AB InBev Posts Strong Q2 Earnings as Global Sporting Events Boost Beer Sales

The world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), posted stronger-than-expected second-quarter results as major sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the French Open, and the Wimbledon Championships, boosted beer sales, George Glover reported for Barron's Daily.

AB InBev's flagship beer brands benefited from higher consumer demand during major international sporting events.

The brewer, maker of Bud Light, reported underlying earnings of US$1.21 per share, while revenue increased 5.6 percent year over year to US$16.66 billion. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had expected earnings of US$1.11 per share on revenue of US$16.40 billion.

Beer sales volume rose 1.1 percent from a year earlier.

The company said the FIFA World Cup helped drive higher sales of Michelob Ultra, while other flagship brands also benefited from increased consumer demand during the French Open and Wimbledon tennis tournaments.

"Cheers to beer—our performance this quarter reflects the strength of the beer category and the consistent execution of our strategy," Chief Executive Officer Michel Doukeris said.

AB InBev's American depositary receipts (ADRs) had gained 33 percent for the year through Wednesday's close, supported by higher beer volumes that eased investor concerns about declining alcohol consumption among younger consumers.

The company maintained its full-year guidance, forecasting earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) growth of 4 percent to 8 percent.