AB InBev profits rise thanks to strong sales and SAB integration | Progresiv
Anheuser-Busch InBev has reported robust profits in its full-year financial results for 2017, as sales of its own beer ranges grew and the company saved 1.3 billion dollars in costs thanks to the continuing integration of SAB Miller. 
Overall net revenue rose 5.1% year-on-year to 56.4 billion dollars, as total AB InBev beer sales volumes rose from 500,242 hl in 2016 to 612,572 hl in 2017.
The company recorded full-year operating profits of 22.1 billion dollars – representing a 13.4% rise from last year’s result– which the company attributed to “strong top-line growth” which was enhanced by the integration of SAB Miller.
AB InBev acquired SAB Miller in 2016, and the company said that it expected to record savings of 3.2 billion dollars while SAB Miller was integrated into the business.
Thanks to the 1.3 billion dollars saved this year, the company has now achieved 2.1 billion dollars in total savings since the deal was completed.
Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Carlos Brito said: “2017 was a transformative year for our company.
“We are well on our way to achieving our most successful business integration ever and we delivered the best performance in three years.
“Our reshaped brand portfolio is rising to every occasion to capture future growth.
“The combination with SAB has exceeded our expectations. We have incorporated the best of both companies by bringing together world-class talent, integrating best practices and deepening our understanding of consumers and occasions across all markets.
“Cost synergies are not only greater than originally expected, but they are also being delivered at a faster pace.
“Revenue synergies, although not externally quantified, are well underway through the successful launch of our global brands into new territories, among other activities.” (www.foodbev.com)
