Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV BUD, alias AB InBev, is expanding its zero-alcohol beer portfolio as consumer preferences shift toward balanced choices and more mindful drinking occasions. The company’s no-alcohol beer revenues increased 27% in the second quarter of 2026, highlighting growing demand for alternatives that offer the taste and experience of beer with lower alcohol content. The company’s Balanced Choices portfolio, which includes low-carb, low-calorie, sugar-free, gluten-free and no-alcohol offerings, delivered 13% revenue growth during the quarter, with no-alcohol beer leading performance.
AB InBev’s strategy focuses on providing consumers with more options across occasions while strengthening its leadership in emerging beverage segments. The company noted that its no-alcohol beer portfolio gained share and reinforced its leadership position in the category by value, according to Nielsen. In the United States, AB InBev remained the leader in no-alcohol beer, with its portfolio gaining share and revenue growing in the mid-thirties, led by Michelob Ultra Zero.
The momentum is also visible across international markets. In Mexico, AB InBev strengthened its position in no-alcohol beer, with its portfolio growing volume at a high-thirties rate, supported by Modelo Cero and the launch of Michelob Ultra Zero. In Brazil, the company highlighted Balanced Choices as a key growth area, with its no-alcohol beer portfolio volumes growing in the low-thirties.
As health-conscious consumers increasingly seek moderation without compromising on brand experience, AB InBev’s zero-alcohol innovations could help broaden its consumer base. By combining established brands with evolving product choices, the company aims to capture new occasions and strengthen long-term category growth.
BUD’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
AB InBev’s shares have rallied 24.8% in the past year compared with the industry’s 12.3% growth.
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From a valuation standpoint, BUD trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.53X compared with the industry’s average of 14.18X.
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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BUD’s 2026 and 2027 earnings per share (EPS) indicates year-over-year growth of 17.7% and 12.3%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have moved up by a penny in the past seven days. AB InBev currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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Stocks to Consider in the Consumer Staples Space
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. CHEF, which is a distributor of specialty food products in the United States, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chefs' Warehouse's current financial-year sales and EPS indicates growth of 10.7% and 33.7%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 30.4%, on average.
Diageo Plc DEO is a global beverage alcohol company operating in approximately 180 countries. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Diageo’s current financial-year EPS is expected to rise 2.1% from the year-ago reported figure.
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. LW is a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of value-added frozen potato products, particularly French fries, and also provides a range of appetizers. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Lamb Weston’s current financial-year EPS indicates growth of 1.7% from the year-ago number. LW delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 24.6%, on average.
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Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD): Free Stock Analysis Report
Diageo plc (DEO): Free Stock Analysis Report
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).