Anheuser-Busch InBev announced its 4th quarter 2014 results and US sales of Budweiser were down once again with sales-to-retailers down 1.4% for the quarter and down 1.7% for the full year. Bud Light sales-to-retailers were down 1.1% in the 4th quarter and down 1.6% for the full year.
But the largest brewer in the world reported a 7.6% jump in fourth quarter revenue, with per-share earnings for the period rising to $1.54 from $1.46 a year ago. Total volume grew 0.6% in the fourth quarter across the entire AB-InBev portfolio, as growth in northern Latin America, Asia Pacific and Mexico offset declines in the U.S. and Europe. More than 60% of the brand is now sold outside of the US.
Total volumes in the US were up 0.6% for the year, buoyed by new product launches and high end brands such as Shock Top, Goose Island and other craft brands.