AB InBev shows profit despite January booze ban

AB InBev at least showed a profit in the first quarter of 2021, although the alcohol ban in January affected its top-line.

The beer giant credits its thorough cost discipline for driving bottom-line growth. Its total volumes grew by 13.3%, with own beer up 14.9% and non-beer up 4%. Its premium portfolio, driven by Corona and its flavoured alcohol beverages, led the way.

In line with changing consumer shopping habits, about 50% of revenue came from online sales. The company’s revenue grew by 17.2% with revenue per hl growth of 3.7%, driven by ongoing premiumisation and revenue management initiatives.

Combined revenues of its global brands, Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona, increased by 29.5% inside and 46.4% outside its home markets.

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AB InBev said in a statement the government-mandated one-month ban on alcohol sales affected its business in South Africa significantly, but once the ban was lifted, there was strong underlying consumer demand.

“Volumes declined slightly in the quarter volumes were flat compared to the first quarter of last year in line with the industry. Revenue per hl grew by low single digits, driven by revenue management initiatives and favourable brand mix.”

The first quarter results show that AB InBev’s underlying profit was $1,099 million, compared to $1,015 million in 1Q20. Normalised profit attributable to equity holders was $1,013 million in 1Q21 and $845 million in 1Q20.

“Our business is off to a very strong start in 2021. We delivered top-line ahead of pre-pandemic levels, as beer volumes were up by 2.8% versus 1Q19 with healthy revenue per hl growth. EBITDA increased by 14.2% year-over-year, even in the context of on-going COVID-19 related restrictions,” CEO Carlos Brito said.

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New CEO

AB InBev also announced Brito is stepping down after 32 years with the company on 1 July, when Michel Doukeris will succeed him as CEO. “It has been a privilege and an honour to be part of this team of 164,000 around the world. I am very excited about the future of our business under Michel’s leadership,” Brito said.

“We are grateful to Brito for his tremendous service and leadership,” board chairperson Martin Barrington said. “Brito was the architect who led and built AB InBev into the world’s leading beer company and a leading global consumer packaged goods company by masterfully integrating the many businesses that comprise AB InBev today.”

Doukeris has served in key leadership roles in Brazil, China and the US, three of the company’s largest markets. He was president of the North America sone, global chief sales officer, president of the Asia Pacific zone and successfully implemented the company’s first direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform.