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 popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
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 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 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.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.8% 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.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall 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.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 18.03; value investors should take notice.
Six analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.06 to $4.38 per share. BUD boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.3%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, BUD should be on investors' short list.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several 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.
It also includes access to 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 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 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 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 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 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, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.8% 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.
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.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall 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 17.7% for the current fiscal year.
For fiscal 2026, six analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.06 to $4.39 per share. BUD boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.3%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, BUD should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways AB InBev is investing in megabrands like Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra.Premium, no-alcohol and Beyond Beer offerings are expanding to meet evolving consumer preferences.BEES Marketplace GMV rose 50% to $1.2 billion, strengthening BUD's digital distribution ecosystem. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD - Free Report) , also known as AB InBev, is pursuing growth through a combination of premiumization, investment in its megabrands, category expansion, innovation and digitalization. The company continues to increase investment in leading brands such as Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra, supported by marketing campaigns, sponsorships and consumer activations aimed at strengthening brand equity and driving international growth. Sales and marketing investment reached $4.1 billion in the first half of 2026, underscoring BUD’s commitment to supporting long-term brand growth.
The company is expanding its above-core and premium beer portfolio, particularly through Corona and Stella Artois. In the second quarter of 2026, the above-core portfolio generated 6.9% revenue growth, with these three brands delivering strong international growth. The company is expanding its Balanced Choices portfolio, including low-carb, low-calorie and no-alcohol offerings. Its no-alcohol beer portfolio continued to post strong growth in the second quarter.
With a growing focus on premium, higher-margin products and innovative offerings such as zero-sugar and no-alcohol beer, AB InBev is responding to evolving consumer preferences while supporting growth across key markets. The company is also expanding its Beyond Beer portfolio and accelerating digital transformation, with platforms such as BEES and Zé Delivery strengthening its connections with retailers and consumers. BUD’s B2B and direct-to-consumer ecosystems are becoming increasingly important growth engines, helping it better connect with retailers and consumers.
AB InBev has consistently invested in strengthening its brand portfolio while rapidly expanding its digital ecosystem through platforms such as BEES and Zé Delivery. Through BEES Marketplace, the company is digitizing its relationships with retailers, improving distribution efficiency and creating additional monetization opportunities. BEES Marketplace GMV grew 50% year over year to $1.2 billion in the second quarter, while total BEES GMV reached $15 billion, highlighting the growing scale of BUD’s digital platform.
In a nutshell, BUD is focused on driving growth by premiumizing its portfolio, expanding its presence in high-growth no-alcohol and Beyond Beer categories, and leveraging its global megabrands and digital distribution platform to broaden consumer reach and strengthen market penetration.
BUD’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesAB InBev’s shares have gained 0.7% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 1.1% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, BUD trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16.77X compared with the industry’s average of 15.15X.
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 17.7% and 12%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have moved upward in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AB InBev currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Consider in the Consumer Staples Space The 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's current financial-year sales indicates growth of 10.6% from the prior-year level. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 30.4%, on average.
Darling Ingredients (DAR - Free Report) , which is a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients derived from edible and inedible bio-nutrients, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Darling Ingredients’ current financial-year sales is expected to rise 11.5% from the year-ago reported figure. DAR delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 38.9%, 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 58.2% in the last reported quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Medifast’s current financial-year sales indicates a decline of 25.9% from the year-ago number.
LEADING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER CONTINUES TO DELIVER ON $600 MILLION COMMITMENT, FUELING PRODUCTION OF MICHELOB ULTRA AND ADDING CUTWATER PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES
, /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Cutwater Spirits and NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, announced a $13 million investment in its Baldwinsville, New York facility. This investment will help Anheuser-Busch, the #1 fastest-growing supplier in total alcohol,1 meet growing consumer demand for Michelob ULTRA and Cutwater, the top 2 fastest-growing alcohol brands in the country,2 and expand local manufacturing skills training.
Baldwinsville Brewery This latest 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: "Anheuser-Busch is committed to supporting the communities where our employees live and work. Investments in facilities like our Baldwinsville Brewery help us strengthen our operations while creating and sustaining jobs and continuing to drive economic growth throughout Central New York State. We're proud to continue investing in American manufacturing and in the hardworking New Yorkers who help to produce America's most iconic beer and spirits brands every day."
This new $13 million investment in Anheuser-Busch's Baldwinsville Brewery will help increase production of Michelob ULTRA, the #1 top-selling and fastest-growing beer in America,3 as well as upgrade can and bottle lines. It will also add new production capabilities for Cutwater to help meet rapidly growing demand for the #1 spirits-based cocktail brand in the U.S.4
As part of this investment, Anheuser-Busch will also open a new technical skills training center inside the Baldwinsville Brewery, one of 15 that the company is opening nationwide, to upskill employees across mechanical, electrical, digital, and operational areas. This new center builds on the Baldwinsville Brewery's already strong technical skills training programs. This year, the Brewery is celebrating the first two graduates from its Maintenance Technician Development Program—developed in partnership with New York State, The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) and the Teamsters—who went through hands-on training to advance from packaging operators to electricians.
Governor Kathy Hochul said: "New York has a proud manufacturing heritage that continues to fuel economic opportunity across the state. Anheuser-Busch's latest investment in its Baldwinsville Brewery, alongside the apprenticeship opportunities developed in partnership with Anheuser-Busch, New York State, MACNY, and the Teamsters, helps to create new pathways to long-term careers right here in New York and a bright future for the Central New York region."
Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said: "Anheuser-Busch's $13 million investment in its Baldwinsville Brewery will expand local production while creating new opportunities for workers to build their skills and advance into good-paying manufacturing careers. The new technical training center, combined with the company's successful partnership with New York State, MACNY, and the Teamsters, is exactly the kind of workforce development I've consistently championed because it's a proven model that benefits workers, businesses, and our entire regional economy. I commend Anheuser-Busch for continuing to invest in its Baldwinsville workforce and the future of American manufacturing."
Anheuser-Busch has proudly called New York State home for over 40 years, investing more than $100 million in its Baldwinsville Brewery since 2021, and remains committed to being a key economic driver in New York State. The Baldwinsville Brewery serves as a hub of innovation, and the hundreds of New Yorkers employed at this facility produce more than 50 Anheuser-Busch brands.
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.
Anheuser-Busch Inbev (BUD - Free Report) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade primarily reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.
The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Individual investors often find it hard to make decisions based on rating upgrades by Wall Street analysts, since these are mostly driven by subjective factors that are hard to see and measure in real time. In these situations, the Zacks rating system comes in handy because of the power of a changing earnings picture in determining near-term stock price movements.
Therefore, the Zacks rating upgrade for Anheuser-Busch Inbev basically reflects positivity about its earnings outlook that could translate into buying pressure and an increase in its stock price.
Most Powerful Force Impacting Stock PricesThe change in a company's future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, has proven to be strongly correlated with the near-term price movement of its stock. The influence of institutional investors has a partial contribution to this relationship, as these big professionals use earnings and earnings estimates to calculate the fair value of a company's shares. An increase or decrease in earnings estimates in their valuation models simply results in higher or lower fair value for a stock, and institutional investors typically buy or sell it. Their bulk investment action then leads to price movement for the stock.
Fundamentally speaking, rising earnings estimates and the consequent rating upgrade for Anheuser-Busch Inbev imply an improvement in the company's underlying business. Investors should show their appreciation for this improving business trend by pushing the stock higher.
Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate RevisionsEmpirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock movements, so it could be truly rewarding if such revisions are tracked for making an investment decision. Here is where the tried-and-tested Zacks Rank stock-rating system plays an important role, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Rank stock-rating system, which uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Earnings Estimate Revisions for Anheuser-Busch InbevFor the fiscal year ending December 2026, this brewer is expected to earn $4.39 per share, which is unchanged compared with the year-ago reported number.
Analysts have been steadily raising their estimates for Anheuser-Busch Inbev. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 2.4%.
Bottom LineUnlike the overly optimistic Wall Street analysts whose rating systems tend to be weighted toward favorable recommendations, the Zacks rating system maintains an equal proportion of "buy" and "sell" ratings for its entire universe of more than 4,000 stocks at any point in time. Irrespective of market conditions, only the top 5% of the Zacks-covered stocks get a "Strong Buy" rating and the next 15% get a "Buy" rating. So, the placement of a stock in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks indicates its superior earnings estimate revision feature, making it a solid candidate for producing market-beating returns in the near term.
You can learn more about the Zacks Rank here >>>
The upgrade of Anheuser-Busch Inbev to a Zacks Rank #2 positions it in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks in terms of estimate revisions, implying that the stock might move higher in the near term.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD – Get Free Report) and Coca-Cola Consolidated (NASDAQ:COKE – Get Free Report) are both large-cap consumer staples companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.
Volatility and Risk Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a beta of 0.6, meaning that its stock price is 40% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Coca-Cola Consolidated has a beta of 0.55, meaning that its stock price is 45% less volatile than the S&P 500.
Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and Coca-Cola Consolidated, as provided by MarketBeat.
Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV 0 6 11 0 2.65 Coca-Cola Consolidated 0 0 1 0 3.00 Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV presently has a consensus price target of $91.08, indicating a potential upside of 14.22%. Given Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV’s higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV is more favorable than Coca-Cola Consolidated.
Institutional & Insider Ownership 5.5% of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 48.2% of Coca-Cola Consolidated shares are held by institutional investors. 4.5% of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 0.0% of Coca-Cola Consolidated shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.
Dividends Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV pays an annual dividend of $1.41 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Coca-Cola Consolidated pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV pays out 29.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Coca-Cola Consolidated pays out 13.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Coca-Cola Consolidated has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years.
Valuation and Earnings This table compares Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and Coca-Cola Consolidated”s gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV $59.32 billion 2.71 $6.84 billion $4.72 16.89 Coca-Cola Consolidated $7.69 billion 1.64 $570.58 million $7.54 25.08 Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has higher revenue and earnings than Coca-Cola Consolidated. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Coca-Cola Consolidated, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Profitability This table compares Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and Coca-Cola Consolidated’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV 14.90% 16.42% 7.47% Coca-Cola Consolidated 7.15% -1,041.59% 13.71% Summary Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV beats Coca-Cola Consolidated on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (Get Free Report)
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, exports, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands. The company operates in North America, Middle America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company was founded in 1366 and is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium.
About Coca-Cola Consolidated (Get Free Report)
Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes nonalcoholic beverages primarily products of The Coca-Cola Company in the United States. The company offers sparkling beverages; and still beverages, including energy products, as well as noncarbonated beverages comprising bottled water, ready to drink coffee and tea, enhanced water, juices, and sports drinks. It also sells its products to other Coca-Cola bottlers; and post-mix products that are dispensed through equipment, which mixes the fountain syrups with carbonated or still water enabling fountain retailers to sell finished products to consumers in cups or glasses. In addition, the company manufactures and distributes various other beverage brands that include Dr Pepper and Monster Energy. It sells and distributes its products directly to grocery stores, mass merchandise stores, club stores, convenience stores, and drug stores; and restaurants, schools, amusement parks, and recreational facilities, as well as through vending machine outlets. The company was formerly known as Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated and changed its name to Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. in January 2019. Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Key Takeaways BUD's Q2 beer volumes rose 1.1%, while total volumes increased 0.9% amid global market share gains.Michelob Ultra expanded across the Americas, with 40% of Q2 volume growth coming from outside the U.S.BUD's non-alcoholic beer revenues climbed 27%, led by Corona Cero and Michelob Ultra Zero.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD - Free Report) , popularly known as AB InBev, delivered encouraging volume performance in the second quarter of 2026, signaling improving momentum across its global business. The company benefited from market share gains, continued investment in its megabrands and growth across emerging markets. Management believes its more diversified portfolio, spanning core and premium beer, non-alcoholic offerings and Beyond Beer, has positioned BUD to capture demand across more consumer occasions.
Beer volumes increased 1.1% year over year in the second quarter, while total volumes rose 0.9%. Revenues advanced 5.6%, supported by 4.2% growth in revenue per hectoliter, reflecting positive mix and revenue management initiatives. BUD also reported market share gains globally, with record second-quarter volumes in markets including Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador.
Several growth initiatives could help sustain the volume recovery. Michelob Ultra is expanding across the Americas, with 40% of the brand's second-quarter volume growth coming from outside the United States. Meanwhile, non-alcoholic beer revenues climbed 27%, led by Corona Cero and Michelob Ultra Zero. BUD is also expanding its Beyond Beer portfolio, giving the company additional avenues to attract consumers and increase participation across growing beverage segments.
Still, the recovery remains uneven across markets. China continues to be a notable pressure point, with revenues declining 8.8% amid adverse weather, a constrained consumer environment and weakness in the on-premise channel. BUD is investing in its brands, innovation and off-trade execution to improve performance there. With stronger volume trends elsewhere and management shifting its focus from resetting the business toward accelerating its growth levers, sustained execution across key markets will be crucial to determining whether the recent volume improvement develops into a broader recovery.
BUD’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAB InBev’s shares have lost 0.2% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 3.1% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, BUD trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.07X compared with the industry’s average of 15.13X.
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 17.2% and 12.3%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have moved upward in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AB InBev currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to ConsiderDarling Ingredients Inc. (DAR - Free Report) , which is a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients, 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 Darling Ingredients' current financial-year sales indicates growth of 12.7% from the prior-year level. DAR delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 38.9%, on average.
The Coca-Cola Company (KO - Free Report) is a leading beverage company with a portfolio of 32 billion-dollar brands spanning sparkling beverages, water, sports drinks, dairy and value-added beverages. KO currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Coca-Cola’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 4.03% and 9.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. Coca-Cola delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 4.6%, on average.
Primo Brands Corporation (PRMB - Free Report) is a leading North American branded beverage company focused on healthy hydration. It currently has a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Primo Brands’ current fiscal-year sales indicates growth of 2.5% from the prior year’s reported levels. PRMB delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 7.7%, on average.
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 popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that 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 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 ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in 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 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 +23.94% 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.
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.
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.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
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.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 18.29; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.07 to $4.39 per share. BUD boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.3%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, BUD should be on investors' short list.
Growth investors focus on stocks that are seeing above-average financial growth, as this feature helps these securities garner the market's attention and deliver solid returns. But finding a growth stock that can live up to its true potential can be a tough task.
That's because, these stocks usually carry above-average risk and volatility. In fact, betting on a stock for which the growth story is actually over or nearing its end could lead to significant loss.
However, the task of finding cutting-edge growth stocks is made easy with the help of the Zacks Growth Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which looks beyond the traditional growth attributes to analyze a company's real growth prospects.
Our proprietary system currently recommends Anheuser-Busch Inbev (BUD - Free Report) as one such stock. This company not only has a favorable Growth Score, but also carries a top Zacks Rank.
Studies have shown that stocks with the best growth features consistently outperform the market. And for stocks that have a combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), returns are even better.
Here are three of the most important factors that make the stock of this brewer a great growth pick right now.
Earnings GrowthEarnings growth is arguably the most important factor, as stocks exhibiting exceptionally surging profit levels tend to attract the attention of most investors. And for growth investors, double-digit earnings growth is definitely preferable, and often an indication of strong prospects (and stock price gains) for the company under consideration.
While the historical EPS growth rate for Anheuser-Busch Inbev is 6.7%, investors should actually focus on the projected growth. The company's EPS is expected to grow 17.1% this year, crushing the industry average, which calls for EPS growth of 2.8%.
Cash Flow GrowthCash is the lifeblood of any business, but higher-than-average cash flow growth is more beneficial and important for growth-oriented companies than for mature companies. That's because, high cash accumulation enables these companies to undertake new projects without raising expensive outside funds.
Right now, year-over-year cash flow growth for Anheuser-Busch Inbev is 3.6%, which is higher than many of its peers. In fact, the rate compares to the industry average of -1.7%.
While investors should actually consider the current cash flow growth, it's worth taking a look at the historical rate too for putting the current reading into proper perspective. The company's annualized cash flow growth rate has been 8.6% over the past 3-5 years versus the industry average of 2%.
Promising Earnings Estimate RevisionsBeyond the metrics outlined above, investors should consider the trend in earnings estimate revisions. A positive trend is a plus here. Empirical research shows that there is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
The current-year earnings estimates for Anheuser-Busch Inbev have been revising upward. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has surged 1.2% over the past month.
Bottom LineWhile the overall earnings estimate revisions have made Anheuser-Busch Inbev a Zacks Rank #2 stock, it has earned itself a Growth Score of B based on a number of factors, including the ones discussed above.
You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
This combination indicates that Anheuser-Busch Inbev is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors.
For those looking to find strong Consumer Staples stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Anheuser-Busch Inbev (BUD - Free Report) one of those stocks right now? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Consumer Staples sector should help us answer this question.
Anheuser-Busch Inbev is a member of the Consumer Staples sector. This group includes 185 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #16. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the sector to gauge the strength of each group.
The Zacks Rank is a successful stock-picking model that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions. The system highlights a number of different stocks that could be poised to outperform the broader market over the next one to three months. Anheuser-Busch Inbev is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for BUD's full-year earnings has moved 2% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive.
Our latest available data shows that BUD has returned about 25.9% since the start of the calendar year. At the same time, Consumer Staples stocks have gained an average of 7%. This shows that Anheuser-Busch Inbev is outperforming its peers so far this year.
Another stock in the Consumer Staples sector, Vita Coco Company, Inc. (COCO - Free Report) , has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock's year-to-date return is 21.6%.
The consensus estimate for Vita Coco Company, Inc.'s current year EPS has increased 11.3% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Looking more specifically, Anheuser-Busch Inbev belongs to the Beverages - Alcohol industry, which includes 17 individual stocks and currently sits at #188 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 17% so far this year, so BUD is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns.
On the other hand, Vita Coco Company, Inc. belongs to the Beverages - Soft drinks industry. This 20-stock industry is currently ranked #79. The industry has moved +8.7% year to date.
Anheuser-Busch Inbev and Vita Coco Company, Inc. could continue their solid performance, so investors interested in Consumer Staples stocks should continue to pay close attention to these stocks.
Cetera Investment Advisers trimmed its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD – Free Report) by 20.7% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 40,854 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock after selling 10,673 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers’ holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV were worth $2,834,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of BUD. Bogart Wealth LLC boosted its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 3,800.0% in the fourth quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 390 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 380 shares during the period. Birchwood Financial Partners Inc. purchased a new stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 79.1% in the 4th quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 498 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the period. Finally, First Horizon Corp grew its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 84.6% during the 1st quarter. First Horizon Corp now owns 502 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 5.53% of the company’s stock.
Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently weighed in on BUD. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $86.50 to $84.50 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 2nd. Barclays restated an “equal weight” rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Monday, July 27th. UBS Group reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a report on Tuesday, June 30th. Weiss Ratings lowered Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a report on Friday, July 17th. Finally, DZ Bank restated a “buy” rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Thursday, May 21st. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $91.08.
View Our Latest Stock Report on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Trading Down 0.1% Shares of BUD opened at $83.91 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $169.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.78, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 0.60. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $81.70 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $77.51. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a twelve month low of $57.79 and a twelve month high of $86.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 29th. The consumer goods maker reported $1.21 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $16.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.23 billion. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a net margin of 14.90% and a return on equity of 16.42%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.98 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 4.36 EPS for the current year.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Profile (Free Report)
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE: BUD) is a multinational brewing company headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. It is one of the world’s largest brewers and is primarily engaged in the production, distribution and marketing of beer and related beverages. The company’s operations span brewing, packaging, logistics and retail/customer sales support, serving a broad set of channels from on-premise hospitality to retail and e-commerce.
AB InBev’s portfolio includes a mix of global, regional and local beer brands across mainstream, premium, craft and non-alcoholic categories.
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Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD – Free Report) by 15.9% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 67,750 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 9,305 shares during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp’s holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV were worth $4,700,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 11,380,404 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock worth $728,801,000 after buying an additional 368,721 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 29.8% in the fourth quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,205,767 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock worth $269,337,000 after acquiring an additional 966,378 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 1.1% in the fourth quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 4,009,863 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock valued at $256,792,000 after purchasing an additional 42,009 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 12.8% in the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,770,946 shares of the consumer goods maker’s stock valued at $224,786,000 after purchasing an additional 426,495 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GQG Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV during the 4th quarter valued at $149,778,000. Institutional investors own 5.53% of the company’s stock.
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BUD has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $93.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday, July 31st. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a report on Tuesday, June 30th. DZ Bank reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Thursday, May 21st. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $86.50 to $84.50 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 2nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $91.08.
Read Our Latest Analysis on BUD
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Stock Performance Shares of BUD opened at $85.26 on Thursday. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 12-month low of $57.79 and a 12-month high of $86.60. The company has a market cap of $172.17 billion, a PE ratio of 18.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a current ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $81.58 and a 200-day moving average price of $77.35.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 30th. The consumer goods maker reported $1.21 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.09 by $0.12. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a net margin of 14.90% and a return on equity of 16.42%. The business had revenue of $16.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $16.23 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.98 EPS. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 4.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Profile (Free Report)
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE: BUD) is a multinational brewing company headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. It is one of the world’s largest brewers and is primarily engaged in the production, distribution and marketing of beer and related beverages. The company’s operations span brewing, packaging, logistics and retail/customer sales support, serving a broad set of channels from on-premise hospitality to retail and e-commerce.
AB InBev’s portfolio includes a mix of global, regional and local beer brands across mainstream, premium, craft and non-alcoholic categories.
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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.
Featuring 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, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
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 ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most 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 traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in 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 +23.94% 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.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
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.
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 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 16.6% for the current fiscal year.
Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $4.35 per share. BUD also boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.3%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, BUD should be on investors' short list.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
Featuring 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, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
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 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 ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
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.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% 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.
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.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing 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.
Momentum investors should take note of this Consumer Staples stock. BUD has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 5.9% over the past four weeks.
For fiscal 2026, four analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $4.35 per share. BUD boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.3%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, BUD should be on investors' short list.
Anheuser-Busch InBev's shareholder E.P.S. SA, a holding company representing some of the firm's shareholders, is selling about 10 million shares in the Belgian brewer, according JPMorgan Securities, the bookrunner of the placement.
SummaryAnheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV's ADR has delivered solid gains in recent years, supported by fundamental aspects such as EBITDA growth, de-leveraging, and multiple expansion.Despite the ADR's recent success, its historical return distribution is clustered and not smooth.I think we might be looking at a cluster as opposed to structural growth.I support the quant observation with reference to macro variables, broader financial market multiple expansion, and risk appetite from investors.Tail risk metrics show that the downside can be severe. As such, I'm avoiding this stock in the trend and shall only reconsider in the event of a pullback. pjohnson1/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD)(BUDFF) is discussed in today's analysis. I previously covered the stock in October 2022, when I communicated a neutral outlook, arguing that the company's shareholder value creation had lacked substance. I revisit
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The World Cup Is Coming—These 3 Stocks Could Cash InAnheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV NYSE: BUD reported higher second-quarter revenue, earnings and free cash flow as beer volumes returned to growth and the brewer gained market share globally, while management said conditions remained challenging in China.
Chief Executive Officer Michel Doukeris said beer volumes increased 1.1% in the second quarter, supported by record second-quarter volumes in markets including Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador. Total volumes rose 0.9%, while revenue increased 5.6% and revenue per hectoliter advanced 4.2%, driven by mix and revenue-management actions intended to offset rising inflation and input costs.
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Before the IPO: 4 Companies That Rewarded Investors Who Got In EarlyUnderlying earnings per share rose 23.4% to $1.21. First-half free cash flow increased by $2.5 billion to $3.9 billion, the company said.
Portfolio growth and regional performance Doukeris said the company’s mega brands, non-alcohol beer offerings and Beyond Beer portfolio contributed to growth. Revenue from mega brands increased 6.2%, while Corona revenue outside Mexico rose 17%. Corona posted double-digit volume gains in 37 markets, according to the company.
Anheuser-Busch Stock Jumps as Volume Growth Signals TurnaroundNon-alcohol beer revenue increased 27%, led by Corona Cero and Michelob ULTRA Zero. Management estimated that 60% of non-alcohol beer volume came from new occasions and new consumers. In the U.S., Busch Light Apple, which returned in April, became the second-largest volume share gainer in the total industry during the quarter, Doukeris said.
In North America, AB InBev said it gained share in beer and Beyond Beer. Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light and Busch Light Apple were the top three beer volume share gainers in the U.S. industry, according to management. The company’s Beyond Beer revenue grew in the mid-70% range, led by Cutwater’s triple-digit revenue growth. Doukeris said Cutwater was the top share-gaining brand in the U.S. spirits industry during the quarter.
Mexico: Revenue grew in premium, mainstream, non-alcohol beer and Beyond Beer, producing mid-single-digit revenue growth and high-single-digit bottom-line growth, with market share gains. Colombia: Record second-quarter volumes supported double-digit top- and bottom-line growth. Management estimated its portfolio gained share of total alcohol. Brazil: Beer volumes increased as the company gained market share and industry conditions improved. Premium and super-premium brands grew volume in the mid-20% range. Europe and South Africa: European volumes rose by low single digits, while South Africa posted mid-single-digit top- and bottom-line growth. South African premium and super-premium beer volumes grew in the high-20% range. China remained a weak spot. Revenue in the market declined 8.8% as AB InBev underperformed what Doukeris characterized as a soft industry affected by adverse weather and continued weakness in on-premise consumption. He said the Chinese beer industry could decline by a high-single-digit percentage in the second quarter, based on the company’s view as data is consolidated.
While AB InBev’s China volumes remained under pressure, Doukeris said its market-share trend improved sequentially. Its super-premium and core-plus brands returned to growth, and the company is investing in brand building, execution and expansion of its in-home and off-trade presence.
Digital platforms and marketplace expansion AB InBev said its digital ecosystem processed $15 billion in gross merchandise value during the second quarter, up 16% from a year earlier. The company said it has more than 25 billion annualized AI-driven touchpoints across its ecosystem.
The BEES marketplace’s gross merchandise value from third-party products increased 50% to $1.2 billion. Digital direct-to-consumer platforms served 13 million consumers and generated $165 million in revenue. The company said its growing direct-to-consumer marketplace has annualized GMV of $200 million.
During the question-and-answer session, Doukeris said the marketplace has been profitable since its inception and is incremental to EBITDA. He described it as equivalent in size to a top-20 country for the company and as one of the top 10 contributors to EBITDA growth.
Investment, cash flow and capital allocation Chief Financial Officer Fernando Tennenbaum said AB InBev invested $7.9 billion in sales and marketing over the last 12 months and increased those investments organically by 9% in the first half. Disciplined overhead management and resource allocation helped offset transactional foreign-exchange headwinds while allowing the company to maintain margins and increase commercial investments, he said.
Constant-currency EPS increased 12.9%, while translation effects helped lift dollar-denominated EPS by 23.4%. Tennenbaum attributed the first-half free-cash-flow improvement to EBITDA growth and working-capital improvements.
The company increased its dividend, repurchased shares and completed selective acquisitions, including MCC and BeatBox, while continuing to reduce leverage. Net debt to EBITDA improved 0.4 turns year over year to 2.86 times. Tennenbaum said AB InBev has no bonds maturing in 2026, a weighted-average bond maturity of 12 years and no financial covenants.
Management reaffirmed its outlook for 2026 EBITDA growth of 4% to 8%. Tennenbaum said the company continues to expect growth to be more evenly distributed between the first and second halves of the year, although sales and marketing spending is expected to be more weighted toward the second and third quarters, partly reflecting World Cup-related activity.
About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD)Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV NYSE: BUD is a multinational brewing company headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. It is one of the world's largest brewers and is primarily engaged in the production, distribution and marketing of beer and related beverages. The company's operations span brewing, packaging, logistics and retail/customer sales support, serving a broad set of channels from on-premise hospitality to retail and e-commerce.
AB InBev's portfolio includes a mix of global, regional and local beer brands across mainstream, premium, craft and non-alcoholic categories.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD) Q2 2026 Earnings Call July 30, 2026 9:00 AM EDT
Company Participants
Michel Doukeris - Chief Executive Officer
Fernando Tennenbaum - Chief Financial Officer
Conference Call Participants
Edward Mundy - Jefferies LLC, Research Division
Mitchell Collett - Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division
Robert Ottenstein - Evercore ISI Institutional Equities, Research Division
Jean-Olivier Nicolai - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division
Christopher Carey - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division
Sanjeet Aujla - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Chris Pitcher - Rothschild & Co Redburn, Research Division
Laurence Whyatt - Barclays Bank PLC, Research Division
Robert Vos
Trevor Stirling - Bernstein Institutional Services LLC, Research Division
Presentation
Operator
Welcome to AB InBev's Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. Hosting the call today from AB InBev are Mr. Michel Doukeris, Chief Executive Officer; and Mr. Fernando Tennenbaum, Chief Financial Officer. To access the slides accompanying today's call, please visit AB InBev's website at www.ab-inbev.com and click on the Investors tab and the Reports and Results Center page. Today's webcast will be available for on-demand playback later today. [Operator Instructions]
Some of the information provided during the conference call may contain statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements. These expectations are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. It is possible that AB InBev's actual results and financial condition may differ possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements.
For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect AB InBev's future results, see risk factors in the company's latest annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2026. AB InBev assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information provided during the conference call and shall not be liable for
Anheuser-Busch Inbev (BUD - Free Report) reported $16.66 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 11%. EPS of $1.21 for the same period compares to $0.98 a year ago.
The reported revenue represents a surprise of +2.26% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.29 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $1.09, the EPS surprise was +11.01%.
While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.
Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.
Here is how Anheuser-Busch Inbev performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Volume in Hectoliters - Middle America: 38,822.00 KhL versus the three-analyst average estimate of 39,102.03 KhL.Volume in Hectoliters - South America: 34,199.00 KhL compared to the 36,814.15 KhL average estimate based on three analysts.Volume in Hectoliters - EMEA: 24,172.00 KhL versus 23,999.03 KhL estimated by three analysts on average.AB InBev Worldwide - Total Volume: 143,347.00 KhL versus 144,023.50 KhL estimated by three analysts on average.Volume in Hectoliters - Global Export and Holding Companies: 62.00 KhL compared to the 74.17 KhL average estimate based on three analysts.Volume in Hectoliters - North America: 22,376.00 KhL versus 21,750.32 KhL estimated by three analysts on average.Revenue- North America: $3.84 billion versus the three-analyst average estimate of $3.9 billion. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of 0%.Revenue- Middle Americas: $4.34 billion versus $4.88 billion estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a 0% change.Revenue- Global Export & Holding Companies: $144 million compared to the $159.38 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of 0% year over year.Revenue- EMEA: $2.49 billion compared to the $2.64 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of 0% year over year.Revenue- Asia Pacific: $1.66 billion compared to the $1.6 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of 0% year over year.Revenue- South America: $2.53 billion compared to the $3.12 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of 0% year over year.View all Key Company Metrics for Anheuser-Busch Inbev here>>>
Shares of Anheuser-Busch Inbev have returned +5.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -1.5% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Key Takeaways AB InBev's Q2 revenues and earnings were flat y/y and missed consensus estimates.Organic revenues rose 5.6% as premiumization, Beyond Beer and megabrands fueled growth.AB InBev reaffirmed 2026 EBITDA growth of 4-8%, as margins, cash flow and leverage improved. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD - Free Report) , aka AB InBev, reported second-quarter 2026 results, wherein earnings per share and revenues missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Both top and bottom lines were flat year over year.
BUD reported second-quarter 2026 underlying earnings of 98 cents per share, flat year over year. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09 by 10.1%. Revenues of $15 billion were flat year over year and missed the consensus mark of $16.29 billion by 7.9%.
Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 12.3% in the past three months compared with the industry’s 7.4% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
BUD's Organic Growth Offsets Reported WeaknessOn an organic basis, revenues increased 5.6% in the quarter. Revenue per hectoliter rose 4.2%, reflecting disciplined revenue management and a favorable mix from premiumization and Beyond Beer products.
Total volumes increased 0.9% organically. Beer volumes rose 1.1%, while non-beer volumes declined 1.1%. The company recorded its highest-ever second-quarter volumes in Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador, while beer volumes in Brazil returned to growth.
Combined revenues from AB InBev’s megabrands increased 6.2%. Corona revenues grew 17% outside its home market, while Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra advanced 19% and 21%, respectively, outside their domestic markets.
The above-core beer portfolio generated 6.9% revenue growth. Corona delivered double-digit volume growth in 37 markets, while Michelob Ultra expanded across Latin America. About 40% of Michelob Ultra’s volume growth came from markets outside the United States.
AB InBev Expands New Growth PlatformsNo-alcohol beer revenues increased 27%, supporting growth in the company’s broader Balanced Choices portfolio. Revenues from low-carb, low-calorie, sugar-free, gluten-free and no-alcohol brands collectively rose 13%.
Beyond Beer revenues jumped 44%, led by Flying Fish and Cutwater. Cutwater posted triple-digit revenue growth and was the second-largest brand contributor to AB InBev’s overall revenue growth in the quarter.
BUD's Digital Ecosystem Gains ScaleDigitization remained a notable growth vector in the quarter. BEES was operating in 30 markets at the end of June, with 72% of revenues captured through B2B digital platforms. The platform processed $15 billion in gross merchandise value during the quarter, up 16% year over year.
BEES Marketplace gross merchandise value climbed 50% to $1.2 billion from third-party products. The company’s direct-to-consumer platforms served 13 million active consumers and generated $165 million in revenues, representing 12% growth.
AB InBev's Margins Show Operating LeverageGross profit increased 7.5% organically, while the gross margin expanded 99 basis points (bps) to 57.5%. Normalized EBIT advanced 8% to $4.60 billion, with the normalized EBIT margin improving 58 bps to 27.6%.
Normalized EBITDA rose 5.8% to $5.94 billion. The normalized EBITDA margin expanded 4 bps to 35.6%, as overhead discipline offset foreign-exchange pressures, and supported higher sales and marketing investments.
Our model had anticipated a rise of 9.5% in normalized EBIT and 7.6% in normalized EBITDA for the second quarter.
BUD Strengthens Cash Flow & LeverageThe free cash flow for the first half of 2026 increased by $2.53 billion to $3.88 billion. The cash flow from operating activities rose to $5.24 billion from $2.7 billion a year earlier, reflecting higher profit and improved working-capital movements.
Net debt totaled $64.2 billion at the end of June. The net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio improved to 2.86 from 3.27 a year earlier. AB InBev also completed $1.9 billion of its $6-billion share repurchase program as of July 24.
AB InBev Reaffirms Its 2026 OutlookManagement expects EBITDA growth of 4-8% in 2026, in line with its medium-term outlook. The projection reflects its current view of inflation and broader macroeconomic conditions.
The company anticipates a normalized effective tax rate of 26-28% and net capital expenditure of $3.5-$4 billion. Net pension interest and accretion expenses are projected at $190-$220 million per quarter, while the average gross debt coupon is expected to be 4%.
Three Stocks Looking GoodWe have highlighted three better-ranked stocks from the Consumer Staples sector, namely The Vita Coco Company Inc. (COCO - Free Report) , Primo Brands Corporation (PRMB - Free Report) and Fomento Economico Mexicano (FMX - Free Report) .
Vita Coco develops, markets and distributes coconut water and other beverage products, led by the Vita Coco brand. The company currently flaunts 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 Vita Coco’s current financial-year sales and earnings is expected to rise 31.6% and 64.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. COCO delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.9%, on average.
Fomento Economico Mexicano, alias FEMSA, is a leading Latin American beverage and retail company that operates Coca-Cola bottling businesses, OXXO convenience stores, health and beauty outlets, fuel stations, and digital financial services across multiple countries. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FMX’s current financial-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 17.3% and 131% from the prior-year reported level. FMX delivered a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 0.2%, on average.
Primo Brands is a leading North American branded beverage company focused on healthy hydration. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Primo Brands’ current financial-year sales indicates growth of 1.6% from the year-ago reported number. PRMB delivered an average earnings surprise of 1.4% in the trailing four quarters.
BRUSSELS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anheuser-Busch InBev (Brussel:ABI) (BMV:ANB) (JSE:ANH) (NYSE:BUD): Regulated information1 “Cheers to beer – our performance this quarter reflects the strength of the beer category and the consistent execution of our strategy. Through investment in our megabrands and mega platforms, innovation and offering more choices across more occasions, we are strengthening the cultural relevance of our brands with consumers. Thank you to our colleagues for their commitment and di.
Top brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev reported on Thursday forecast-beating revenue, profit and volumes in the second quarter, boosted by higher demand in markets across the Americas and from the soccer World Cup.
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Key Takeaways AB InBev is expected to post Q2 revenues of $16.3B and EPS of $1.09, both rising y/y.Premium brands, pricing and product mix are expected to have supported growth despite mixed regional volumes.China softness, currency swings, and elevated marketing and input costs may limit margin expansion. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD - Free Report) , also known as AB InBev, is slated to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on July 30, before the opening bell. The leading alcohol beverage company is likely to register year-over-year growth in its top and bottom lines when it reports quarterly numbers.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AB InBev’s quarterly revenues is pegged at $16.3 billion, indicating 8.6% growth from the year-ago quarter’s reported number. For second-quarter earnings, the consensus mark is pegged at $1.09 per share, suggesting 11.2% growth from the prior-year reported figure. The consensus mark has been unchanged in the past 30 days.
In the last reported quarter, the company’s earnings per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.8%. It has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 4.6%.
Factors Likely to Impact BUD’s Q2 ResultsAB InBev’s second-quarter 2026 results are expected to have benefited from disciplined revenue management, continued premiumization and strong brand momentum. The company’s focus on increasing revenue per hectoliter through pricing actions and a favorable product mix, supported by its portfolio of mega brands, is likely to have driven top-line growth. Sustained investments in marketing and brand building, coupled with major global events, are also expected to have strengthened consumer engagement and supported sales in the quarter.
The company’s premium and super-premium portfolio is anticipated to have remained a key growth catalyst. Strong demand for brands such as Corona and Michelob Ultra, along with continued expansion in higher-margin categories, is likely to have supported an improved price mix. The ongoing shift toward premium offerings, complemented by innovation-led product launches, may have helped sustain revenue growth despite mixed volume trends across certain regions.
AB InBev’s expanding presence in the Beyond Beer and non-alcoholic beverage categories is also likely to have contributed to second-quarter performance. These segments continue to gain traction amid evolving consumer preferences and increased demand for differentiated beverage options. Management’s efforts to scale these faster-growing categories are expected to have generated incremental revenues while strengthening the company’s long-term growth prospects.
On the cost front, productivity initiatives and an efficient operating model are expected to have supported profitability. Continued cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies may have partly offset pressures from foreign exchange volatility and elevated input costs. However, increased sales and marketing spending, particularly on global events and brand activations, could have constrained margin expansion during the quarter.
Meanwhile, persistent macroeconomic pressures and region-specific challenges are likely to have weighed on the company’s performance. Volume softness in select markets remains concerning, particularly in China, where inventory adjustments and channel realignment may have pressured revenues. Currency fluctuations and shifting consumer demand patterns could also have affected near-term performance, especially in markets facing uncertain economic conditions.
Q2 Earnings Whispers for BUD StockOur proven model conclusively predicts an earnings beat for AB InBev this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
AB InBev presently has an Earnings ESP of +1.60% and a Zacks Rank #3.
BUD’s Valuation Picture & Stock PerformanceThe stock has a forward 12-month price-to-earnings of 17.53X compared with the five-year high of 22.58X and the Beverages - Alcohol industry’s average of 15.53X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The recent market movements show that BUD shares have risen 25.6% in the year-to-date period compared with the industry's 15.9% return. The stock has also underperformed the Zacks Consumer Staples sector and the S&P 500’s growth of 9.4% and 9.2%, respectively.
BUD Stock's Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Other Stocks With the Favorable CombinationHere are some other companies that, according to our model, also have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.
Fomento Economico Mexicano (FMX - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +37.42% and sports a Zacks Rank #1. The company is likely to register growth in the top and bottom lines when it reports second-quarter 2026 numbers. The consensus mark for revenues is pegged at $12.9 billion, which indicates a rise of 19.3% from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FMX’s quarterly earnings per share of 82 cents implies a surge of 95.2% from the year-ago quarter’s actual. The consensus mark has moved down 10.9% in the past 30 days. FMX has a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 17%, on average.
Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +2.61% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is likely to register growth in the top and bottom lines when it reports second-quarter 2026 numbers. The consensus mark for revenues is pegged at $2.4 billion, which indicates growth of 14.5% from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Monster Beverage’s quarterly earnings per share of 59 cents implies a rise of 13.5% from the year-ago quarter’s actual. The consensus mark has been unchanged in the past 30 days. MNST has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 9.6%, on average.
Mondelez International (MDLZ - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.97% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is likely to register an increase in the top line when it reports second-quarter 2026 numbers. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MDLZ’s quarterly EPS is pegged at 67 cents, down 8.2% from the year-ago period. The consensus mark has been unchanged in the past 30 days.
The consensus estimate for Mondelez International’s quarterly revenues is pegged at $9.2 billion, which implies an increase of 2.5% from the prior-year quarter. MDLZ has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.4%, on average.
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.
To honor America’s 250th anniversary—and its own 150th—Budweiser offered to pick up the tab for a free beer. The promotion dropped on Monday, June 29 and almost immediately, the original $150,000 budget allocated to the promotion was drained —covering some 25,000 pulls.
Late visitors to the signup page were left high and dry, with the message: “Due to overwhelming demand, America’s tab has been closed.” They could, however, leave an email if the company reconsidered.
The initial response was so overwhelming—and unexpected—that Budweiser did reconsider. It has added another $100,000 to the tab and qualifying adults who register through 11:59:59 p.m. EDT on July 4 can claim a free 16-ounce beer worth $6 at their favorite watering hole. Now 16,600 more Americans can toast the country’s 250th with a Bud.
It was a good save. Consumers understand that such limited-time offers come with restrictions, but unless they read the fine print—and nobody does—some folks will feel disappointed.
While Budweiser suffered no social-media-fueled backlash as in past brand controversies, it was a fumble. The initial promise—“Budweiser is Covering the Tab for America’s 250th Birthday”—rang false for latecomers. What should have been a memorable brand moment risked turning into a sour experience for those turned away.
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A Milestone Year For BudweiserBudweiser couldn’t afford to let consumers down because Anheuser-Busch is putting considerable horsepower—quite literally, the beloved Budweiser Clydesdales are making public appearances—behind its 150th anniversary celebration.
That it happens to coincide with the nation’s 250th only makes it more meaningful to imprint the brand’s “Made of America” unifying message on consumers.
“Budweiser’s 150th alongside America’s 250th birthday allows us to reflect on how this iconic American brand has shown up for generations,” shared Todd Allen, senior vice president of marketing for Budweiser.
“As we mark these historic milestones, we’re honoring not only our shared history, but the hardworking people and communities whose passion, resilience and pride continue to define both Budweiser and America,” he continued.
Any number of brands are wrapping themselves in the red-white-and-blue this anniversary year, but arguably, Budweiser is hitting it harder and more authentically than most. And Bud owns iconic symbols that genuinely embody the American experience. For other brands, it’s just marketing. For Budweiser, it rings true.
From the bald eagle in the Anheuser-Busch logo to the brand’s patriotic Heritage cans— stamped with reminder, “The United States of America: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness—By the People, For the People,” Budweiser is reinforcing the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, signed this day in 1776.
Despite widespread reports that American patriotism is on the decline, a YouGov poll conducted in June among 1,000 adult citizens found that an overwhelming 70% said they are proud to be an American. While pride is off the charts among Republicans at 96%, a majority of Democrats (58%) and Independents (59%) feel similarly proud.
Leaning into patriotism isn’t just marketing for Budweiser. It’s tapping a widely shared value at a time when brand values matter more to consumers than ever.
Beyond packaging, Budweiser’s summer advertising campaign, “Great Delivery,” brings out more brand-specific iconography with national symbolism—teams of Clydesdale horses pulling wagons, a dalmatian, cowboys riding on horseback across the plains and more. Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re an American Band” provides the soundtrack.
As for the Clydesdales, they will appear today in a parade before the Chicago Cubs take on the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field and at the Los Angeles 250 Block Party before the America250 July 4 Benefit Show at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. They were also scheduled for the New York Times Square Ball Drop, but that event was canceled.
And more meaningfully, Anheuser-Busch is donating up to $1.5 million to Folds of Honor from proceeds of all Budweiser beer sold in restaurants and bars this year in its “American Beers for American Heroes” program.
Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of U.S. military service members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving our country and our neighbors. To date, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesale partners have donated $37 million to the non-profit to fund 7,400 scholarships.
Promises Kept And Goodwill FlowingIn reopening the America 250 tab, Budweiser is doing more than just making good on its promise. It’s protecting the goodwill the brand is trying foster this year—one built on unifying values, community service and American optimism.
America’s 250th and its own 150th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for a heritage brand like Budweiser and consumers expect it to show up authentically, without gimmickry or tricks. Budweiser corrected course quickly and in so doing, kept the anniversary celebration going—and its message clear.
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.
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Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
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.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% 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.
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 have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing 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.
Momentum investors should take note of this Consumer Staples stock. BUD has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 2.3% over the past four weeks.
Seven analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.13 to $4.33 per share. BUD also 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.
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.
You've probably never ordered a Skol at your local bar. But it's basically the Bud Light of the Southern Hemisphere. Skol is ubiquitous, affordable, and ice-cold at every Brazilian beach kiosk from Belém to São Paulo.
Skol's parent company is Ambev (ABEV 0.11%), Latin America's dominant brewer and a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD +2.02%). Besides local winners like Skol, Ambev bottles and distributes global brands like Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona.
As of June 23, the stock trades around $3.10, which might trigger penny-stock alarm bells.
Don't let it.
Ambev is no lightweight, sporting a market cap near $50 billion. Seven hundred and seventy shares cost about $2,387 and should generate roughly $100 in dividends per year based on recent payouts.
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One important quirk Operating under Brazilian regulations and business traditions, Ambev doesn't follow the predictable quarterly schedule most U.S. investors expect.
Brazilian corporate law requires a minimum payout of 40% of adjusted net income, but companies can distribute profits as either dividends or "interest on shareholders' equity," each taxed differently. As a result, payouts arrive in lumps throughout the year rather than neat quarterly installments. Most years, it's just one large payout in December.
The consistency shows up in the totals. Per-share payouts have averaged around 0.70 Brazilian reals annually over the past three years. That's roughly $0.13 in U.S. dollars, which works out to a 4.2% annual yield.
Why this dividend has legs Ambev isn't coasting on cheap lager and household-name brands. The company is moving upmarket in a hurry.
Premium and super-premium brands grew volumes at a high-teens rate last year, while nonalcoholic drinks surged 30%. Fancier beer means tastier margins, generating more cash for dividends.
Management also built a digital distribution edge in recent years. Zé Delivery handled 67 million orders in 2025. The BEES platform connects over a million small retailers directly to Ambev's supply chain, helping management optimize pricing and squeeze more profit from every bottle.
Image source: Getty Images.
Ambev's cash engine is still humming Ambev has a fortress balance sheet, an effective premiumization strategy, and distribution tech that competitors can't easily copy. And I didn't even mention the stellar brand portfolio yet. For investors comfortable with emerging-market volatility and an unpredictable payout schedule, this brewer offers solid income potential.
Holding fewer than 800 Ambev shares is a safe way to collect about $100 in dividend income each year.
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.
Key Takeaways BUD is benefiting from premiumization, pricing and brand investments that support revenue growth.AB InBev is expanding Beyond Beer and scaling digital platforms to boost engagement and efficiency.BUD's megabrands grew 8.2% in Q1 2026, while B2B digital platforms contributed about 72% of revenues. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD - Free Report) , also known as AB InBev, is sustaining strong revenue momentum, backed by steady consumer demand across its diversified brand portfolio and effective pricing strategies. The company is benefiting from premiumization, disciplined revenue management and sustained investments in brand building and operational efficiency. Leveraging its extensive global footprint and solid execution of core initiatives, BUD is achieving solid growth across major key markets, further strengthening its leadership position in the global beverage industry.
A key pillar of AB InBev’s growth strategy is the continued expansion of its premium and super-premium beer offerings. The company’s global and above-core brands, including Corona and Stella Artois, are performing well across several international markets. With a growing emphasis on higher-margin products and innovative offerings like zero-sugar beer variants, AB InBev is capturing evolving consumer preferences and delivering sturdy growth across key regions.
AB InBev is accelerating growth through its Beyond Beer portfolio and digital transformation. The company is expanding into new categories such as ready-to-drink beverages, hard seltzers and non-alcoholic beers. BUD is also scaling its digital platforms to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. Its B2B and direct-to-consumer ecosystems are becoming increasingly important growth engines, helping AB InBev better connect with retailers and consumers in a more efficient and tech-enabled manner.
AB InBev has been keen on making investments in its portfolio over the years and rapidly growing its digital platform, including BEES and Zé Delivery. Its digital transformation initiatives have been on track, with B2B digital platforms contributing about 72% to its revenues in first-quarter 2026.
Combined revenues of the company’s megabrands increased 8.2% in the quarter, led by Corona, while Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra also contributed outside their home markets. The company’s premiumization strategy is a key growth opportunity. It has been investing to develop a diverse portfolio of global, international and crafts and specialty premium brands in its markets. All such endeavors are likely to bolster sales and profits.
BUD’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesAB InBev’s shares have gained 25.7% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 11% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, BUD trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.7X compared with the industry’s average of 15.13X.
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 15.8% and 11.9%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have moved upward in the past 30 days.
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 Zacks 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.
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.
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Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.
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.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
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 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 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 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.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +24% 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.
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.
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.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall 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.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 18.68; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.11 to $4.32 per share. BUD boasts an average earnings surprise of +4.6%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, BUD should be on investors' short list.
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.
Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) stock shot up almost 9% the day it reported strong Q1 2026 earnings, with the rally continuing into the next trading day.
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Today
BUD
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV
$82.90 +0.64 (+0.77%)
As of 03:59 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$56.97▼
$84.46Dividend Yield1.70%
P/E Ratio22.65
Price Target$93.42
One of the key takeaways from the report was that the company saw an increase in both revenue and volume. The latter has been a challenge in the past several quarters.
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The report also showed that Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of the Budweiser and Bud Light brands, is retaining its title as the “king of beers,” although the crown has shifted to its Corona brand.
The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 97 cents, topping estimates of 90 cents. Anheuser-Busch also delivered revenue of $15.27 billion, beating forecasts for $14.69 billion. The revenue number matched the number from Q4 2025.
That’s why it bears repeating that the more relevant number for investors is the volume. The company is no longer having to rely on pricing power to make its numbers. That suggests that the environment for consumer discretionary stocks may be starting to normalize.
The Preference for Premium Remains in Place Part of Anheuser-Busch's strategy in recent years has been to segment its broad portfolio. This gives investors an idea of where the company’s growth comes from. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that one of the strongest growth areas comes from its premium brands.
In the quarter just ended, the company reported net revenue growth of 11% in its premium beer category. And the company’s Corona and Stella Artois brands are leading the way.
That was supported by the company’s broader assessment that alcohol participation is stable, with approximately 77% of legal drinking age adults having consumed alcohol in the six months prior to the report. That percentage was essentially flat year over year, indicating that the company’s strength is coming from its beer category.
This Is Not Your Father’s BUD It doesn’t take a very close look under the hood of the earnings report to see two striking data points. On the company’s list of “Replicable growth drivers,” the two largest categories in revenue growth were no-alcohol beer and Beyond Beer at 27% and 37% , respectively.
The first confirms that Millennial and Gen Z consumers are seeking alcohol-free experiences. The second category, created in 2018, houses the company’s portfolio of hard seltzers, wine and spirits, traditional malt-based beverages, and low- or no-alcohol drinks. It’s a nod to the idea that tastes are changing for those who continue to consume alcoholic beverages.
However, this is a move that investors should welcome. Like many other beer companies, Anheuser-Busch saw the writing on the wall a long time ago. The company has been diversifying its portfolio to keep up with trends that are shaping the market.
Future Catalysts—The World Cup and More Is now a good time to buy BUD? The stock is trading near its 52-week high and is rapidly approaching the consensus price target of $90.50 from 16 analysts that are tracked by MarketBeat. Furthermore, BUD is trading about 13% above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA). The immediate setup favors a pullback.
But would that be a dip worth buying? One reason to believe BUD may have catalysts ahead comes from the calendar. The World Cup begins in June and runs into July. This will be an international event attracting fans from all over the world, and particularly benefitting the company's Mid-America's segment.
There will also be many “America 250” celebrations throughout the country. Budweiser and Bud Light are likely to be key symbols of America at those events.
BUD Is a Mix of Hope and Caution Since the earnings report, several analysts have reiterated a rating of “Buy” or its equivalent. However, those ratings aren’t coming with an increase in their price targets. That’s something to be cautious about with BUD stock now sitting at a 5-year high.
Current Price$82.52High Forecast$93.83Average Forecast$93.42Low Forecast$93.00Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Stock Forecast Details
And that comes after the stock had a pandemic-fueled rally that broke it out of a sharp sell-off that began in 2019. It hasn’t been a party for shareholders. Competition and a shift away from alcohol have been a drag on BUD.
But the company’s data shows a significant addressable market for alcoholic beverages. And one of the company’s primary competitors, Molson Coors NYSE: TAP delivered earnings this week with a similar volume story.
That suggests the market is there, and the decline in volume may have been linked to inflation and not interest. It’s a thesis that will require more than one quarter to play out. But with forecasted earnings growth of 13% on a stock trading around 19x earnings, it could be time to revisit BUD on any pullback.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Right Now?Before you consider Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV wasn't on the list.
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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.
According to the World Health Organization, global alcohol consumption decreased from 5.7 to 5.0 liters per capita between 2010 and 2022. This might not seem like much, but it is more than a 12% decrease worldwide in just 12 years. This trend has continued through the present day as global consumption fell another 2% in 2025.
As health-conscious consumers purchase fewer alcoholic drinks, investors could sour on stocks such as Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD +0.78%), but it doesn't tell the entire story and isn't likely to happen. Let's have a look at why.
Today's Change
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Current Price
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82.91
Anheuser-Busch beat earnings again on Tuesday, May 5, with revenue increasing 5.8% year over year. Underlying earnings per share topped 20% in the first quarter of 2026.
AB InBev is focusing on premium products, and this seems to be a bet that is paying off. The premiumization of products, combined with a focus on growing its "Beyond Beer" and no-alcohol beer categories, is the main driver behind the company's growth.
Image source: Getty Images.
In the Q1 2026 earnings release, AB InBev reported 27% increase in no-alcohol beer sales and 37% growth in Beyond Beer.
Anheuser-Busch isn't the only beverage company focusing on premium beers. This is also the approach competitor Constellation Brands is taking.
Consumers are drinking less, but that doesn't spell doom for Anheuser-Busch. In fact, the company has a solid plan to navigate this new chapter in alcohol sales. AB InBev stock is up 25% in 2026 but still trades at reasonable valuation metrics, making it a solid buy for long-term investors.
Catie Hogan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Constellation Brands. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best 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 ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing 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.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.7% 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.
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.
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.
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.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
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.
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 14.2% for the current fiscal year.
Three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.04 to $4.26 per share. BUD 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
FOX Business correspondent Grady Trimble reports on Anheuser-Busch's preparations for the FIFA World Cup as official beer partner and the surge in alcohol consumption in the host cities on 'Mornings with Maria.' 00:00 Anheuser-Busch prepares for the World Cup 00:44 Massive increase in beer sales expected 01:13 Comparing the World Cup impact to the Super Bowl 01:41 Inside the canning and bottling process 02:14 A boost for the declining beer industry
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.
Blue-chip stocks are shares of large, well-established, financially stable companies with a consistent and reliable performance history. They are often considered less risky and are a popular choice for long-term investors. Nearly all leaders in the category pay dependable, recurring dividends each quarter, regardless of the state of the economy. Our $100,000 blue-chip value portfolio is designed for Boomers and retirees seeking dependable passive income from high-quality companies that pay big dividends. The term “blue chip” originated in poker, where it refers to the highest-value chip.
Passive income is characterized by its ability to generate revenue without requiring the earner’s continuous active effort, making it a desirable financial strategy for those seeking to diversify their income streams or achieve financial independence. The more passive income can help cover rising costs, such as mortgages, insurance, taxes, and other expenses, the easier it is for investors to set aside money for future needs as they prepare for retirement. Dependable recurring dividends from quality, high-yield stocks are a recipe for success, and blue-chip dividend-paying companies are the perfect vehicles to achieve it.
We put together a growth-and-income portfolio with five of the highest-yielding value blue-chip giants. Investing $20,000 in each will generate $6,500 in safe, predictable passive income. Investors could increase that amount by selling covered call options on their holdings. Plus, since these companies often raise their dividends, the income is likely to increase slightly each year. The purchase amounts and dividend income totals are based on the time this post was written.
Why do we cover blue-chip value dividend stocks?
Since 1926, dividends have accounted for approximately 32% of the S&P 500’s total return, while capital appreciation has accounted for 68%. Therefore, sustainable dividend income and the potential for capital appreciation are essential to total return expectations. A study by Hartford Funds, in collaboration with Ned Davis Research, found that dividend stocks delivered an annualized return of 9.18% over the 50 years from 1973 to 2023. Over the same timeline, this was more than double the annualized return for non-payers (3.95%).
Altria Altria Group (NYSE: MO | MO Price Prediction) is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of cigarettes and other tobacco-related products. It offers long-term value and a 6.01% dividend. Altria manufactures and sells smokable and oral tobacco products in the United States. 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 It sells its tobacco products primarily to wholesalers, including distributors and large retail organizations, such as chain stores.
Altria used to own over 10% of Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), the world’s largest brewer. In 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 55th consecutive annual dividend increase.
$20,000 will buy 280 shares, which pay $4.24 per year for a total of $1,187.
Stifel has a Buy rating with a $77 target price.
Energy Transfer Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) is one of North America’s largest and most diversified midstream energy companies. This top master limited partnership is a safe option for investors seeking energy exposure and income, as the company pays a 6.81% distribution yield. Energy Transfer owns and operates one of the largest and most diversified portfolios of energy assets in the United States, with a strategic footprint across all major domestic production basins.
The company is a publicly traded limited partnership with core operations that include:
Complementary natural gas midstream, intrastate, and interstate transportation and storage assets Crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL), and refined product transportation and terminalling assets NGL fractionation Various acquisition and marketing assets Following the acquisition of Enable Partners in December 2021, Energy Transfer owns and operates over 114,000 miles of pipelines and related assets in 41 states, spanning all major U.S. producing regions and markets. This reinforces its leadership position in the midstream sector.
Through its ownership of Energy Transfer Operating, formerly known as Energy Transfer Partners, the company also owns Lake Charles LNG; the general partner interests, the incentive distribution rights, and 28.5 million standard units of Sunoco; and the public partner interests and 39.7 million standard units of USA Compression Partners.
$20,000 will purchase 995 shares, which pay $1.35 per year, for a total of $1,343.
Wells Fargo has an Overweight rating on the shares, with a $25 target price.
General Mills With products that never go out of style and a strong 7.12% dividend yield, this is a rebound story that will reward patient investors. General Mills (NYSE: GIS) is a global manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods, and trades at a cheap 10.4 times estimated 2026 earnings. Its segments include:
North America Retail International North America Pet North America Foodservice The North America Retail segment reflects business with a variety of grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar, and discount chains, convenience stores, and e-commerce grocery providers.
The International segment consists of retail and foodservice businesses outside the United States and Canada. Its product categories include super-premium ice cream and frozen desserts, meal kits, salty snacks, snack bars, dessert and baking mixes, and shelf-stable vegetables.
The North America Pet segment includes pet food products sold in the United States and Canada in national pet superstore chains, e-commerce retailers, and grocery stores.
The North America Foodservice segment product categories include ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, and baking mixes.
$20,000 will buy 595 shares, which will pay $2.44 per year, for a total of $1,451.
Piper Sandler has an Overweight rating and a $41 target price.
UPS United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) announced last year that it would cut its shipping volume for e-commerce giant Amazon by more than 50% by the second half of 2026, and it was one of the best ideas among the top dividend picks, with a dividend yield now at 6.66%. The package delivery company faced headwinds from discontinuing its Amazon business and expectations of slower economic growth. It said the move is part of UPS’s broader strategy to focus on more profitable, less risky business segments. UPS provides a range of integrated logistics solutions for customers in more than 200 countries and territories.
While UPS has never trimmed its dividend since listing in 1999, that track record offers reassurance rather than a guarantee. The growth may pause, but a cut remains off the table for now.
Its segments include:
U.S. Domestic Package International Package The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers a range of domestic air and ground package transportation services within the United States. Its air portfolio offers time-definite, same-day, next-day, two-day, and three-day delivery alternatives as well as air cargo services. UPS’s ground network enables customers to ship using its day-definite ground service. UPS SurePost provides residential ground service for customers with non-urgent, lightweight residential shipments.
The International Package segment comprises its small package operations in Europe, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Africa, Canada, Latin America, and Asia. It offers a selection of guaranteed day- and time-definite international shipping services. Its supply chain solutions consist of forwarding, logistics, and other businesses.
$20,000 will buy 202 shares, which pay $6.56 per year, for a total of $1,325.
Jefferies has a Buy rating with a $130 price objective.
Verizon Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) is an American multinational telecommunications company that continues to offer tremendous value. It trades at 9.37 times its estimated 2026 earnings, and pays a 6% dividend. Verizon provides a range of communications, technology, information, and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and government entities worldwide.
Verizon’s trailing 12-month interest coverage ratio is 4.6× to 5×, providing ample cushion for dividend payments. With a very predictable revenue stream from telecom services, the company has less exposure to commodity cycles. In addition, the large scale helps in financing and absorbing shocks.
It operates in two segments. The Consumer Group segment provides wireless services across the United States through Verizon and TracFone networks, as well as through wholesale and other arrangements. It also provides fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband through its wireless networks and related equipment and devices, such as:
Smartphones Tablets Smartwatches and other wireless-enabled connected devices The segment also offers wireline services in the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States through its fiber-optic network, Verizon Fios product portfolio, and copper-based network.
The Business Group segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, including:
FWA broadband Data Video and conferencing Corporate networking Security and managed network Local and long-distance voice Network access services to deliver various IoT services and products to businesses, government customers, and wireless and wireline carriers in the United States and internationally.
$20,000 will purchase 422 shares, which pay $2.83 per year, for a total of $1,195.
Raymond James has an Outperform rating and a $56 price target.
