AB InBev Q2 Net Profit Rises to $1.68B Despite China, Brazil Volume Drag; Shares Fall Most Since COVID

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world's largest brewer, reported second-quarter results showing a net profit of $1.68 billion, up from $1.47 billion in the same period last year. Adjusted profit increased to $1.95 billion, while EBITDA rose 6.5% to $5.3 billion. Despite these earnings beats, the company experienced a 1.9% decline in global beer volumes, driven by reduced consumption in key markets such as China and Brazil amid weakening consumer spending. AB InBev projects full-year EBITDA growth between 4% and 8%. However, the volume shortfall led to a sharp sell-off in AB InBev shares, marking the stock's worst daily decline since the COVID-19 pandemic began.