Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

While it remains a mystery exactly why certain companies are removed from the venerable Dow Jones Industrial Average, even after years on the legacy index, we decided to ask Anthropic’s Claude chatbot for an answer on how those decisions are made. These were the results we got:

S&P Dow Jones Indices manages the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and changes to its composition are determined by an index committee—not by any fixed formula or automatic screening process. This is a key difference from many other indices (like the S&P 500), which use largely rules-based, quantitative criteria for additions and removals.

Who decides:

The S&P Dow Jones Indices Averages Committee, made up of full-time S&P Dow Jones Indices employees (analysts and economists), meets periodically and can also convene on an as-needed basis when a change seems warranted. The committee’s decisions are essentially editorial judgment calls rather than mechanical rule-following.

Criteria/factors considered for removal:

Since there’s no strict quantitative threshold, the committee weighs a mix of factors, including:

Reputation decline — A company falling out of favor, facing major controversy, or losing standing as a leading representative of American industry. Slower growth or shrinking relevance — A company no longer reflecting the sector or economy it’s meant to represent. Sector balance — The committee tries to maintain reasonable representation across major sectors of the economy. If a sector becomes overrepresented or underrepresented, a swap may follow. Stock price distortions — Because the DJIA is price-weighted (not market-cap weighted), a stock with an unusually high or low price can distort the index’s calculations. Extreme price divergence, or a stock split that significantly changes a company’s weighting, can be a trigger for a change. Corporate actions — Mergers, acquisitions, bankruptcy, or a company being acquired can force removal, since the company effectively stops existing as an independent public entity. Overall fit — Whether the company remains a widely held, financially sound, and historically significant “blue chip” that meaningfully represents the U.S. economy. When a company is removed, it’s simultaneously replaced by another company chosen to maintain balance across the 30-stock index. Because these decisions are subjective and infrequent, they tend to draw significant market attention when announced, and the S&P Dow Jones Indices typically announces changes a few days before they take effect.

With all that in mind, we decided to screen the stocks that had been removed over the past few decades and see whether the committee of analysts and economists is making the right removal decisions. Interestingly, some of the companies that were kicked out have soared and, in many cases, continued to pay big, dependable dividends. One thing we did note is that, over the past decade, technology companies have been replacing the stocks they remove.

Here are five dividend-paying giants that were all removed from the Dow.

Altria Altria (NYSE: MO | MO Price Prediction) is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of cigarettes and other tobacco-related products. This tobacco stock offers value investors a solid entry point and a 5.66% dividend. Altria manufactures and sells smokable and oral tobacco products in the United States primarily to wholesalers, including distributors and large retail organizations, such as chain stores.

Kiplinger notes that after it was removed in 2008, shareholders who held through the transition saw their shares surge by more than 150% in the years following, excluding dividends.

The company primarily sells cigarettes under the Marlboro brand, as well as:

Cigars and pipe tobacco, principally under the Black & Mild and Middleton brands Moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands on! Oral nicotine pouches e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand Altria used to own over 10% of Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), the world’s largest brewer. In March of 2024, the company sold 35 million of its 197 million shares through a global secondary offering. That represents 18% of its holdings but still leaves 8% of the outstanding shares in its back pocket. Altria also announced a $2.4 billion stock repurchase plan partially funded by the sale.

Altria increased its quarterly dividend in the fall of 2025 by 3.9%, from $1.02 to $1.06 per share, marking its 57th consecutive dividend increase.

AT&T AT&T (NYSE: T) is the world’s fourth-largest telecommunications company, measured by revenue. The legacy telecom has been undergoing a lengthy restructuring process while maintaining a solid dividend of 5.06%. Thirteen analysts have given the stock a Buy rating, indicating broad Wall Street support.

It was removed from the index in 2015 to clear space for Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL). AT&T was a long-time Dividend Aristocrat before structural corporate changes and spinoffs altered its payout strategy.

AT&T provides a range of telecommunications, media, and technology services worldwide. Its Communications segment offers wireless voice and data communications services. Through its company-owned stores, agents, and third-party retail stores, it sells:

Handsets Wireless data cards Wireless computing devices Carrying cases Hands-free devices AT&T also provides:

Data Voice Security Cloud solutions Outsourcing Managed and provided professional services Customer premises equipment for multinational corporations, small and mid-sized businesses, and governmental and wholesale customers Additionally, this segment provides residential customers with fiber broadband and legacy voice telephony services. It markets its communications services and products under:

AT&T Cricket AT&T PREPAID AT&T Fiber The company’s Latin America segment provides wireless services in Mexico and video services throughout the region. This segment markets its services and products under the AT&T and Unefon brands.

Exxon Mobil Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) manages an industry-leading portfolio of resources and is one of the world’s largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies. Despite the rise in oil prices, investors still have an excellent entry point to secure a strong 2.66% dividend yield. Exxon is the world’s largest international integrated oil and gas company, exploring for and producing crude oil and natural gas in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere.

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The legacy energy behemoth was removed in August 2020 after a 92-year run to make room for Salesforce (NYSE: CRM). Despite its removal, Exxon continued to raise its dividend payout annually and has delivered strong total returns for investors.

Exxon also manufactures and markets commodity petrochemicals, including olefins, aromatics, polyethylene, and polypropylene plastics, as well as specialty products. Additionally, the company transports and sells crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products.

Top Wall Street analysts expect the company to remain a key beneficiary in a higher oil price environment, and most remain optimistic about the company’s sharp positive inflection in capital allocation strategy. The upstream portfolio offers leverage to a further demand recovery, and Exxon offers greater Downstream/Chemicals exposure than its peers.

Exxon completed its purchase of oil shale giant Pioneer Natural Resources in 2024 in an all-stock transaction valued at $59.5 billion. The deal created the largest U.S. oilfield producer and guarantees a decade of low-cost production.

International Paper With a rich 5.09% dividend and a product that remains in demand, this top stock is still incredibly attractive. International Paper (NYSE: IP) provides sustainable packaging solutions. The company produces renewable fiber-based packaging products and operates manufacturing facilities in North America, Latin America, Europe, and North Africa. Kiplinger said the company was kicked out of the Dow in April 2004, and that the stock rebounded by approximately 25% and delivered a total return of over 100% when dividends are factored in.

Its segments include:

Packaging Solutions North America Packaging Solutions EMEA The company’s products and services include Packaging, Packaging Services, and Recycling. It provides corrugated packaging, solid fiber, corrugated sheets, retail displays, bulk packaging, and more.

International Paper also offers related services such as design and fulfillment to support these solutions. It provides a range of packaging and display services, from design and testing to fulfillment, including structural and graphic design, printing, testing, mechanical assembly, and packaging.

The company offers recycling solutions and services to manage fiber recovery programs for retailers, grocers, e-commerce companies, distribution centers, manufacturers, and its own box plants.

Pfizer Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) was established in 1849 in New York by two German entrepreneurs. This top pharmaceutical stock was a major winner in the COVID-19 vaccine race, but has declined significantly as booster uptake has slowed. However, Pfizer’s recovery story is gaining traction, with blockbuster non-COVID drugs delivering strong growth and a potential GLP-1 product launch on the horizon. It pays a dependable 6.93% dividend, which has increased annually for the past 15 years.

Booted in the August 2020 reshuffle to accommodate Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), Pfizer remains a staple for income investors seeking pharmaceutical exposure.

Pfizer discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide in various therapeutic areas, including:

Cardiovascular, metabolic, and women’s health under the Premarin family and Eliquis brands Biologics, small molecules, immunotherapies, and biosimilars under the Ibrance, Xtandi, Sutent, Inlyta, Retacrit, Lorbrena, and Braftovi brands Sterile injectable and anti-infective medicines and oral COVID-19 treatment under the Sulperazon, Medrol, Zavicefta, Zithromax, Vfend, Panzyga, and Paxlovid brands Pfizer also provides medicines and vaccines in other therapeutic areas, such as:

Pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, and tick-borne encephalitis COVID-19 under the Comirnaty/BNT162b2, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, Trumenba, and the Prevnar family brands Biosimilars for chronic immune and inflammatory diseases under the Xeljanz, Enbrel, Inflectra, Eucrisa/Staquis, and Cibinqo brands Amyloidosis, hemophilia, and endocrine diseases under the Vyndaqel/Vyndamax, BeneFIX, and Genotropin brands Pfizer anticipates full-year 2026 revenues to be in the range of $59.5 billion to $62.5 billion. This outlook reflects an expected $1.5 billion decline in COVID-19 product sales (forecasted at approximately $5.0 billion for 2026, compared to $6.5 billion in 2025), alongside an additional $1.5 billion headwind from upcoming drug patent expirations.

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Players in the Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry are navigating a period of structural change as evolving consumer preferences and cost pressures reshape the competitive landscape. Moderation trends, particularly among younger and health-conscious consumers, are weighing on long-term demand for traditional beer, wine and spirits, creating concerns over sustainable volume growth. At the same time, tariffs and elevated costs for packaging, freight, labor and agricultural inputs are pressuring margins, especially for companies with global supply chains and limited pricing power.

However, the industry also offers meaningful growth opportunities through innovation. Expanding demand for ready-to-drink cocktails, and low and no-alcohol beverages is creating revenue streams, while companies that diversify their portfolios and adapt to changing consumption habits are better positioned to offset volume headwinds. For investors, success will likely depend on companies' ability to balance pricing power, cost discipline and product innovation while capitalizing on evolving consumer preferences. Leading players, including Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD - Free Report) , Diageo Plc (DEO - Free Report) , Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ - Free Report) , Brown-Forman Corporation (BF.B - Free Report) and Molson Coors Beverage Company (TAP - Free Report) , look well-placed to capitalize on these trends.

About the Industry The Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry mainly comprises producers, importers, exporters, marketers and sellers of alcoholic beverages like beer, craft beer, ciders, wine, rum, whiskey, liqueurs, vodka, tequila, champagnes, brandy, amaretto, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and malt. Some industry players also produce and sell non-alcoholic beverages like carbonated soft drinks, sparkling waters, bottled water, energy drinks, powdered and natural juices, and RTD teas. The companies sell products through wholesalers and retailers like supermarkets, warehouse clubs, grocery stores, convenience stores, package stores, drug stores and other retail outlets. The industry participants also sell beer directly to consumers in cans and bottles at restaurants, pubs, bars and liquor stores. Some brewers operate brewpubs or tasting rooms at breweries, offering consumers the freshest beer.

What's Shaping the Future of Beverages - Alcohol Industry Moderation Trend Pressure Alcohol Consumption: Moderation is becoming a structural headwind for alcohol companies. Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are drinking less, and health-conscious buyers across age groups increasingly favor balanced lifestyles. Consumers are shifting occasions away from traditional alcohol, and low or no-alcohol alternatives are gaining share. For investors, this raises concern over long-term volume growth across beer, wine and spirits. Even if pricing supports revenues, weaker consumption can limit operating leverage and make growth more dependent on innovation. Companies with high exposure to legacy alcohol categories may face slower depletion trends, higher promotional needs and weaker earnings visibility if moderation continues to reshape drinking behavior.

Tariffs Could Squeeze Margins: Tariffs are emerging as a meaningful overhang for U.S. beverage alcohol companies with global sourcing and international supply chains. Higher duties on imported glass bottles, aluminum, packaging materials and select beverage imports can raise input costs, forcing producers to either absorb the increase or pass it on to consumers. While premium brands have greater pricing flexibility, mass-market labels remain more vulnerable to demand erosion from higher shelf prices. Investors should watch for margin pressure, procurement disruptions and slower earnings growth, particularly among companies with significant import exposure or limited domestic sourcing capabilities.

Beyond tariffs, alcohol producers continue to navigate elevated costs across packaging, freight, labor and agricultural inputs. Although inflation has moderated from peak levels, cost volatility remains a key earnings risk, especially if companies are unable to fully offset higher expenses through pricing. Promotional activity may also increase as consumers become more value-conscious, pressuring the gross margin.

Innovation Beyond Traditional Alcohol Creates Growth Runway: Despite softer industry volumes, beverage companies are unlocking growth opportunities through innovation. Demand for ready-to-drink cocktails continues to outpace most traditional alcohol categories as consumers seek convenience, flavor variety and affordability. At the same time, low and no-alcohol beverages are evolving into a meaningful profit pool rather than a niche offering, attracting consumers who want moderation without abandoning social drinking. Leading brewers and spirits companies are expanding product portfolios to address these changing occasions, allowing them to capture incremental demand instead of relying solely on traditional alcohol consumption. Successful innovation could offset category pressures and strengthen long-term market positioning.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dull Prospects The Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry is a 17-stock group within the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #189, placing it at the bottom 23% of more than 250 Zacks industries.

The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates dull near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

The industry’s positioning in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of a negative earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gradually losing confidence in this group’s earnings growth potential.

Before we present a few stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio, let us take a look at the industry’s recent stock-market performance and valuation picture.

Industry Underperforms S&P 500 The Zacks Beverages – Alcohol industry has outperformed the broader sector and underperformed the S&P 500 in the past year.

The stocks in the industry have collectively returned 4.1% in the past year, whereas the Zacks Consumer Staples sector has risen 1.6%. Meanwhile, the Zacks S&P 500 composite has rallied 23.9%.

1-Year Price Performance

Beverages - Alcohol Industry's Valuation Based on the forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, commonly used to value Consumer Staples stocks, the industry is currently trading at 15.27X compared with the S&P 500’s 21.07X and the sector’s 17.26X.

Over the last five years, the industry traded as high as 24.1X, as low as 13.77X and at the median of 18.39X, as the chart below shows.

Price-to-Earnings Ratio (Past 5 Years)
 

5 Alcohol Beverages Stocks to Keep a Close Eye on None of the stocks in the Zacks Beverages – Alcohol space currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). However, we have selected five stocks with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) to watch from the same industry. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Let us have a look at the companies.

Anheuser-Busch InBev: Also known as AB InBev, this is a global brewing leader with a portfolio of iconic brands spanning diverse geographies. Its leading positions across key markets and expansive global footprint provide meaningful scale advantages, enabling efficient operations and the ability to grow multi-country brands worldwide. The company continues to benefit from resilient consumer demand for its core brands, supported by strong business momentum, driven by disciplined execution, sustained brand investment and an accelerated digital transformation agenda. Premiumization remains a central growth lever, as consumers increasingly trade up within the beer category.

Beyond core beer, AB InBev is steadily expanding its Beyond Beer portfolio, encompassing ready-to-drink offerings, such as canned wines and cocktails, along with hard seltzers, ciders and flavored malt beverages. This diversification strategy is enhancing relevance across occasions and consumer segments, while providing an incremental growth runway and supporting top-line momentum. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AB InBev’s 2026 sales and earnings suggests growth of 8.4% and 15.8% from the year-ago period’s reported figures. The consensus mark for the company’s 2026 earnings has moved down by a penny in the past seven days. The Zacks Rank #3 stock has gained 15.8% in the past year.

Price & Consensus: BUD

Diageo: The stock of this London-based leading beverage company has declined 22.4% in the past year. DEO operates in approximately 180 countries, and is involved in producing, distilling, brewing, bottling, packaging and distributing spirits, wine and beer. The company continues to place innovation and consumer moderation at the center of its long-term growth strategy, addressing evolving consumption patterns and diversifying its portfolio. Innovation remains a key driver, with strong momentum across tequila, whisky, beer and RTD formats.

Equally important is Diageo’s push into moderation, wherein it has established clear leadership in non-alcoholic spirits. The company is refining its $2-billion productivity program to drive efficiency across the business while ensuring long-term sustainable growth. A key focus is balancing cost savings with strategic reinvestment, particularly in marketing and brand activation. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Diageo’s fiscal 2027 EPS has edged down 0.3% in the past 30 days. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2027 sales and earnings suggests declines of 1.4% and 1.8%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported figures. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3.

Price & Consensus: DEO

Constellation Brands: The Victor, NY-based third-largest beer company and a leading, high-end wine company in the United States continues to benefit from a sharp focus on brand building and a steady cadence of innovation. The company’s premiumization strategy remains a key growth driver, led by the sustained strength of the Modelo and Corona brand families and continued traction across its Power Brands portfolio. Its beer business is benefiting from premium and above-premium trends, supported by growth in traditional beer and adjacent categories, such as flavored beer, seltzers, RTD spirits and flavored malt beverages.

STZ is actively investing to extend the momentum of its Power Brands, aligning innovation with evolving consumer preferences and delivering successful product launches. Meanwhile, the company’s digital momentum continues to build through platforms, such as Instacart, Drizly and retailer-owned channels, reflecting consumers’ growing preference for convenience-driven purchasing. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for STZ’s fiscal 2027 earnings per share has moved down 0.2% in the past seven days. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2027 earnings suggests a decline of 0.2% from the year-ago period’s reported figure. The Zacks Rank #3 stock has lost 23.4% in the past year.

Price & Consensus: STZ

Brown-Forman: Based in Louisville, KY, this is a global spirits company that manufactures, distills, bottles, imports, exports, markets and sells a broad portfolio of premium alcoholic beverages. The company’s growth strategy is anchored in premiumization, with a clear focus on high-quality, premium and super-premium spirits that support brand equity and margin resilience. The portfolio has been streamlined around core power brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve, complemented by successful additions like the Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola RTD, and the integration of super-premium labels Gin Mare and Diplomático.

Emerging markets continue to provide a strong growth offset, driven by rising middle-class demand and momentum across the Jack Daniel’s family. Disciplined pricing, innovation, distribution evolution and tighter cost-control underpin long-term value creation despite near-term pressures. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BF.B’s fiscal 2027 sales and earnings suggests growth of 0.4% and 11.8%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported figures. The consensus mark for the Zacks Rank #3 company’s fiscal 2026 earnings has moved up 1.8% in the past 30 days. BF.B has declined 9.5% in the past year.

Price & Consensus: BF.B

Molson Coors: The stock of this Chicago, IL-based leading beverage company has declined 21.3% in the past year. TAP is on track with its revitalization plan, focused on achieving sustainable top-line growth by streamlining its organization and reinvesting resources into its brands and capabilities. Investments, partnerships and product launches, which are part of its revitalization plan, have been aiding the company.

Molson Coors has been committed to increasing its market share through innovation and premiumization. Intending to accelerate portfolio premiumization, TAP has been aggressively growing its above-premium portfolio in the past few years. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Molson Coors’ 2026 EPS has been unchanged in the past 30 days. The consensus estimate for the Zacks Rank #3 company’s 2026 sales and earnings suggests declines of 0.1% and 11.4%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s reported figures.

Price & Consensus: TAP

Key Takeaways BUD's digital platforms, including BEES and Ze Delivery, are expanding customer reach and engagement.BUD's B2B digital platforms contributed about 72% of revenues in Q1 2026, supporting growth.BUD's premium beer portfolio posted 11% revenue rise in Q1, led by Corona, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra. In a fast-evolving beverage environment, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD - Free Report) , also known as AB InBev, emerges as a distinctively positioned contender, strengthening its foothold in the global alcoholic beverage market. As a global brewing titan, AB InBev continues to dominate the industry through its expansive sourcing and distribution network, strategic focus on premiumization, accelerating digital transformation and consistent investment in brand equity.

AB InBev continues to enhance its digital capabilities to deepen customer engagement, with a strong emphasis on digitizing and monetizing its ecosystem. The company is expanding its tech-driven platforms, particularly its B2B and e-commerce channels like BEES and Zé Delivery. BEES delivered a strong performance, generating $14.6 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV), up 15% year over year. Digital DTC megabrands, Zé Delivery, TaDa Delivery and PerfectDraft, served 12 million active consumers, generating $139 million in revenues in first-quarter 2026, with third-party sales through DTC marketplace reaching $41 million of GMV.

The company’s digital transformation initiatives have been on track, with B2B digital platforms contributing about 72% to its revenues in first-quarter 2026. In DTC, BUD’s digital platforms enable a one-to-one connection with consumers, hence developing new occasions. Digital momentum is likely to continue and bolster the company’s overall revenues.

Premiumization remains a key lever for AB InBev as consumers trade up within beer and it concentrates investment behind its megabrands. In first-quarter 2026, the above core beer portfolio delivered an 11% revenue increase, driven by Corona, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra. Corona also increased volumes by double digits in 32 markets in the reported quarter, supporting a sustained premium mix contribution. The company has highlighted that its disciplined revenue management and strong portfolio of higher-priced brands support revenue per hl and margin resiliency over time. As AB InBev continues to activate global platforms such as major sports moments and scale premium brands across more markets, it has an opportunity to protect pricing power through the cycle.

BUD’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesAB InBev shares have gained 27.5% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 14.9% growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, BUD trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.99X compared with the industry’s average of 15.38X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BUD’s 2026 and 2027 earnings per share (EPS) indicates year-over-year growth of 16.1% and 11.5%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimates for 2026 have moved upward in the past seven days while that of 2027 have moved downward.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

AB InBev currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Stocks to Consider in the Consumer Staples SpaceThe Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF - Free Report) , which is a distributor of specialty food products in the United States, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chefs' Warehouse current financial-year sales indicates growth of 8.3% from the prior-year level. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 28.9%, on average.

Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD - Free Report) , which manufactures and distributes frozen foods, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

The consensus estimate for Nomad Foods’ current financial-year sales is expected to rise 0.5% from the year-ago reported figure. NOMD delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 8.6%, on average.

Medifast, Inc. (MED - Free Report) , which is a leading manufacturer and distributor of clinically-proven healthy living products and programs, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. MED delivered an average earnings surprise of 65.5% in the last reported quarter.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Medifast’s current financial-year sales indicates a decline of 26% from the year-ago number.

While many Baby Boomers have enjoyed a long bull market over the past 35 years, there comes a point when income becomes more critical than stock appreciation. The reason is simple: those who leave their careers to enjoy a well-deserved retirement lose the benefits of a regular salary and their jobs, such as 401(k) matching and company-paid healthcare. In addition, many Boomers use their retirement years to travel and enjoy the rewards they have worked hard to achieve throughout their lives. Choosing investments wisely is imperative, and at 24/7 Wall St., we continually seek the best ideas for Baby Boomers and retirees.

Companies that have raised dividends for shareholders for 50 years or more are the kinds of investments passive income investors need to own. Dependability is crucial for individuals seeking to increase their annual income through dividend stock investments. The Dividend Kings are the 56 companies that have raised their dividends for at least 50 years, a testament to their dependability and reliability. Those are two “must-have” items for investors who rely on passive income to boost their overall income. Unlike the Dividend Aristocrats, the Dividend Kings do not have to be members of the S&P 500.

With the stock market trading at elevated levels and a massive rotation out of technology into safer areas seemingly underway, we decided to look for Dividend Kings that investors seeking dependable income and some growth could buy today and safely hold forever. We screened for high yields, stocks with wide moats, and, importantly, those that have products or services that will always have a degree of consumer demand. Five checked all the boxes, and all are among the highest-yielding in the group.

Why we recommend the Dividend Kings Companies that have paid and raised dividends for 50 years or more are the kinds of stocks growth and income investors want to buy and hold in stock portfolios forever. These stocks are mostly conservative, and should we see a dramatic market correction, they will likely hold their ground much better than volatile technology names.

Altria Altria (NYSE: MO | MO Price Prediction) is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of cigarettes and other tobacco-related products. This tobacco stock offers value investors a solid entry point and a 6.09% dividend. Altria manufactures and sells smokable and oral tobacco products in the United States primarily to wholesalers, including distributors and large retail organizations, such as chain stores.

The company primarily sells cigarettes under the Marlboro brand, as well as:

Cigars and pipe tobacco, principally under the Black & Mild and Middleton brands Moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands on! Oral nicotine pouches e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand Altria used to own over 10% of Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), the world’s largest brewer. In March of 2024, the company sold 35 million of its 197 million shares through a global secondary offering. That represents 18% of its holdings but still leaves 8% of the outstanding shares in its back pocket. Altria also announced a $2.4 billion stock repurchase plan partially funded by the sale.

Altria increased its quarterly dividend in the fall of 2025 by 3.9%, from $1.02 to $1.06 per share, marking its 57th consecutive dividend increase.

Hormel Foods Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) is an American food processing company founded in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota. Hormel offers dual pricing power through both branded products and private-label manufacturing, and it has a reliable 4.79% dividend. It develops, processes, and distributes a range of meat, nuts, and other food products to retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. Shares are down 12% already in 2026.

The company operates through three segments: Retail, Food Service, and International. It provides various perishable products, including fresh meats, frozen items, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, guacamole, and bacon, and shelf-stable products, including canned luncheon meats, nut butter, snack nuts, chili, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, hash, stews, tortillas, salsas, tortilla chips, nutritional food supplements, and others. It sells its products under these brands:

Hormel Always Tender Applegate Austin Blues Bacon 1 Black Label Bread Ready Burke Café H Ceratti Chi-Chi’s Columbus Compleats Corn Nuts Cure 81 Dan’s Prize Di Lusso Dinty Moore Don Miguel Doña Maria Embasa Fast N Easy Fire Braised Fontanini Happy Little Plants Herdez Hormel Gatherings Hormel Square Table Hormel Vital Cuisine House of Tsang Jennie-O Justin’s La Victoria Layout Lloyd’s Mary Kitchen Mr. Peanut Natural Choice Nut-rition Old Smokehouse Oven Ready Pillow Pack Planters Rosa Grande Sadler’s Smokehouse Skippy Spam Special Recipe Thick & Easy Valley Fresh Wholly Hormel is a Dividend King with over 50 years of dividend increases and is a consumer staples company focused on protein-based packaged foods. Its yield is historically high, and the Hormel Foundation’s oversight ensures dividend reliability. Reports indicate that it is restructuring its portfolio and cutting costs to improve performance.

Kimberly-Clark This American multinational personal care company primarily produces paper-based consumer products. Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB) stock declined 23% in 2025, pushing it close to a 12-year low, and its dividend has increased for 53 consecutive years. The current yield is a rich 4.87%. The company manufactures and markets personal care and consumer tissue products worldwide.

It operates through three segments. The Personal Care segment offers a diverse range of products, including:

Disposable diapers Swim pants, training and youth pants, baby wipes Feminine and incontinence care products, as well as related products under the Huggies, Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers, GoodNites, DryNites, Sweety, Kotex, U by Kotex, Intimus, Depends, Plenitud, Softex, Poise, and other brand names The Consumer Tissue segment provides facial and bathroom tissues, paper towels, napkins, and related products under the brand names:

Kleenex Scott Cottonelle Viva Andrex Scottex Neve The K-C Professional segment offers wipers, tissues, towels, apparel, soaps, and sanitizers under the Kleenex, Scott, WypAll, Kimtech, and KleenGuard brands.

In 2025, Kimberly-Clark announced it would acquire Kenvue (NYSE: KVUE) in a $48.7 billion deal, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026. The acquisition will create a combined consumer health and wellness company, with Kenvue shareholders receiving $3.50 in cash plus 0.14625 shares of Kimberly-Clark.

Piper Sandler has an Overweight rating with a $114 target price.

Sonoco Products While very off the radar of most investors, this company makes products that are constantly in demand, and it pays a solid 4.17% dividend. Sonoco Products (NYSE: SON) is a global designer, developer, and manufacturer of a variety of highly engineered and sustainable packaging serving multiple end markets.

Products in its Consumer Packaging segment consist of rigid packaging (paper, metal, and plastic) and primarily serve the consumer staples market, focusing on food, beverage, household, personal, and pharmaceutical products. The company’s rigid paper containers are manufactured from 100% recycled paperboard provided primarily from Sonoco’s global paper operations.

Products within the Industrial Paper Packaging segment consist primarily of goods produced from recycled fiber, including:

Paperboard tubes Cores Cones and cans Partitions Paper-based protective materials Uncoated recycled paperboard for high-end applications, such as folding cartons, can board, and laminated structures Genuine Parts Investors seeking a solid investment should consider purchasing Genuine Parts (NYSE: GPC) shares, as its products remain in high demand, and it has raised the dividend for 69 consecutive years. This global provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts and value-added solutions trades at a very cheap 11.77 times forward earnings estimates and has a 3.90% dividend yield. Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts sells automotive and industrial parts across more than 3,000 locations in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Its Automotive segment distributes replacement parts (other than collision parts) for all makes and models of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles in North America, Europe, and Australasia. Its main automotive customers are repair and maintenance shops, and its main industrial customers are businesses operating distribution, manufacturing, and production equipment.

The Industrial segment distributes a wide variety of industrial bearings, mechanical and fluid power transmission equipment, including:

Hydraulic and pneumatic products Material handling components Related parts and supplies Its industrial business offers replacement parts and solutions to customers in the maintenance, repair, and operation sector, as well as to original equipment manufacturers.

Raymond James has a Strong Buy rating on the shares with a $145 price target.

Built from a real combine harvester, first-of-its-kind ComBar signifies Anheuser‑Busch's commitment to U.S. agriculture and sourcing the highest-quality American-grown ingredients

Embarking on a nationwide tour encouraging consumers to "Choose Beer Grown Here" in support of American farmers

Key Facts: 

Anheuser‑Busch launches the ComBar — a first‑of‑its‑kind 10‑ton, 400+ sq. ft. mobile bar built from a real combine harvester to honor American farmers. Coinciding with America's 250th birthday, Anheuser-Busch's ComBar will tour the U.S. in summer 2026 as part of the company's Choose Beer Grown Here initiative encouraging consumers to choose products made with U.S.‑grown ingredients. Anheuser‑Busch spends $700 million annually sourcing high-quality ingredients from 700 U.S. farmers and holds U.S. Farmed certification for several of its iconic American beers, including Busch Light, Budweiser, and Bud Light. , /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch, [NYSE: BUD], a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser and Bud Light, proudly reaffirmed its 165+ year commitment to U.S. agriculture today with the launch of the ComBar: a first‑of‑its‑kind mobile bar engineered from a real combine harvester, built to honor the American farmers behind its iconic beers.

Anheuser-Busch's ComBar Each year, Anheuser‑Busch spends $700 million sourcing the highest-quality barley, rice, corn, and hops from 700 American farmers whose work forms the foundation of the company's brewing tradition. The Anheuser-Busch ComBar stands as a 10-ton, 400+ sq. ft. symbol of that commitment—and an unmistakable reminder that great beer begins in America's fields. See the ComBar up close.

The ComBar—short for "combine" plus "bar"—is the latest milestone in Anheuser‑Busch's ongoing Choose Beer Grown Here initiative, which encourages consumers to support American farmers by choosing products made with U.S.‑grown ingredients. The initiative launched in March 2024 to celebrate Anheuser-Busch's industry-leading achievement of the U.S. Farmed* certification, indicating that at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients in its Busch Light, Busch, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob ULTRA beers are sourced from U.S. farms. By spotlighting the farmers behind its beers—and the company's substantial investment in their livelihoods—Anheuser‑Busch aims to make it easier than ever for consumers to choose beer that benefits American growers.

A 10-Ton Thank You to America's Farmers

The ComBar transforms one of agriculture's hardest‑working machines into a one-of-a-kind, fully functioning mobile bar—complete with gleaming beer taps—serving as a 10‑ton "thank you" to the growers who power American farming. Every detail of the ComBar—from its colossal size to its original auger-turned-tap and custom wrap—is a reminder of the massive contributions of U.S. farmers to Anheuser-Busch's portfolio of iconic American beers.

Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer, Anheuser-Busch said: "Anheuser-Busch invests $700 million sourcing from 700 American farmers each year because we know that great beer begins with the highest-quality, U.S.-grown ingredients. The ComBar brings that commitment to life in a way only Anheuser-Busch can—by transforming an iconic symbol of the harvest into a celebration of the people who make our beers possible. We're rolling it out this summer to remind people to Choose Beer Grown Here and support the growers behind every sip—because that's who we are."

The ComBar Hits the Road

Coinciding with America's 250th birthday, the ComBar will embark on a nationwide tour this summer, paying tribute to local farmers in communities nationwide. The mobile bar will pop up at major agricultural and community events, including:

St. Louis 4th of July Celebration — July 3-4, St. Louis, MO Alive at 5 — July 15, Idaho Falls, ID North Dakota State Fair — July 20–25, Minot, ND Anheuser‑Busch Grower Celebrations — July–September, Idaho Falls, ID and Jonesboro, AR Iowa State Fair — August 17–23, Des Moines, IA Farm Progress Show — September 1–3, Boone, IA Husker Harvest Days — September 15–17, Grand Island, NE USA Rice Outlook Conference — December 13–15, Nashville, TN Additional events to be announced For more information on the ComBar and the Choose Beer Grown Here initiative, visit Anheuser-Busch.com and follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

*Indicates at least 95% of agricultural ingredients are farmed in the U.S. Anheuser-Busch is a proud supporter of American Farmland Trust. Learn more at Farmland.org/USFarmed.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation's top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We make the nation's most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, BeatBox, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That's who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

Alcohol companies have had fewer reasons to say "cheers" in recent years.

Volumes have been falling, and the entire business model is undergoing a structural shakeup as younger people drink less. 

The downturn has been driven by a mix of structural and cyclical forces. 

Younger consumers are drinking less, inflation has squeezed discretionary spending, and shifting attitudes toward health and socialising are reshaping demand across beer, wine, and spirits.

There has been a notable shift in drinking patterns as younger people are increasingly drinking less alcohol. 

Cultural changes, inflation, and affordability issues are all eating into alcohol consumption. 

It’s no coincidence that since 2021, alcoholic drinks companies have had a tough time of it as sales of alcoholic beverages have slowed due to the changing drinking habits of a younger cohort of consumers. Whether it be your traditional brewing companies like Heineken and Carlsberg to the likes of Diageo who make the famous Guinness and Johnnie Walker whisky brands the share price performance has been poor.

According to research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, rates of lifetime, past-year, and past-month alcohol consumption among young people have been declining since around 2000.

Experts also corroborate the decline of alcohol drinking among younger people.

Stephan Kemper, Chief Investment Strategist at BNP Paribas SA, said roughly 36% of Gen Z identify as non-drinkers. He noted that people who do not begin drinking in early adulthood are unlikely to take up the habit later in life.

Millennials, meanwhile, are approaching their peak consumption years, but Kemper argued that the broader decline in alcohol consumption reflects a deeper generational shift rather than a temporary slowdown.

“We are at the beginning of a generational trend which could well accelerate from current levels.”

Inflation and affordability have put a dent in people’s wallets, which has led to cutting down on discretionary spending.

This has affected drinking as consumers pulled their purse strings.

Inflation clearly doesn’t help (falling alcohol consumption), by encouraging households to reduce outside activities: eating at home instead of outside, drinking at home instead of a bar. This is where beverage consumption is the highest... yet, since the pandemic, the downtrending social spectrum, combined with the cost-of-living crisis, hurts.

Recent US inflation data increased to 4.2% in May, a three-year high.

US consumer sentiment also remained low in recent months due to the US-Iran conflict, which affected gas prices, though the latest data showed improvement in the sentiment. 

In the May data, consumer confidence decreased for younger and older customers.

The decline has also been due to a changing perception of young people towards alcohol drinking. 

As more people become health-conscious, their view towards alcohol drinking becomes less favourable. 

Ipek Ozkardeskaya said the shift away from alcohol is increasingly cultural rather than purely economic.

She argued that younger consumers are placing greater emphasis on health, fitness, and personal image, while spending more time online and socializing differently than previous generations.

“We see that the idea of ‘you must drink to have fun’ has been totally scrapped.”

Usage of smart products that track health has also contributed to people drinking less. 

Amanda Wick, Principal at Incite Consulting, pointed out that health wearables and biometric feedback have affected drinking habits "by making alcohol’s effects immediately visible rather than abstract."

Grand View Research data shows that the global wearable medical device market was valued at $54.0 billion in 2025 and is expected to expand rapidly over the coming years.

The market is projected to grow to $68.1 billion in 2026 and reach $330.5 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.5% during the forecast period.

Wick said the personal usage of the WHOOP Band showed the detrimental impact of alcohol usage.

In 2026, researchers analyzed data from 30,000 new WHOOP users over 72 weeks and found that self-reported alcohol consumption declined significantly after users began tracking their health metrics. Drinking days fell from 23.0% of days to 17.2% of days—a roughly 25% relative reduction—and reported alcohol volume also declined.

Oura, a company that makes rings that track sleep and activity, has reportedly sold 5.5 million rings in total.

IDC data shows the company was the third most popular wearable brand in terms of unit volume in the US in the first quarter of this year, behind Apple and Google.

Stephan Kemper said the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could become another headwind for alcohol consumption.

He noted that these medications appear to reduce a range of addictive behaviours, while the high-calorie content of beer and wine may make them less appealing to consumers focused on weight management.

“While the impact of Ozempic and similar drugs on alcohol consumption is still difficult to isolate precisely, the direction is clear,” Kemper said, adding that the effect is likely to become more pronounced as prescription rates rise.

According to a Morgan Stanley note, the global market for weight loss and obesity could grow to $190 billion by 2035 from $79 billion in 2025.

As more people become proactive in taking care of themselves, it will result in less alcohol drinking.

Major beer and spirit companies have been struggling with either falling volumes or stock slowdown. 

The Johnnie Walker whisky maker, Diageo, has seen its stock fall by over 19% since last year. 

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer, fared much better in the last year, with a 13% gain in stock price. 

However, over the last 5 years, the company’s US depository shares have given only 7%returns. 

The company’s struggles led to the replacement of CEO Debra Crew in 2025, with sales of the largest spirit maker in the world declining during her tenure.

The company appointed Dave Lewis as CEO to turn the company around.

In its latest results, the company posted a 0.3% organic sales growth, helped by strong demand in the UK and Ireland and stocking up in Latin American countries ahead of the World Cup.

Diageo’s North American sales have declined 9.4% in its third quarter results.

Anheuser-Busch InBev also saw its North American volume fall by 3.1%, though sales grew in the region grew by 0.9%. 

The company posted volume growth of 0.8% in its latest quarter, increasing for the first time since 2023. 

The growth has been supported by higher prices, while demand for alcoholic beverages has weakened across several markets. 

In 2025, the brewer's total sales volume fell 2.3% from a year earlier, including a 2.6% decline in beer volumes. 

With these challenges, alcohol companies have pivoted to low alcohol drinks. They have also relied on premiumization to combat falling volumes.

Beverage companies are forced to adopt towards 'NoLo-Land' (No/Low Alcohol). The major players have understood the structural shift and are acting on it, albeit with varying degrees of commitment.

Kemper also noted that some companies are adopting the premiumization strategy as a buffer, with higher prices and values per unit sold, which can shield the bottom line. 

Anheuser-Busch InBev has rolled out products such as Budweiser Zero, Corona Cero, and Michelob Ultra Zero, while also rolling out alcohol-free versions of Stella Artois and other core labels.

Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said companies are “streamlining their portfolios by disposing of lower-margin, lower-growth brands. Not only should this help shore up balance sheets and boost margins, but it also means they can allocate more of their advertising budgets to stronger brands to drive better pricing power and offset volume weakness.”

AB InBev Global Chief Marketing Officer Marcel Marcondes said during the company's first quarter results that the company has sharpened its brand strategy, reducing the number of actively marketed labels in each market from around 15 to 20 brands three years ago to a smaller group of three to five "megabrands."

The selection is based on a combination of sales volumes and growth potential.

These flagship brands now account for about 70% of AB InBev's marketing spend, up from 50% in 2021, and contribute roughly 60% of the company's total sales.

Michael Hewson said, “Carlsberg now generates a good deal of revenue from soft drinks and its non-alcoholic range of beers, with its recent acquisition of Britvic helping to push that up to around 30% of group sales.”

Hewson said Diageo has also expanded its range of alcohol-free products, including 0% versions of Guinness, Tanqueray, and Gordon's Gin, as it adapts to changing consumer preferences.

Analysts cautioned that premiumization may become harder to sustain if consumers remain under financial pressure.

Kemper said higher prices have so far helped offset declining volumes and preserve profitability.

However, he warned that the industry's position would become more challenging if both pricing power and volumes weakened at the same time.

Ozkardeskaya said investors largely recognize weak volume growth in developed markets but still expect premiumization and emerging-market demand to support earnings.

She added that those assumptions could come under pressure if inflation remains elevated.

IWSR data indicate that while several mature markets faced pressure, some emerging economies continued to post growth in total beverage alcohol (TBA) consumption.

South Africa recorded year-over-year increases of 4% in volume and 12% in value between 2024 and 2025.

India also delivered solid growth, with beverage alcohol volumes rising 4% and value increasing 5% over the same period.

Valuations across the sector have already fallen sharply.

Kemper noted that alcohol companies have lost more than $800 billion in market value in recent years, leaving beverage stocks' valuation discount to the broader market at a 15-year high.

“While we agree with this argument to a certain degree, we still think that the headwinds could persist as the structural nature of the change might not be fully embraced yet.”

There are near-term tailwinds for these companies, with the World Cup expected to boost beer consumption. 

Jefferies said in a note that "After five successive years of volatility, beer should be better in 2026".

With this edition having more games than the previous one, there are more opportunities for nights out and watch parties, which would increase sales. 

According to Jefferies' estimates, one billion extra pints would be consumed globally, providing a 0.3% lift for the beer category. 

Bernstein also posted a similar view earlier in the year, saying marquee football tournaments increase beer consumption in the host nation by 1.3% above the normal trend. 

Budweiser-maker Anheuser-Busch is expected to be the biggest beneficiary, according to Jefferies, due to its role as the tournament sponsor and strong exposure in the host nations. 

Heineken is also expected to benefit from its exposure to Latin America and Europe. 

For alcohol companies, the challenge is no longer just cyclical weakness but adapting to a market that is changing structurally. 

Younger consumers are drinking less, health-conscious behaviour is becoming mainstream, and inflation continues to pressure discretionary spending. 

Companies have responded with premium products, no- and low-alcohol offerings, and portfolio reshuffles, but analysts say those measures may only partly offset the decline in volumes. 

Near-term events such as the World Cup could provide a temporary boost to beer sales, yet the broader question remains whether the industry can build sustainable growth in a world where drinking is becoming less central to social life.

LEADING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER CONTINUES TO DELIVER ON $600 MILLION COMMITMENT ACROSS 2025 AND 2026

, /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Anheuser-Busch [NYSE: BUD], a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser and Bud Light, announced a $20 million+ investment in its St. Louis and Arnold, Missouri operations. The investment will focus on upgrading brewery and packaging equipment to fuel production of Michelob ULTRA, the nation's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer; the investment will also go toward opening a new technical skills training center in St. Louis to support the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

St. Louis Brewery This latest $20 million+ investment is part of Anheuser-Busch's ongoing Brewing Futures initiative through which the company is investing $600 million in its U.S. operations across 2025 and 2026. The initiative builds on Anheuser-Busch's commitment to investing in people, breweries and communities by creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs, building the manufacturing workforce for the future, and strengthening manufacturing career opportunities for veterans.

Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch said: "We've proudly called St. Louis and the state of Missouri home for more than 165 years, and our commitment to strengthening this community and making a positive impact across the state has never been stronger. Investments at this scale in our facilities and our people ensure that our St. Louis Brewery remains at the heart of Anheuser-Busch, supporting continued growth and driving economic prosperity in our hometown for decades to come."

This new $20 million+ investment in Anheuser-Busch facilities across Missouri – including the St. Louis brewery and can manufacturing plant in Arnold – will help expand our capacity to produce fast-growing brands like Michelob ULTRA, the #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer in the country, and Busch Light, the #1 top-selling beer in the state of Missouri.

As part of this investment, Anheuser-Busch will also open a new technical skills training center inside the St. Louis Brewery—an extension of its best-in-class Technical Excellence Center and one of 15 new centers nationwide—to upskill employees across mechanical, electrical, digital, and operational areas. The company aims to train more than 90% of its manufacturing workforce over the next five years, building on the more than 2,600 employees already trained at its Technical Excellence Center in St. Louis since 2022.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said: "The State of Missouri and the beer industry share a unique and storied history. I'm proud to see Anheuser-Busch's continued commitment to investing into the St. Louis region with this announcement. With policies like American Beer Act, Missouri leads in providing an incredible environment for the brewers and manufacturers that deliver lasting opportunity for hardworking families and economic growth for the state and nation."

To commemorate this milestone investment and our enduring legacy in our hometown, Anheuser-Busch is bringing the animated "A & Eagle" sign from its former Newark facility to its permanent home at the company's flagship St. Louis campus. Once installed, the sign will serve as a lasting symbol of Anheuser-Busch's longstanding commitment to local manufacturing and the St. Louis community.

Anheuser-Busch has been a proud American manufacturer for more than 165 years, and we are continually committed to making meaningful investments in our people, facilities and communities in our hometown of St. Louis and across the country. Earlier this year, Anheuser-Busch was inducted into the Missouri Manufacturers Hall of Fame, a testament to the company's commitment to St. Louis and longstanding position as a leading American manufacturer.

Circana TUS MULC+ Volume L12W w/e 4/5/26

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation's top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.   

We make the nation's most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, BeatBox, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That's who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.  

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.

Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.93% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Anheuser-Busch Inbev (BUD - Free Report) Anheuser-Busch InBev, alias AB InBev, is a global brewing company with more than 500 iconic brands. The company’s leading position in majority of its markets and a strong global footprint lends the advantage of economies of scale and growing its multi-country brands globally. Its strategy is based on efforts to develop a portfolio of brands that cater to extensive consumer needs within the market, in terms of price range, flavor profiles, and brand meaning.

BUD is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Momentum investors should take note of this Consumer Staples stock. BUD has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 10.4% over the past four weeks.

For fiscal 2026, two analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.00 to $4.22 per share. BUD boasts an average earnings surprise of +4.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, BUD should be on investors' short list.

Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) delivered Q1 volume growth for the first time since 2023, beating revenue and EPS expectations. BUD's non-alcoholic and non-beer segments posted solid revenue growth, but North American volumes declined 3.1%, raising concerns about key markets. A reverse DCF suggests BUD is fairly valued at ~$82.25, but a TTM PE of 22.95 and middling dividend yield limit upside.

LEADING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER CONTINUES TO DELIVER ON $600 MILLION COMMITMENT, FUELING PRODUCTION OF MICHELOB ULTRA AND MICHELOB ULTRA ZERO

, /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, and Bud Light, announced a new $5 million investment in its Columbus, Ohio Brewery. The investment will fuel production of Michelob ULTRA, the nation's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer, and Michelob ULTRA Zero, the #1 top-selling and fastest-growing non-alcohol brew. Additionally, Anheuser-Busch is opening a new technical skills training center in Columbus to support the next generation of manufacturing professionals in Ohio.

Columbus Brewery This latest investment in Columbus is part of Anheuser-Busch's ongoing Brewing Futures initiative, through which the company is investing $600 million in its U.S. operations across 2025 and 2026. The initiative builds on Anheuser-Busch's commitment to investing in its people, breweries and communities by creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs, building the manufacturing workforce for the future and strengthening manufacturing career opportunities for veterans.

Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch said: "This investment in our Columbus Brewery strengthens our ability to brew the highest-quality American beers that consumers love, while creating and sustaining jobs in the communities where we operate. By continuously investing in our facilities and people, we are proud to help drive economic growth in communities like Columbus and reinforce our unwavering commitment to the future of American manufacturing."

Creating and Sustaining Manufacturing Jobs

This new $5 million investment helps expand the Columbus Brewery's capacity to produce fast-growing brands like Michelob ULTRA, the #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer in the country. It will also increase the brewery's capacity to produce non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero and Michelob ULTRA Zero Lime. Michelob ULTRA Zero is the #1 top-selling non-alcohol beer, both nationwide and in the state of Ohio, according to leading market researcher Circana.

Building the Manufacturing Workforce for the Future

Building on the opening of a Regional Excellence Center on the Columbus Brewery campus in 2025, this year Anheuser-Busch is opening a new technical skills training center—one of 15 that Anheuser-Busch is opening nationwide—to upskill employees' capabilities related to mechanical and electrical systems. Anheuser-Busch plans to upskill more than 90 percent of its manufacturing workforce over the next five years.

Ryan Augsburger, President, Ohio Manufacturers' Association said: "Ohio's strongest workforce solutions start with employers. Anheuser-Busch's Columbus investment puts that model into action by building technical skills, strengthening an iconic Ohio operation and helping keep Ohio manufacturing competitive."

Strengthening Manufacturing Career Opportunities for Veterans

Anheuser-Busch is also continuing its work with the Manufacturing Institute's Heroes MAKE America initiative to provide former and current service members with resources to pursue careers in manufacturing. Through the integration of credentials that translate military training into manufacturing skills and a dedicated platform designed to showcase military skills and experience, the company is supporting veteran hiring across its facilities and expanding manufacturing career opportunities for these employees. Approximately 10% of Anheuser-Busch's Columbus workforce are veterans or active service members.

Anheuser-Busch has operated in Columbus for more than 50 years and has invested more than $71 million in this brewery over the past five years alone. Investments like these are not new for Anheuser-Busch and represent the company's dedication to serving as a key economic driver in Ohio and its longstanding efforts to strengthen the future of American manufacturing for generations to come.

For more on Anheuser-Busch's economic impact visit www.anheuser-busch.com/community/economic-impact or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram. 

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation's top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale. 

We make the nation's most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, BeatBox, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That's who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram. 

ABOUT BREWING FUTURES
Anheuser-Busch's Brewing Futures initiative builds on more than 165 years of continuous investment in our people, breweries and communities to support American manufacturing through three key pillars:

We are Creating and Sustaining Manufacturing Jobs by increasing investments in its U.S. operations to $600 million total over two years.  We're also Building the Manufacturing Workforce for the Future by opening 15 new technical skills training centers at its facilities across the U.S. and collaborating with technical trade schools. Lastly, Anheuser-Busch is Strengthening Career Opportunities for Veterans by helping former and current service members pursue manufacturing careers in the private sector. These efforts build on our longstanding commitment to creating jobs and driving economic prosperity through our expanded investment in our breweries, technical skills training, and support for veterans.

Circana TUS MULC+ L12W w/e 4/5/26
Circana OH – MULC+ w/e 3.22.26

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Corona global has been recognized as the most valuable beer brand in the world for the third consecutive year in Kantar's BrandZ 2026 Most Valuable Global Brands report, released today. Eight out of the top ten most valuable global beer brands belong to AB InBev (Brussel:ABI) (BMV:ANB) (JSE:ANH) (NYSE:BUD), according to the report ranking the best brands in the world.

In 2025, Corona led AB InBev’s performance, increasing revenue by 8.3% outside of its home market with double-digit volume growth in 30 markets, while Corona Cero delivered strong double-digit volume growth. As the brand celebrated its 100th anniversary, Corona launched its global “Corona 100” platform, including a multi-year sponsorship of a renowned concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Strong momentum continued in Q1 2026, with AB InBev delivering all-time high revenues and volume growth, led by Corona, which grew 16% outside its home market following a successful debut as the world’s first global beer sponsor of The Winter Olympics.

In Kantar’s BrandZ 2026 rankings, Corona is followed by Budweiser as the second most valuable beer brand in the world, with Modelo, Michelob ULTRA, Brahma, Bud Light, Skol and Stella Artois helping AB InBev secure 8 of the world’s top 10 most valuable beer brands.

“Corona’s recognition as the most valuable beer brand in the world for three consecutive years reflects our approach to building brands for long-term, sustainable growth,” said Marcel Marcondes, Global Chief Marketing Officer. “For AB InBev to have 8 of the top 10 beer brands in Kantar BrandZ’s 2026 rankings underscores the focus, consistency and creative effectiveness of our teams and partners around the world.”

BrandZ charts the way in which global brands have continued to evolve and innovate. Now in its 21st edition, it spotlights the importance of building meaningful difference where a brand meets consumer needs, stands out from competitors and remains top-of-mind in its sector for a prolonged period.

“Corona’s performance in Kantar BrandZ’s global rankings shows what strong brands achieve when they are built with discipline, over time. Brand value comes from being meaningfully different in ways people recognise, showing up consistently and staying relevant as the world changes. That doesn’t change, even as technology introduces new ways for people to discover and interact with brands. Marketers still need to make clear decisions about what their brand stands for and how it shows up in the real world. That’s something the Corona team continues to get right,” said Paul Zwillenberg, CEO of Kantar.

Kantar BrandZ is a global ranking that assesses brand value by combining financial data and extensive brand equity research, offering an in-depth view of over 22,000 brands in 54 markets.

About AB InBev
Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is a publicly traded company (Euronext: ABI) based in Leuven, Belgium, with secondary listings on the Mexico (MEXBOL: ANB) and South Africa (JSE: ANH) stock exchanges and with American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUD). As a company, we dream big to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in the world. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients. Beer is the drink for moderation, and for over a century, AB InBev has championed responsible drinking. We are committed to providing our consumers with Balanced Choices to enjoy on any occasion. We also invest in marketing that aims to reinforce positive behaviors, and we work with communities, customers, and partners to promote responsible consumption through evidence-based initiatives.

Our diverse portfolio of well over 400 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser®, Corona®, Stella Artois® and Michelob Ultra®; multi-country brands Beck’s®, Hoegaarden® and Leffe®; and local champions such as Aguila®, Antarctica®, Bud Light®, Brahma®, Cass®, Castle®, Castle Lite®, Cristal®, Harbin®, Jupiler®, Modelo Especial®, Quilmes®, Victoria®, Sedrin®, and Skol®. Our brewing heritage dates back more than 600 years, spanning continents and generations. From our European roots at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium. To the pioneering spirit of the Anheuser & Co brewery in St. Louis, US. To the creation of the Castle Brewery in South Africa during the Johannesburg gold rush. To Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, we leverage the collective strengths of approximately 137 000 colleagues based in more than 40 countries worldwide. For 2025, AB InBev’s reported revenue was 59.3 billion USD (excluding JVs and associates).

About Kantar
Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business. We deliver the intelligence needed to power brand growth.

We provide the signals that help organisations act quickly and confidently. We empower brands to make effective marketing decisions based on predictive evidence. And we help them craft powerful growth strategies rooted in the connection between consumers, brands and enterprise value. All this is powered by our uniquely robust human and synthetic data, our unrivalled IP, our AI-native platform and the team of global brand experts that bring this all together.

About Kantar BrandZ
Kantar BrandZ is the global currency when assessing brand value, quantifying the contribution of brands to business’ financial performance. Kantar’s annual global and local brand valuation rankings combine rigorously analysed financial data, with extensive brand equity research. Since 1998, BrandZ has shared brand-building insights with business leaders based on interviews with 4.6 million consumers, for over 22,000 brands in 54 markets. Discover more about Kantar BrandZ here.

LEADING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER CONTINUES TO DELIVER ON $600 MILLION COMMITMENT, FUELING PRODUCTION OF MICHELOB ULTRA

What's in this story:

Anheuser-Busch announces $5.8M investment in Williamsburg, VA brewery Investment fuels production of Michelob ULTRA, the nation's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer, and funds new technical skills training center for employees Part of company's $600 million commitment to strengthen American manufacturing , /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, and Bud Light, announced a new $5.8 million investment in its Williamsburg, Virginia Brewery. The investment will help fuel production of Michelob ULTRA, the nation's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer and fund the creation of a new technical skills training center in Williamsburg to support the next generation of manufacturing professionals in Virginia.

Williamsburg Brewery This latest investment in Williamsburg is part of Anheuser-Busch's ongoing Brewing Futures initiative, through which the company is investing $600 million in its U.S. operations across 2025 and 2026. The initiative builds on Anheuser-Busch's commitment to investing in its people, breweries, and communities by creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs, building the manufacturing workforce for the future, and strengthening manufacturing career opportunities for veterans.

Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch said: "This investment in our Williamsburg Brewery allows us to continue producing the highest-quality, American beers we have crafted for generations, while supporting jobs and economic growth in the communities where we operate. By continuing to invest in places like Williamsburg, we reaffirm our longstanding commitment to the future of American manufacturing and to supporting veterans."

Creating and Sustaining Manufacturing Jobs

This new $5.8 million investment helps ensure that Anheuser-Busch remains at the forefront of brewing excellence in the region and strengthen the Williamsburg Brewery's capacity to produce fast-growing brands like Michelob ULTRA, the #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer in the entire country and the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to Circana.

Tom Jokerst, General Manager, Anheuser-Busch Williamsburg Brewery said: "Since 1972, the Anheuser-Busch Williamsburg Brewery has been a cornerstone of our community. This $5.8 million investment demonstrates our ongoing dedication to brewing excellence and is the latest example of Anheuser-Busch's commitment to supporting our local economy, building the workforce for the future, and strengthening career opportunities for veterans on our team."

Building the Manufacturing Workforce for the Future

This investment will also fund a new technical skills training center in Williamsburg—one of 15 that Anheuser-Busch is opening nationwide—to upskill employees' capabilities, from technical fundamentals and digital tools to management systems and mechanical and electrical systems Anheuser-Busch plans to upskill more than 90% of its manufacturing workforce over the next five years.  

Strengthening Manufacturing Career Opportunities for Veterans

Anheuser-Busch is also continuing its work with the Manufacturing Institute's Heroes MAKE America initiative to provide former and current service members with resources to pursue careers in manufacturing. Through the integration of credentials that translate military training into manufacturing skills and a dedicated platform designed to showcase military skills and experience, the company is supporting veteran hiring across its facilities and expanding manufacturing career opportunities for these employees.  The Williamsburg Brewery is proud to employ the most veterans and active service members out of all Anheuser-Busch's U.S. breweries; nearly 20% of Anheuser-Busch's Williamsburg workforce are veterans or active service members.

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Williamsburg Brewery will celebrate Budweiser's 150th Anniversary and honor America's 250th birthday with a public event from noon to 4 p.m. featuring day-fresh brews, local food vendors, and lawn games. The world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales will also make a special appearance in support of Anheuser-Busch's 16-year partnership with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides life-changing educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.

Anheuser-Busch has operated in Williamsburg for more than 50 years and has invested nearly $50 million in this brewery over the past five years alone. Investments like these are not new for Anheuser-Busch and represent the company's dedication to serving as a key economic driver in Virginia and to strengthening the future of American manufacturing for generations to come.

For more on Anheuser-Busch's economic impact visit www.anheuser-busch.com/community/economic-impact or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.  

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH     
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation's top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale. 

We make the nation's most iconic beers, ready-to-drink spirits and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America's #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer – Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, BeatBox, industry-leading craft beers and non-alcohol beers like Michelob ULTRA Zero. We are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and to the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our products to life. That's who we are. For more information, visit  www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Circana VA – MULC+ Volume Sales w/e 4.19.26

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

About a decade ago, sales of LaCroix began to skyrocket. Soon, flavored seltzers were everywhere, from grocery store refrigerators to liquor store shelves.

But the era of bubbles looks like it is winding down, thanks to seltzer fatigue. Now, non-carbonated drinks, from Liquid Death to Surfside Iced Teas, are taking the spotlight.

"If you think about where there's more growth, where there's more consumer interest relative to a few years ago, it's a shift more to still, across both [alcohol] and non-alc," said Randy Burt, Americas director of consumer products at consulting firm AlixPartners.

That's not to say seltzers and other carbonated beverages will disappear. But their growth has slowed, as Generation Z increasingly seeks out options without bubbles and beverage companies focus more of their innovation efforts on fizz-free drinks.

Look no further than the alcohol category. Malt-based hard seltzers, which includes White Claw, saw volume drop 1.1% in the 52 weeks ended April 26, compared with the year-ago period, according to data from market research firm Circana. On the other hand, ready-to-drink premixed cocktails saw volume grow 46.4% in the same time, fueled by growth from Surfside, Sun Cruiser, BuzzBallz and Anheuser-Busch InBev's Cutwater Spirits, which has both carbonated and non-carbonated options.

Bursting bubblesMuch of the driving force behind the switch from bubbly to noncarbonated drinks is coming from Gen Z, which is typically defined as people born between 1997 and 2012. Over their lifetime, soda consumption has dropped dramatically from its peak in 1998, reusable water bottles have become a staple accessory, and a plethora of new drinks like refreshers and dirty soda have gone mainstream.

Broadly, Gen Z wants to try new products. While older generations show more brand loyalty to their favorite beer or cocktail, younger consumers have a different mentality.

"We're seeing a lot of promiscuity within consumption and alcohol around new products," said Scott Scanlon, executive vice president of alcoholic beverages for Circana, citing the rise of White Claw and Truly about eight years ago. "Now what we're seeing is then consumers jump to the newest product — that's Surfside, Sun Cruiser because of that."

He sees a generational shift between Gen Z and their predecessors, millennials, who couldn't get enough of seltzers.

As Gen Z reaches drinking age, their alcoholic preferences reflect that generational divide. Non-carbonated alcoholic drinks like Surfside and BeatBox are stealing "share of throat" from hard seltzers, which have seen their growth slow.

"Gen Z is a lot more likely to order tea-based beverages at happy hour, and they're sort of moving from carbonated — or seltzers — as their default, 'better for you' pick," Burt said. "I think that's part of the shift, toward wellness and functionality that you're seeing happen, especially from a Gen Z perspective."

For fans of some beverages, like functional teas and coffees that target stress relief or immune support, going fizz-free makes more sense, given the drinks' non-carbonated base.

Plus, some consumers do not view carbonation as the healthy option.

Carbonated water is slightly acidic, which can wear down tooth enamel when consumed in large quantities, especially if the seltzer uses citric acid for flavoring. Plus fizzy drinks can cause bloating and burping for some people. And then there's the association bubbles of any kind can share with sugary sodas.

What's the tea? Alcohol is leading the trend, thanks to the meteoric rise of Surfside.

Indie vodka distiller Stateside Brands launched the hard iced tea brand in 2022. The ready-to-drink beverage uses vodka as a base and iced tea and lemonade as a mixer.

At the time of its launch, carbonation was everywhere across the alcohol industry.

"Among the options out there were carbonated iced tea and carbonated lemonade, which is a little less unusual, but we were just like 'What the heck, man? Who carbonates iced tea?' That seems unholy," said Stateside co-founder and CEO Clement Pappas.

Consumers seemed to agree. By 2024, Surfside was the fastest-growing alcohol brand in the U.S., based on Nielsen IQ data.

"I think there was a huge pent-up demand for non-carbonated options," Pappas said. "There are very few out there, especially in a ready-to-drink format."

Surfside's customer base skews female. Pappas said that many of the brand's fans dislike carbonation because they find it leads to bloating, particularly after consuming several drinks in a sitting.

Stateside is leaning further into fizz-free beverages with its latest brand: Super Lyte. The brand still uses vodka as a base, but the mixer is inspired by classic sports drinks.

While Surfside may have popped the seltzer bubble, other non-carbonated alcoholic drinks have grown quickly since then.

Volume growth of Cutwater's canned cocktails has nearly doubled over the last year, according to Scanlon. BeatBox, a wine-based punch brand that is majority owned by InBev, has also seen demand for its drinks skyrocket since the alcohol giant has ramped up its distribution. And then there is BuzzBallz pre-mixed cocktails, which launched in 2009 but has seen its growth rocket after its acquisition by Sazerac in 2024.

Established alcohol players have also been trying to take on Surfside, further boosting the profile of non-carbonated drinks in the category. Twisted Tea owner Boston Beer launched Sun Cruiser in 2024 with the aim of directly competing with Surfside.

So far, Surfside retains a bigger slice of overall market share, although Sun Cruiser is growing faster these days.

Bubble-free Celsius heats upOn the non-alcoholic side, the shift toward bubble-free drinks isn't as strong, according to AlixPartners' Burt. Some carbonated drinks are still showing strong growth; PepsiCo's Poppi, as well as energy drinks like Celsius and Ghost, are seeing strong demand.

But there are signs that the soft drink landscape is shifting.

Celsius, for example, expanded its fizz-free line of energy drinks earlier this year, inspired by Gen Z's focus on wellness and the general trend toward noncarbonated beverages in other categories. Typically, carbonated options dominate the energy drink aisle, allowing Celsius to stand out and win over customers who might otherwise stick to tea or coffee for their caffeine fix.

The brand's pre-existing noncarbonated peach mango green tea flavor is consistently a top 10 performer for Celsius and is currently in the number four slot across all of its flavors, according to Celsius Chief Brand Officer Kyle Watson.

The expanded line has helped Celsius grow sales from Gen Z and women, two key segments in the energy drink category.

"In focus groups that we've had ... even our brand ambassadors across all of our universities, a lot of them talk about how they don't like drinking sparkling," Watson said.

When consumers drink "functional beverages — like those touting high protein content, prebiotics, caffeine or other benefits — they want "a better flavor experience," according to Watson.

Watson said that part of the appeal of the fizz-free line is how it goes down "really smooth," making it a better pairing for meals. About 37% of Celsius consumers consume their energy drinks with a meal, according to Watson.

And Celsius has made sure to put its noncarbonated bona fides front and center of the line's packaging.

"With the expansion, we also wanted to make sure that the callout around being fizz-free and that attribute of it being noncarbonated and having that smooth, refreshing flavor profile was more prevalent on the actual can design," Watson said.

Some other beverage brands are betting big on the swing away from fizz.

"Our product is extremely drinkable because of the lack of carbonation," Hint CEO Michael Pengue said in an interview.

Founded in 2005, the flavored water company has a devoted fan base, particularly in Silicon Valley. But the brand has gotten "dusty," and its growth has stagnated, according to Pengue. He is hoping that consumers' shift away from bubbles will boost sales, along with new packaging and a sexy new ad campaign. (While Hint has some sparkling options, it is a much smaller part of the brand's portfolio, according to Pengue.)

Earlier in Pengue's career, he led Nestle's water and tea brands, which includes Perrier and San Pellegrino.

"I was on the other side of carbonation when carbonated soft drink consumers were looking for healthier alternatives, getting away from aspartame or high fructose corn syrup, and they moved over to Perrier, San Pellegrino, Polar, LaCroix," he said. "All of sparkling [water] exploded. We're seeing the same exact thing now, just the opposite."

Hint's still flavored water offers "drinkability" and "pure hydration", giving the brand an edge over sparkling waters that cannot be drank as quickly, according to Pengue. He said it also has a "sensory softness" that appeals to consumers who do not like the bite of carbonation.

Can-do attitudeFor decades, an aluminum can with a pull tab usually meant a carbonated beverage like beer, soda or seltzer was inside.

But these days, most new non-carbonated drinks are coming in cans, resembling the seltzers and bubbly drinks from which they are stealing share.

"The can is winning," Ball CEO Ronald Lewis said on the company's earnings conference call earlier this month.

He would know. Ball is the world's largest manufacturer of aluminum packaging.

Celsius's Watson credits Liquid Death with paving the way for consumers to accept fizz-free canned drinks.

When Liquid Death founder Mike Cessario started the company in 2017, he could not find a single bottler in the U.S. capable of putting still water in cans. Non-carbonated drinks require a quick dose of nitrogen to keep the can from collapsing on itself, presenting one issue for bottlers; carbonation creates high internal pressure to allows a can to keep its shape.

Cessario told CNBC that the key to getting consumers to buy canned water — an otherwise unthinkable proposition — was by positioning Liquid Death as a cool brand.

"We designed it to look more like a beer than a water, so it felt like something a lot more familiar to people than just like a weird bottled water in a can," Cessario said.

Liquid Death has since launch sparkling and flavored sparkling lines, although it returned to its non-carbonated roots with iced tea in 2023.

For beverage companies, aluminum cans are typically cheaper than glass bottles and a more sustainable option than plastic bottles.

And for consumers, cans feel colder — and maybe even cooler, a callback to the last wave of trendy beverages during the seltzer boom.

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Anheuser-Busch Inbev (BUD - Free Report) Anheuser-Busch InBev, alias AB InBev, is a global brewing company with more than 500 iconic brands. The company’s leading position in majority of its markets and a strong global footprint lends the advantage of economies of scale and growing its multi-country brands globally. Its strategy is based on efforts to develop a portfolio of brands that cater to extensive consumer needs within the market, in terms of price range, flavor profiles, and brand meaning.

BUD is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. BUD has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 15.3% for the current fiscal year.

Five analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.08 to $4.30 per share. BUD also boasts an average earnings surprise of +4.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, BUD should be on investors' short list.

Corona, the world’s most valuable beer brand1, today announced the return of its annual global beach guide, the 2026 Corona Beach 100, ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8. The highly anticipated second edition spotlights 100 breathtaking and varied ocean-front destinations around the world while celebrating the natural ecosystems and local communities that help bring them to life.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260604412899/en/

2026 Corona Beach 100 - Legzira Beach, Morocco

Connected to Corona’s “This Is Living” platform, which invites consumers to step outside and live life to the fullest this summer, the 2026 guide features 27 new beaches, hundreds of localized Tripadvisor travel experiences inspired by the world’s most breathtaking coastlines, and expanded Beach 100 Grants with Oceanic Global – all inviting people to answer “Living Is Calling” through exploration, connection, and conservation.

“Following the incredible global response to Beach 100’s first year, we saw an opportunity to build on that momentum and evolve the platform even further for 2026,” said Clarissa Pantoja, Global VP of Corona. “The guide is about much more than exploring the world’s most beautiful beaches – it’s about celebrating and preserving the ecosystems that make them so special. Through Beach 100, we want to inspire people to step outside, disconnect from the everyday, and reconnect with nature through Corona’s ‘This Is Living’ mindset.”

The 2026 Corona Beach 100

The 2026 Corona Beach 100 showcases beaches across six continents, spanning hidden Mediterranean coves, legendary South American shores, remote jungle-access coastlines, and globally iconic destinations. Each beach was selected based on local insights tied to its natural beauty, cultural character, and ability to inspire a deeper connection with nature and the outdoors.

Within the selection process, each beach was evaluated across three core criteria: Beachside Culture, Connection to Nature and Scenic Aesthetics. Developed in partnership with experiential agency, WINK, the 2026 list is anchored by 20 “Three Sun” beaches, the highest ranking within the Beach 100 platform, including new additions such as Praia do Bonete in Brazil and Plage de la Dune du Sud in Canada.

Beach 100 list highlights for 2026 include:

27 new beaches, adding a fresh variety of coastlines and an even deeper connection to conservation-focused destinations. South America emergence as the biggest regional gainer, including Uruguay’s first-ever entries with Playa Mansa and Playa Sur, and Argentina’s Bahia Bustamante. A broader definition of paradise featuring harder-to-reach locales, such as Brazil’s Praia da Engenhoca, and France’s Dune du Pyla, Europe’s tallest sand dune. Expanded locations across Africa, including Mozambique’s Tofo Beach making its debut, alongside South Africa’s Wilderness Beach. Additional surf destinations and globally iconic coastlines, including New Zealand’s Manu Bay – one of the world’s most celebrated surfing spots – and Barafundle Bay, Wales’ first Beach 100 entry. To explore the full interactive 2026 Beach 100 list, and learn more about the “This is Living” global platform, visit www.Corona.com/Beach100.

Experience “This Is Living” with Tripadvisor

As part of Corona’s “This Is Living” platform, the brand launched “Living Is Calling,” a global call to action inviting people to put living first by stepping outside and reconnecting with nature. Through a partnership with Tripadvisor featuring access to more than 300,000 experiences across 30 countries, the campaign inspires consumers to embrace meaningful moments in travel, the outdoors, and the natural world.

Bringing that spirit to life, Corona and Tripadvisor have curated nature-led experiences inspired by select Beach 100 destinations. From snorkeling in Italy to surfing in Peru, these itineraries are designed to deepen travelers’ connection to nature while highlighting local conservation efforts that help protect paradise.

Through Corona’s global promotion, consumers of legal drinking age can scan QR codes on Corona packaging for the chance to win experiences inspired by the Beach 100 guide. World Oceans Day will serve as a key moment to spotlight select conservation-led itineraries that encourage more mindful exploration.

To learn more about participating markets and how to answer the call of “Living Is Calling,” visit www.corona.com/LivingIsCalling.

Protecting Paradise: The Beach 100 Grant Initiative

Building on its long-standing collaboration with Oceanic Global, Corona is expanding the Beach 100 Grants program to provide direct funding to local NGOs that help protect critical marine ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and more. The initiative supports locally led conservation efforts designed to help preserve paradise for generations to come.

During World Oceans Week, as part of the Living is Calling campaign, Corona and Oceanic Global will also release a new content series, Ocean is Living, highlighting the inherent connection between beaches and the oceanic world. Featuring ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and the open ocean, the film reinforces that paradise is more than a destination – it is a living system worth protecting. The initiative will also feature social content spotlighting the ecosystems and local grant projects surrounding four select Beach 100 locations.

“Over 71% of Earth is ocean. It produces more than half the oxygen we breathe, feeds millions, and supports all life, including our own,” said Natasha Berg, Director of Communications, Oceanic Global. “Together with Corona, we're reminding the world that Paradise doesn't stop at the shoreline, and that protecting the ocean protects the entirety of our blue planet.”

To learn more about the 2026 Beach 100 Grants and the four spotlight locations, visit www.corona.com/paradiseprotected.

1 Kantar’s BrandZ 2026 Global Rankings

About Corona Global

Corona, an AB InBev global brand, is the iconic beer brand that is synonymous with paradise with a presence in 180 countries. Recognized as the world’s most valuable beer brand in Kantar’s BrandZ global 2025 rankings*, Corona invites the world outside, beckoning you to reconnect with your essential nature and embrace the simple pleasures of life. But it's not just about the beer – it's about the ritual. The ritual of adding a slice of lime to your Corona, an experience that elevates the moment. Corona isn't just a beverage; it's nature in a bottle. And we strive to help protect nature and have become the first global beverage brand with a net-zero plastic footprint. This builds on our longstanding ambition to help protect the world’s oceans and beaches from plastic pollution. Every sip of Corona is a celebration of nature and the beauty of the world around us.

* Corona is not sold by AB InBev in the United States.

About Oceanic Global

Founded in 2016, Oceanic Global (OG) reconnects humanity to the ocean as the beating heart of the earth, and provides tangible solutions and blueprints for coexisting in harmony with the natural world. The 501c3 non-profit builds tools, mobilizes communities, and develops educational resources and standards that inspire global action and catalyze cross-sector change. In 2018, Oceanic Global launched the Blue Standard (Blue), a first-of-its-kind cross industry standard that establishes universal accountability for responsible business leadership, with over 500 + global businesses in 55+ countries and 7 global governments engaged to date. Oceanic Global is based in New York with international hubs and volunteer bases in New York, London, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Tulum, and Hong Kong. Reflective of its global reach, the organization has additionally been the official non-profit and production contributor to United Nations World Oceans Day since 2019. | www.oceanic.global

About AB InBev

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) is a publicly traded company (Euronext: ABI) based in Leuven, Belgium, with secondary listings on the Mexico (MEXBOL: ANB) and South Africa (JSE: ANH) stock exchanges and with American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUD). As a company, we dream big to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in the world. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients. Beer is the drink for moderation, and for over a century, AB InBev has championed responsible drinking. We are committed to providing our consumers with balanced choices to enjoy on any occasion. We also invest in marketing that aims to reinforce positive behaviors, and we work with communities, customers, and partners to promote responsible consumption through evidence-based initiatives. Our diverse portfolio of well over 400 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser®, Corona®, Stella Artois® and Michelob Ultra®; multi-country brands Beck’s®, Hoegaarden® and Leffe®; and local champions such as Aguila®, Antarctica®, Bud Light®, Brahma®, Cass®, Castle®, Castle Lite®, Cristal®, Harbin®, Jupiler®, Modelo Especial®, Quilmes®, Victoria®, Sedrin®, and Skol®. Our brewing heritage dates back more than 600 years, spanning continents and generations. From our European roots at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium. To the pioneering spirit of the Anheuser & Co brewery in St. Louis, US. To the creation of the Castle Brewery in South Africa during the Johannesburg gold rush. To Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, we leverage the collective strengths of approximately 137 000 colleagues based in more than 40 countries worldwide. For 2025, AB InBev’s reported revenue was 59.3 billion USD (excluding JVs and associates).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260604412899/en/

Shanghai, China, June 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Budweiser China, together with the Shanghai Association of Foreign Investment, co-hosted the “Global Nighttime Economy Dialogue—Igniting Nightlife in Shanghai” on the opening day of 2026 “Shanghai Tonight,” bringing together global experts, government representatives, academics and business leaders to explore how Shanghai can further unlock the value of its night-time economy through international collaboration, major cultural and sporting IPs, and experience-led consumption.

The dialogue highlighted Budweiser China’s growing role as a connector between global platforms and local consumer experiences. As Shanghai continues to rank first in China’s night-time economy index for five consecutive years, the discussion focused on how multinational companies can help the city move beyond extending business hours to creating richer, more sustainable urban experiences after dark.

A Global Conversation, Grounded in Local Realities

The Shanghai dialogue brought together a group of practitioners who have spent years shaping the night-time economy in cities across the world.

Participants included Liu Min, Deputy Director General of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce; Shen Danna, Vice Mayor of Huangpu District; Qiu Wen, Director of the Huangpu District Commission of Commerce and Huang Feng, President of the Shanghai Foreign Investment Association. International experts included Andreina Seijas, Founder of Night Tank and Academic Lead of the World Economic Forum’s 24-Hour Economy Initiative; Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association and Vice President of the International Nightlife Association; Ariel Palitz, Nightlife Advisor to the New York City Hospitality Alliance and former Executive Director of the New York City Office of Nightlife; Merlijn Poolman, Founder of the Dutch Night Mayor Foundation and former Night Mayor of Groningen; and Lutz Leichsenring, Co-Founder of VibeLab and former Spokesperson of the Berlin Club Commission.

Representatives from academia and media included Yang Yudong, Editor-in-Chief of Yicai Media Group and China Business News; Zhang Yina, Associate Dean and Professor at the School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, and Director of the Fudan Consumption Big Data Laboratory; Cao Yixia, Research Fellow at the Institute of Applied Economics, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences; and Liu Chang, Head of Content and Agenda at the World Economic Forum. Corporate representatives included Craig Katerberg, Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer of Budweiser APAC; Rohan Chindooroy, Global Director of Economic and Government Affairs at AB InBev and Konnie Zhu, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Budweiser China.

The discussion focused on two central questions: how the night economy can empower the high-quality development of Shanghai's service industry, and how to activate the international appeal of the night economy to help build an international consumption hub.

Participants exchanged views on public-private collaboration, community engagement, the integration of culture, commerce, tourism, sports and exhibitions, and the challenge of adapting successful international models to local realities. Representatives from AB InBev also shared insights drawn from the company's global experience supporting night-time economy initiatives, highlighting lessons from international markets and examples of how global platforms can be adapted to local contexts.

While approaches differ from city to city, a common theme emerged: thriving night-time economies are rarely built by government or business alone. They depend on collaboration across sectors, long-term planning and a steady supply of experiences that give people reasons to stay, explore and connect.

The Growing Role of Global Companies in Local Economies

The role of multinational companies emerged as a recurring theme throughout the discussion.

The topic was further explored in a joint report released during the event by Budweiser China and the Fudan University Consumer Market Big Data Laboratory. The report, named Shanghai Nighttime Economy High-Quality Development Special Report, examined the relationship between consumption patterns, nighttime lifestyles and urban economic activity, highlighting how international companies like Budweiser China can contribute by introducing global IPs, connecting consumption scenarios and helping create destinations that attract both residents and visitors.

From left to right: Konnie Zhu, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Budweiser China; Shen Danna, Deputy Head of Huangpu District Government; Liu Min, Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce; Professor Zhang Yina, Vice Dean and Professor at the School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University, and Director of the Fudan Consumer Market Big Data Laboratory

Huang Feng, President of the Shanghai Association of Foreign Investment, noted that multinational companies are becoming increasingly important partners in urban development. 

“The prosperity of the night economy cannot be separated from multinational companies with global vision and deep local cultivation capabilities. Budweiser China's deep integration of top international IPs with Shanghai's local consumption ecosystem has not only enriched the nighttime choices for citizens but also set a benchmark for foreign enterprises participating in urban economic development." he said. 

Andreina Seijas, Founder of international consultancy Night Tank, said: “The most successful 24-hour cities are those that view the night not as a separate economy, but as an extension of urban life. Shanghai has a unique opportunity to leverage its cultural assets, public spaces and global appeal to build a more vibrant, inclusive and resilient city after dark.”

From Global IPs to Local Experiences

AB InBev has also maintained a long-term dialogue with the city, participating in the Shanghai Mayor's International Business Leaders' Advisory Council (IBLAC) for five consecutive years, where issues such as consumption growth and the night-time economy have increasingly featured on the agenda.

The discussion highlighted a broader trend shaping night-time economies worldwide: the growing use of major cultural and sporting IPs to create destination experiences that extend beyond traditional retail and hospitality.

Budweiser China's experience offers some examples of that approach.

Through its "Mega Brands, Mega Platforms" strategy, the company has spent years connecting global music, sports and entertainment properties with local consumer experiences. The goal is not simply to sponsor events, but to create platforms that bring together culture, commerce and community.

In 2025, Budweiser introduced Tomorrowland, one of the world's best-known electronic music festivals, to China. The event attracted visitors from both China and overseas, extended visitor stays in Shanghai and generated additional spending across hospitality, dining and retail sectors.

During the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Budweiser launched its "Glory Home" pop-up activation on Shanghai's Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, combining sports fandom, entertainment and retail in a single destination, achieving substantial on-demand retail growth.

Looking ahead, the company is preparing a series of large-scale initiatives tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including public viewing events and immersive fan experiences designed to bring people together through shared passions.

These efforts coincide with broader changes taking place across Shanghai's night-time economy. As the city's five popular night-time economy zones continue to evolve, consumer demand is becoming increasingly experience-driven, creating new opportunities for businesses, cultural institutions and city stakeholders alike.

Building an All-Hours Economy

For Craig Katerberg, Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer of Budweiser APAC, the significance of the night-time economy extends beyond individual events or brands.

“We are proud to host global experts who are leading and innovating the night-time economy. At AB InBev, we believe high-quality night-time economies are built around meaningful experiences that bring people together and create long-lasting connections and moments," said Katerberg. "Through our Mega Brands, Mega Platforms strategy, we connect global platforms with local consumers to create vibrant night-time experiences that grow local businesses, enliven urban culture and create a future with more cheers."

Katerberg added that AB InBev will continue facilitating night-time economy exchanges that feature global best practices and that showcase Shanghai’s role in growing the night-time economy for people to enjoy experiences together.  

As Shanghai continues to experiment with new models for nighttime consumption, many participants believe its experience may offer useful lessons for other cities across China.

The broader consensus emerging from the dialogue was that the future of the night-time economy will depend less on extending operating hours and more on creating meaningful reasons for people to engage with cities after dark. Achieving that goal will require cooperation among governments, businesses, academic institutions and local communities.

With top global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Shanghai's nighttime consumption is poised to enter a new phase of growth, creating fresh opportunities for collaboration among governments, businesses and local communities.

Against this backdrop, industry observers note that multinational companies represented by AB InBev are increasingly evolving from participants into co-builders of the urban night-time economy ecosystem. Their changing role reflects the growing maturity of Shanghai's night-time economy and a broader shift toward more collaborative models of urban development.