketing, innovation, and capacity expansion. Capital expenditure is expected to range between 3.5 and 4.0 billion dollars.

Doukeris expressed confidence in sustained momentum, pointing to strong category fundamentals and a robust pipeline of global events, including the FIFA World Cup, as key growth catalysts.

With continued brand strength, expanding digital reach, and disciplined execution, AB InBev enters 2026 positioned to sustain its “consistent and compounding growth” trajectory across global markets.