AB InBev (NYSE: BUD) lifts Q1 2026 Underlying EPS 20.8% on 5.8% revenue growth
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
AB InBev delivered a strong start to 2026, with first quarter revenue up 5.8% to 15,267 million USD, driven by volume growth and higher revenue per hectoliter. Total volumes grew 0.8%, including 1.2% beer volume growth, supported by record first‑quarter volumes in key markets such as Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, South Africa and Peru.
Normalized EBITDA increased 5.3% to 5,437 million USD with broadly stable margins as higher sales and marketing spend was funded by cost discipline. Underlying profit rose to 1,923 million USD, and Underlying EPS climbed 20.8% to a record first‑quarter level of 0.97 USD.
Management highlighted strong momentum in global megabrands, with revenues for Corona, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra growing 16%, 14% and 39% respectively outside their home markets. No‑alcohol beer revenue grew 27% and Beyond Beer revenue grew 37%, while the BEES digital marketplace reached 1.1 billion USD in quarterly GMV, up 55%.
Positive
- Record first‑quarter earnings power: Underlying EPS rose 20.8% to 0.97 USD, with Underlying Profit up to 1,923 million USD, reflecting strong operational performance across multiple regions.
- Strong brand and platform momentum: Global megabrands posted double‑digit revenue growth outside home markets, no‑alcohol and Beyond Beer grew 27% and 37%, and BEES marketplace GMV increased 55% to 1.1 billion USD.
Negative
- None.
Insights
AB InBev posts broad-based Q1 2026 growth, with record first‑quarter EPS and solid margins.
AB InBev grew Q1 2026 revenue 5.8% to 15,267 million USD, with total volumes up 0.8% and beer volumes up 1.2%. Pricing and premium mix, including Beyond Beer, lifted revenue per hectoliter by 4.5%.
Profitability improved as Normalized EBITDA rose 5.3% to 5,437 million USD and Normalized EBIT increased 7.1%. Underlying Profit reached 1,923 million USD, while Underlying EPS advanced 20.8% to 0.97 USD, a record first‑quarter level, helped by operational performance and FX translation effects.
Growth was geographically diversified: Middle Americas, South America and EMEA all delivered high-single to double‑digit organic revenue growth, offsetting softer trends in Asia Pacific. Strategic initiatives such as global megabrand expansion, no‑alcohol and Beyond Beer (up 27% and 37% revenue respectively) and the BEES marketplace (GMV up 55% to 1.1 billion USD) support the company’s confidence in its FY26 outlook.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Normalized EBITDA financial
Underlying EPS financial
organic growth financial
hyperinflation accounting financial
non-underlying items financial
FAQ
How did AB InBev (BUD) perform financially in Q1 2026?
How did AB InBev (BUD) volumes and revenue per hectoliter trend in Q1 2026?
Which AB InBev (BUD) brands and segments drove Q1 2026 growth?
How did AB InBev’s BEES digital platform perform in Q1 2026?
What were AB InBev (BUD) regional highlights in Q1 2026?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.