APAC Volume Returned to Growth
Total Bud APAC volumes increased by 0.1% in Q1 2026, marking a return to positive growth after multiple quarters of decline.
Strong Performance in India
India delivered strong double-digit volume and revenue growth, gained total market share, and drove premium and super-premium portfolio expansion; states' tax moderation (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka) improved beer competitiveness vs. hard liquor.
Improving Trends in China
China volume decline narrowed quarter-over-quarter with volumes down 1.5% in Q1 2026 (improving sequentially). Management reported progress expanding in-home distribution and growing premium brand distribution.
O2O and Emerging Channel Growth
Online-to-offline (O2O) channel in China grew strong double digits in Q1, supporting premiumization and in-home route-to-market expansion.
Product and Marketing Initiatives
Accelerated national expansion of Budweiser Magnum (nationwide campaign with Erling Haaland / FIFA World Cup platform) and launched Harbin 1900 targeting the Core++ (RMB 8–10) segment—examples of targeted product innovation and marketing investment.
New CFO and Clear Strategic Priorities
Appointed Bernardo Novick (effective April 1); CFO priorities: 1) growth (stabilize China volumes), 2) improved execution (route-to-market, in-home), 3) value creation (cost control, unit-economics).
Unit Cost Improvement
Cost per hectoliter decreased by 0.8% in Q1 2026, driven by efficiency improvements, partially offset by commodity headwinds.
Consistent Capital Allocation and Dividend Track Record
Management reiterated the capital allocation hierarchy—invest in business first, then M&A, then shareholder returns—and highlighted consistent dividend actions including a $750 million dividend for 2025 and prior dividends (~USD 0.0566 per share historically).