Top brewer AB InBev delivers big beat to Q1 profit, sales forecasts
05/05/2026 06:00
By Emma Rumney LONDON, May 5 (Reuters) - Belgian beer maker Anheuser-Busch InBev ABI.BR reported a 5.3% organic rise in first-quarter operating profit on Tuesday, well ahead of analyst expectations for 2.6% growth, with sales also higher than forecast. The world's most valuable beer maker has said it can outperform rivals like Heineken HEIN.AS and Carlsberg CARLb.CO in 2026, even as demand for beer slips. The company said its top global brands, including Corona and Stella Artois, helped drive its performance, as did non-alcoholic beer and its unit housing non-beer labels like fast-growing canned cocktail brand Cutwater. (Reporting by Emma Rumney; Editing by Tom Hogue) ((Email: emma.rumney@thomsonreuters.com; Phone: +44 7391 409 253))