Anheuser-Busch, the world's second-largest brewer, on Wednesday posted sales of $4.52 billion for the second quarter--up 6.1%. Net income was up also 6.1%, to $677 million, exceeding estimates.
Driven by the July Fourth holiday demand for Bud Light, shipments rose 2.3%, the company said. It also distributed more Beck's, Bass and other InBev imports.
A-B raised prices 3.1%
to cover higher costs for aluminum and fuel, and expects to increase them again in the fourth quarter and early 2008.
U.S. market share fell 0.1 point to 48.8% as the company faced increased
competition from SABMiller Plc and Molson Coors Brewing Co.