AB InBev has solid Q1; looks to list Asia stake | Progresiv
Anheuser-Busch InBev has reported a sold rise in profits and sales for its fiscal first quarter, even as it confirmed reports that it was considering listing a minority stake in its Asian operations. 
The world’s largest brewer saw its first-quarter revenues grow by 5.9% to 13.1 billion dollars, with adjusted operating profit up 8.2% to 3.96 billion dollars, and underlying net profit up 7.2% to 1.69 billion dollars.
Overall volumes were up 1.3%, with beer volumes growing by 1% and non-beer volumes rising by 4.9%.
The results were boosted by improved results in the US, where its market share dipped by just 10bps, marking its best performance in more than six years. Meanwhile, volumes rose by a double-digit percentage in Brazil, its second-largest market.
AB InBev said it is exploring options to list a minority stake of its Asian operations, as it looks to lower its 100 billion dollars + debt levels. It stressed that any final decision would depend on several factors, but noted that “our superior portfolio of brands and leadership position in the beer industry provide an attractive platform for potential M&A in the region”. (www.kamcity.com)
