Q3 2025 Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Earnings Call

Speaker #3: Welcome to AB InBev . S third quarter 2020 earnings Conference Call and Webcast . Hosting the call today from AB InBev are Mr. Michel Doukeris , Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Fernando Tennenbaum , chief Financial officer .

Speaker #3: To access the slides accompanying today's call , please visit AB Inbev's website at WW . And click on the investors tab and the reports and Results Center page .

Operator: At this time, all participants have been placed in a listen only mode and the floor will be open for your questions following the presentation. If you would like to ask a question at that time, please press Star one on your touchtone phone. If at any point your question has been answered, you may remove yourself from the queue by pressing 2. If you should require operator assistance, please press 0. Some of the information provided during the conference call may contain statements of future expectations and other forward looking statements. These expectations are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. It is possible that AB InBev's actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward looking statements.

Operator: For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect AB InBev's future results, see Risk Factors in the company's latest annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2025. AB InBev assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking information provided during the conference call and shall not be liable for any action taken in reliance upon such information. It is now my pleasure to turn the floor over to Mr. Michel Doukeris. Sir, you may begin.

Michel Doukeris: Thank you and welcome everyone to our third quarter 2025 earnings call. It is great pleasure to be speaking with you all today. Today Fernando and I will take you through our operating highlights and provide you with an update on the progress we have made in executing our strategic priorities this quarter. After that we'll be happy to answer your questions. Let's start with the key highlights. In the third quarter we continue to navigate a dynamic operating environment with headwinds in China and unseasonable weather in the Americas, particularly in Brazil, constraining our results. After a slow start to the quarter in July and August, we saw improved performance in September. We remained focused on the consistent execution of our strategy and adapted where required. We maintained our disciplined revenue management plan and continue to deliver on our productivity initiatives.

Michel Doukeris: Consistent investments in our brands and innovations drove increased portfolio brand power and continued market share gains in key markets. Despite the challenging environment, we delivered another quarter of top and bottom line growth, margin expansion and U.S. dollar EPS growth. Our growth platforms of premium beer, non alcohol beer and beyond beer continue to outperform and the quarterly gross merchandising value of BEES Marketplace has reached nearly $1 billion. In the U.S. our portfolio is continuing to build momentum and gain share of the industry led by Michelob ULTRA, which is now the number one brand in the industry by volume year to date. Our solid financial results in the first nine months of the year reinforce our confidence in delivering our outlook for the year, given our deleveraging progress and strong free cash flow generation.

Michel Doukeris: The Board has approved a $6 billion share buyback program to be executed within the next 24 months as well as an interim dividend of $0.15 per share. We also continue to proactively manage our debt portfolio and have announced the redemption of $2 billion of outstanding bonds. In summary, we are confident in the resilience of our strategy and ability to deliver consistent results. We are investing to provide superior value to our consumers and we are winning in key markets and growth segments. We are taking action where adjustments are required and are excited about the opportunities ahead to drive shareholder value creation through profitable growth and disciplined capital allocation decisions. Turning to our operating performance, while overall volumes were below potential, we grew revenue in 70% of our markets.

Turn into our operating performance.

Michel Doukeris: The combination of our disciplined revenue management choices and portfolio of mega brands that command a premium price drove a revenue per hectoliter increase of 4.8%, resulting in top line growth of 0.9%. Our productivity initiatives more than offset transactional FX headwinds to drive an EBITDA increase of 3.3% with margin expansion of 85 bps. The strength of our diversified geographic footprint enables us to navigate the current environment and deliver profitable growth in the long term. Revenue increased in 70% of our markets this quarter, and we delivered bottom line growth in four of our five operating regions. Now I'll take a few minutes to walk you through the operational highlights for the quarter from our key regions, starting with North America. In the U.S., the momentum of our portfolio continued, and we are increasing investments in our brands to fuel growth in beyond beer.

While overall volumes were below potential, we grew Revenue in 70 for our markets.

The combination of our discipline Revenue management choices and portfolio of Mega brands that command the premium price.

Drove our Revenue per to liter increase of 4.8%, resulting in Topline, growth of 0.9%.

our productivity initiatives more than offset transactional effects, headwinds to drive any bit, increase of 3.3% with margin expansion of 85 bits,

The strength of our Diversified Geographic footprint, enables us to navigate the current environment and deliver profitable growth in the long term.

Revenue increases in 70% of our markets, this quarter and we delivered bottom line growth in 4 of our 5 operating regions.

Our key regions are starting with North America.

Michel Doukeris: Our portfolio growth accelerated with a revenue increase in the mid-40s, led by Cutwater, which grew revenue in the triple digits. Cutwater is now one of the top 10 largest spirits brands in the U.S. and was the number one share gainer brand in the total spirits industry in August and September. In beer, our market share momentum was led by Michelob ULTRA, the number one volume share gainer in the industry and now the largest brand year to date in both on and off premise channels. ULTRA has gained market share in all 50 states this quarter. The brand has 16% share of the industry in its top state and 8% average share nationally, but has less than 6% share of the industry in 20 states, so there remains a significant opportunity for further expansion and growth.

In the US, the momentum of our portfolio continued and we are increasing investments in Our Brands to fuel growth.

In Beyond beer, our portfolio growth accelerated with a revenue increase in the mid 40s led by cutwater, which grew Revenue in the triple digits.

Cut water is now 1 of the top 10, largest Spirits brands in the US and was the number 1 share, Gainer brand in the total Spirits industry in August and September.

And in beer, our market share momentum was led by Michela BTR.

The number 1 volume share gainer in the industry and now the largest brand year to date in both on and off premise channels.

Ultra has gained market share in all 50 states this quarter.

The brand has 16% share of the industry in its top state.

And 8% average share nationally, but has less than 6% share of the industry in 20 States.

Michel Doukeris: Michelob ULTRA Zero was launched early this year and is already the second largest non-alcohol beer brand and the number one fastest growing non-alcohol beer in the industry. ULTRA is the superior light beer made for those who seek an active lifestyle and balanced choices. Now let's turn to Middle Americas. In Mexico, our revenue continued to grow, driven by disciplined revenue management choices. The industry was, however, impacted by a softer consumer environment and unseasonable weather, which resulted in our volumes declining by low single digits. With improved weather and consumer sentiment, our volumes improved sequentially throughout the quarter, gaining share and returning to growth in August and September. In Colombia, record high volumes drove low teens top line and mid single digits bottom line growth with our portfolio estimated to have gained share of total alcohol beverages.

So that remains a significant opportunity for further expansion and growth.

Michel, both zero was launched early this year and is already the second largest non-alcohol, beer brand. And the number 1 fastest growing on alcohol beer in the industry.

Ultra is the superior light beer made for those who seek an active lifestyle and balanced choices.

Now, let's turn to Middle Americas.

In Mexico, our revenue continues to grow, driven by discipline and revenue management choices.

The industry was however, impacted by a softer consumer environment and unseasonable weather, which resulted in our volumes declining by low single digits.

We've improved weather and consumer sentiment. Our volumes improved sequentially throughout the quarter, gaining share and returning to growth in August and September.

Michel Doukeris: In Brazil, market share gain and disciplined revenue and cost management offset a soft industry to deliver flat EBITDA. With margin expansion, our revenue declined by 1.9% driven by volume performance which was negatively impacted by unseasonable weather and a softer consumer environment. When we look at our performance across both South America and Middle Americas, it is clear that the industry has been impacted by a combination of cyclical and one-off factors this quarter. Cyclical factors include inflationary pressures and low consumer sentiment which have impacted demand not only for beer but all consumer categories to different degrees. What has perhaps been more acute for beer than other categories has been the unseasonable weather.

In Columbia record, high volumes drove low things. Stop line and meet single digits. Bottom line growth with our portfolio is estimated to have gained share of total alcohol beverages.

In Brazil market, share gain and discipline revenue and cost management. Offset a softie industry to deliver flatty data with margin expansion.

Our Revenue declined, by 1.9% driven by volume performance, which was negatively impacted by unseasonable weather and a softer consumer environment.

When we look at our performance across both South America and Middle America, it is clear that the industry has been impacted by a combination of cyclical and 1, not factors this quarter.

Cyclical factors include inflationary pressures and low consumer sentiment which have impacted demand not only for beer, but all consumer categories to different degrees.

Michel Doukeris: Latin America accounts for 20% of the global beer volume which is typically 1.5 to 2 times the weight of other categories in the consumer goods area, and the region is even more relevant for our business while we are managing through the short term headwinds. When we look ahead at the outlook for the category, the fundamental drivers are unchanged and we see clear potential for industry volume growth as conditions normalize as evidenced by Mexico where our volumes returned to growth in August and September. In Europe, continued market share gains and premiumization drove flattish volumes and margin recovery. We gained share of the industry in five of our six key markets with our performance driven by our mega brands and non-alcohol beer. In South Africa, the underlying momentum of our business continued, maintaining share of beer and gaining share of beyond beer.

What has perhaps been more acute for beer than other categories has been, then seasonable weather.

Latin America accounts for 20% of the global Beer volume.

Which is typically 1.5 to 2 times. The weight of other categories in the consumer goods area.

In the region is even more relevant for our business.

Why we are managing through this short-term headwinds? When we look ahead at the outlook for the category, the fundamental drivers are unchanged and we see clear potential for industry, volume growth as conditions normalize.

As evidenced by Mexico where our volumes return to growth in August and September.

In Europe, continued, the market share gains and premiumization drove. Flattish. Volumes in margin recovery.

We gained share of the industry in 5 of our 6, key markets, with our performance driven by our Mega Brands and non-alcohol beer.

Michel Doukeris: Top line grew by mid single digits and EBITDA grew by high single digits with margin expansion. Now moving to APAC, in China, revenue declined by 15.2% with our volumes underperforming the industry. While the overall industry has been impacted by a soft consumer environment which has been even more pronounced in our footprint and key channels, we recognize that we have opportunities to enhance our execution and route to market to better align our results with our capabilities. We are a company of owners who strive for operational excellence. We have been working in China to right size inventories in line with the channel shifts, allocate resources towards areas of growth, and elevate our execution. We have a clear view of where to improve, and as we move forward, our priority is to reignite growth and rebuild our momentum.

In South Africa. The underlying momentum of our business content maintaining share of beer and gaining share of Beyond beer.

Topline grew by mid single digits and a beer Group by high single digits with margin expansion.

Now, moving to a pack.

In China Revenue declined by 15.2% with our volumes underperforming in the industry.

we recognize that we have opportunities to enhance our execution, and route to Market to better, align our results with our capabilities

We are a company of owners who strive for operational excellence.

We have been working China to rightsize inventories in line with the shadow shifts. Allocate resources towards areas of growth and Elevate our execution.

Michel Doukeris: To achieve this, we are focused on increasing investments in our mega brands, leading innovation within the industry across packaging and liquids, and strengthening our route to market in the in-home channels. With an increased focus on online to offline, continuing our geographic expansion, and rebuilding our excellence in execution, we are moving with speed to ensure that our business emerges stronger and investing to be better positioned to outperform in the long term. Now let's take a look at the key highlights of our three strategic pillars, starting with leading and growing the category. Our mega brands continue to lead our growth with net revenue increasing by 3%. Corona continues to drive premiumization across our markets, growing revenue by 6.3% outside of Mexico and growing volumes by double digits in 33 markets.

We have a clear view of working proof and as we move forward, our priorities to reignite growth and rebuild our momentum

To achieve this, we are focused on increasing investments in our Mega Brands leading Innovation within the industry, across packaging and liquids.

Is strengthening our road to Market in the in-home Channels with an increased focus on online to offline.

Continuing our Geographic expansion and rebuilding our excellence in execution.

We are moving with a speed to ensure that our business emerges stronger and investing to be better, positioned to outperform in the long term.

Now, let's take a look at the key highlights of our 3, strategic pillars, starting with leading and growing the category.

Our Mega Brands continue to lead our growth with net revenue, increasing by 3%.

Michel Doukeris: Through the consistent execution of our category expansion levers, we aim to increase participation across our markets by offering superior core brands, innovating in balanced choices to provide consumers with no and low alcohol, low carb, zero sugar, and gluten free options, and expanding our premium and beyond beer portfolios. On a rolling 12 months, participation of legal drinking age consumers within our portfolio was stable in non alcohol beer. Our portfolio momentum continued with net revenue growing by 27%, led by the growth of Corona Cero. We are now leaders in eight of our top 14 non alcohol beer markets and estimate to have gained share in 70% of them. Non alcohol beer is a key opportunity to develop new consumption occasions and increase participation, and we are investing and innovating to lead the growth.

Corona continues to drive premiumization across our markets, growing revenue by 6.3% outside of Mexico and growing volumes by double digits in 33 markets.

Through the consistent. Execution of our category expansion levels, we aim to increase participation across our markets.

By offering Superior car brands.

Innovating in balanced choices to provide consumers with no and low alcohol, low carb, zero sugar, and gluten-free options.

And expanding our premium and Beyond, beer portfolios.

On the rolling. 12 months participation of legal drinking age consumers within your portfolio was stable.

In no alcohol beer. Our portfolio momentum contained.

With natural Revenue growing by 27% led by the growth of Corona zero.

We are now leaders in 8 of our top 14, non alcoholic beer, markets, an estimate to have gained share in 70% of them.

Michel Doukeris: This quarter, we announced a partnership with Netflix, which is the world's most popular streaming service. They are creating content that shapes culture, and watching Netflix has become a new social occasion. Our iconic brands are part of the fabric of society in the markets in which we operate, and it is a perfect pairing to bring together beer and entertainment in this unprecedented way. What makes our partnership with Netflix unique is its global reach and scale of activations across our portfolio of brands. Consumers will see this come to life through co-marketing campaigns, activations, title integration, limited edition packaging, and even at live events. What we are most excited about is how this partnership will create more meaningful experiences for consumers across their passion points, including comedy, music, cooking, and live sport events.

No alcohol. Beer is a key opportunity to develop new consumption, occasions and increase participation. And we are investing in innovating to lead the growth.

This quarter, we announced the partnership with Netflix, which is the world's most popular streaming service.

They are creating content that shapes culture and watching Netflix has become a new social occasion.

Our economic brands are part of the fabric of society in the markets in which we operate and it is perfect pairing to bring together beer and entertainment in this unprecedented way.

What makes our partnership with Netflix unique is its Global reach and scale of activations across our portfolio of brands.

consumers, we see this come to life through marketing campaigns activations, title integration, limited edition, packaging and even at Live Events,

Michel Doukeris: The beer and beyond beer category remains vibrant, and we are leading innovation to address emerging consumer needs, providing choice and superior value in different occasions and balanced choices. We are innovating liquids to provide consumers with different options to meet different lifestyles. From the rollout of Stella Gluten Free in Brazil to Harbin Zero Sugar in China to Michelob ULTRA Zero in the U.S. and Cass 4.0 in South Korea, we are leading the category in liquid innovation. In beyond beer, Cutwater continues to expand, growing volumes by triple digits, approaching half a billion dollars in annualized retail sales, and is now a top 10 spirits brand in the U.S. After a successful rollout in Africa, our flavored beer Flying Fish is now expanding to Europe and the Americas in adjacent beverage categories.

But what we are most excited about is how this partnership creates more meaningful experiences for consumers across their passion points, including comedy, music, cooking, and live sports events.

The beer and beyond beer category remains vibrant, and we are leading innovation to address emerging consumer needs by providing choice and superior value for different occasions.

In balanced choices. We are innovating in liquids to provide consumers with different options to meet different lifestyles.

From the rollout of Stella gluten-free in Brazil to Harbinger zero sugar in China to make a low of ultra here in the US.

And cast, 40 in South Korea. We are leading the category in liquid, innovation.

in Beyond beer, cut water continues to expand growing volumes by triple digits approaching half billion dollars in analyzed, retail sales and is now a top 10 Spirits brand in the US

Africa, our flavored beer flying fish is now expanding to Europe and the Americas.

Michel Doukeris: We are taking the learnings from developing a number of successful brands in the energy drink space in the U.S. and have launched Form Energy to participate directly in this segment. Let's now turn to our second strategic pillar, digitize and monetize our ecosystem. In the second quarter, this captured $13.3 billion in gross merchandising value, an 11% increase versus last year. The growth of this marketplace accelerated with more than 500 partners on the platform quarterly. Gross merchandising value increased by 66% versus last year and is now approaching $1 billion. In D2C, our digital platforms continue to enable a one-to-one connection with our consumers and help us in developing new occasions. Our digital platforms generated $138 million in revenue, serving 11.9 million consumers and generating close to 18 million orders online.

In adjacent beverage categories, we are taking the learnings from developing a number of successful brands in the energy, drink space in the US and have launched form energy to participate directly in this segment.

Let's now turn to our second strategic pillar, digitized and monetize our ecosystem.

In the second part, this captured 13.3 billion dollars in Gross merchandise, in value and 11% increase versus last year.

The growth of this Marketplace accelerated.

With more than 500. Partners on the platform quarterly genev increased by 66% versus last year, and now approaching 1 billion dollars.

And indeed to see our digital platforms, continue to enable a 1-to-1 connection with our consumers and help us in developing new occasions.

Our digital platforms generated 138 million dollars in Revenue.

Michel Doukeris: With that, I would like to hand it over to Fernando to discuss the third pillar of our strategy, optimize our business.

Serving 11.9 million consumers and generating closed trading million orders online.

Fernando Tennenbaum: Thank you, Michel. Good morning. Good afternoon, everyone. I will take a few minutes to discuss the progress we have made in optimizing our business. Our EBITDA margins improved by 85 basis points this quarter, with expansion in four of our five operating regions. We know that each quarter will be different, but we are confident that the combination of our leadership advantages, disciplined revenue management, continued premiumization, and efficient operating model create an opportunity for further margin expansion over time. Moving on to EPS, we delivered underlying EPS of $0.99 per share, a 1% increase in U.S. dollars and a 0.3% increase in constant currency versus last year. EBITDA growth accounted for a $0.09 per share increase, partially offset by higher other financial results, which increased due to a higher cost of FX movements and cost of hedging.

With that, I would like to hand it over to Fernando to discuss the third pillar of our strategy optimize our business.

Thank you, Michelle.

Good morning. Good afternoon, everyone.

I will take a few minutes to discuss the progress. We have made in optimizing our business.

Margins improved by 85 basis points. This quarter with expansion in 4 of our 5 operating regions.

We know that each quarter will be different but we are confident that the combination of our

leadership advantages.

Discipline, Revenue management.

Continued premiumization and efficient operating model.

Create an opportunity for further margin expansion over time.

Moving on to eps.

We delivered underlying EPS of 99 cents per share.

A 1% increase in US dollars.

And a 0.3% increase in constant currency versus last year.

A bit of growth accounted for a 9 cents per share increase.

Partially offset by higher other, Financial results.

Which increased due to a higher cost of effects movements and cost of hedging.

Fernando Tennenbaum: The objective of our capital allocation framework is to maximize value creation for our shareholders. Given the progress we have made on our deleveraging and our solid year-to-date financial results, we have increased flexibility on our capital allocation choices. We remain confident in the long-term growth and value of our business and have announced today a new $6 billion share buyback program to be executed within the next 24 months. In addition, we have announced an interim dividend of €0.15 per share, our first interim dividend since 2019. We also continue to proactively manage our debt portfolio and have announced a bond redemption of $2 billion. Our bond portfolio remains well distributed with no relevant near and medium-term refinancing needs. Upon completion of the bond redemption announced today, we will have no bonds maturing through 2026, and we have no financial covenants.

The objective of our Capital allocation framework is to maximize value creation for our shareholders.

Given the progress we have made on our the leveraging and our solid, year-to-date Financial results.

We have increased flexibility on our capital allocation choices.

We remain confident in the long-term growth and value of our business and have an answer today. A new 6 billion shared by back program to be executed within the next 24 months.

In addition, we have announced an interim dividend of 15, Euro cents per share. Our first interim, dividend since 2019.

We also continue to proactively manage our debt portfolio.

And have announced a bond Redemption of 2 billion dollars.

Our bond portfolio remain well distributed with no relevant near and medium-term refinancing it.

Upon completion of the bond Redemption announced today.

We will have no bonds, maturing through 2026, and we have no Financial costs.

Fernando Tennenbaum: Our results in the first nine months of the year, the resilience of our strategy, and the strength of our mega brands all reinforce our confidence in our ability to deliver on our 2025 outlook of 4% to 8% EBITDA growth. With that, I would like to hand it back to Michel for some final comments.

Our results in the first 9 months of the year.

The resilience of our strategic.

And the strength of our Mega Brands, all reinforce our confidence in our ability to deliver on our 2025 Outlook of 4 to 8% a bit. The growth

Michel Doukeris: Thanks, Fernando. Before opening for Q&A, I would like to take a moment to recap on our performance year to date. We are encouraged by our results for the first nine months of the year as we delivered EBITDA growth at the midpoint of our outlook range. Underlying P's increased by mid single digits in U.S. dollar and by 12% in constant currency. While our volume performance has been below potential due to a combination of cyclical and short term factors, we remain confident in the long term fundamentals of our business with strong free cash flow generation. We have increased capital allocation flexibility and announced a $6 billion share buyback program, an interim dividend of $0.15 and a bond redemption of $2 billion.

with that, I would like to hand it back to Michelle for some final quotes.

Thanks Fernando.

Before the opening for Q&A, I would like to take a moment to recap on our performance here today.

We are encouraged by our results for the first 9 months of the year as we deliver the beta growth and the midpoint of our Outlook range.

% in constant currency.

Why are volume performance has been below potential that your combination of cyclical and short-term factors. We remain confident in the long-term fundamentals of our business.

With strong free, cash flow generation. We have increased Capital location, flexibility and announced a $6 billion shared buy back program.

Michel Doukeris: As Fernando just mentioned, our performance year to date and the strategic choices we have made position us well to deliver on our outlook for the year. Our brands have met consumers in some of the most iconic events in sports and culture this year, creating moments of celebration and cheers. As we look to 2026, there is an incredible opportunity to activate the beer category because next year, on top of our powerful linear plus mega platforms, we have the FIFA World Cup in North America. This iconic event encompasses 104 games across three countries and each game is an opportunity to bring beer and sports together and create unforgettable moments for our consumers. With that, I'll hand it back to the operator for the Q&A.

An interesting dividend of 15% and a bond Redemption of 2 billion dollars.

And as Fernando just mentioned, our performance here today and the strategic choices we have made position us well to deliver on our outlook for the year.

Our Brands have met consumers in some of the most iconic events in sports and culture this year.

Creating moments of Celebration and cheers.

But as we look to 2026 there is an incredible opportunity to activate the beer category. Because next year, on top of our powerful lineup of Mega platforms. We have the FIFA World Cup in North America.

this iconic event encompasses 104 games, across 3 countries in each game is an opportunity to bring beer and sports together and create and forgettable moments for our consumers,

With that, I'll hand it back to the operator for the Q&A.

Operator: Thank you. The floor is now open for questions. In the interest of time, we will limit participants to one question and one follow-up question. If you have a question or comment, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad. If at any point your question has been answered, you may remove yourself from the queue by pressing star 2. We do ask that while you pose your question, you pick up your handset to provide optimal sound quality. Our first questions come from the line of Edward Mundy with Jefferies. Please proceed with your questions.

Thank you. The floor is now open for questions. In the interest of time. We will limit participants to 1 question and 1. Follow-up question again, if you have a question or a comment, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad.

If at any point, your question has been answered, you may be removed yourself from the queue, by pressing star 2.

We do ask that while you pose your question, you pick up your handset and provide optimal sound quality.

[Analyst]: Morning Michel. Morning Fernando. Two questions for me please. The first is around the board's thinking around the shift to a two-year buyback program of $6 billion. Given the balance sheet repair, is it to signal clearer capital allocation priorities from here? Is there also a practical reason insofar as it gives you a little bit more flexibility in the pace of buybacks given that historically you've tended to get your buybacks done ahead of schedule? That is my first question. My second question is around the broader category, the broader beer category, and one of your peers recently highlighted a medium-term outlook for global beer of about 1% volumes. Putting the external environment to one side, how important is it that the rate of pricing required across the broader industry could start to moderate after the huge extremes over the last few years given inflation and negative transaction?

Our first question is come from the line of Edward Mundy with Jeffrey's please proceed with your questions.

Uh morning uh Michelle morning Funday so uh 2 questions for me, please. Uh the first is around. Um the board's thinking around the shift to a 2 year, uh, buyback program of 6 billion,

And given the balance sheet repair, is it to Signal clearer Capital, allocation priorities from here, or is there also a practical reason in so far as it gives you a little bit more flexibility, um, in the pace of BuyBacks. Given that historically, you've tend to get your BuyBacks done. Ahead of schedule is my first question. Um and then my second question is around the broader category the broader bear category and 1 of your peers recently highlighted a medium-term outlook for global Beer of about 1% volumes and in putting the external environment to 1 side

[Analyst]: How important is it that the pricing going forward might become less meaningful in helping to stimulate volume growth?

How important is it that the rate of pricing required across the broader industry? You know, could start to moderate after the huge extremes over the last few years given inflation and negative transaction. Uh, how important is it that? Um, the pricing going forward, you know, might become, um, you know, less meaningful um, in helping to stimulate volume growth.

Fernando Tennenbaum: Hi Ed, Fernando here. Let me take the first question and then I'll transition to Michel. When we talk about capital allocation, I think it's always important to put in context that the objective of the capital allocation is to create long term shareholder value. The framework is unchanged and remains very disciplined within our choices. What is evolving is that now that we have improved balance sheets, we have increased flexibility and what you see is that we are exercising some flexibility. The share buyback itself, it's an effective use of capital for shareholder value creation. If you think about it as we move from an inorganic to inorganic transition, the first thing that was important for us was to give a framework so people understand the sort of growth that we can deliver. That's the medium term outlook that we provided four years ago.

Here, let me take the first question and then I'll, I'll transition to to Michelle.

When we talk about Capital location, I think is always important to put in context that the objective of the capital location is to create long-term shareholder value. Uh, the framework is unchanged it and we remain very disciplined within our choices.

What is evolving is that?

Now that we have aImproved balance sheet, we have increased flexibility. What you see is that we are exercising some of that flexibility.

Fernando Tennenbaum: If you look at what we did in the beginning of this year, we provide a framework with the ambition for a progressive dividend. I think now with the share buyback it's just another natural evolution on that, a two year share buyback of $6 billion. That should not be seen on a standalone. It's the share buyback. It's also the interim dividend which consistently for ambition of progressive dividend over time and also the debt reduction that we announced, which is consistent with our capital allocation priorities, much more of an evolution and kind of the consequence of the additional flexibility that we have nowadays.

So the shared by back in itself, it's an an effective use of capital for shareholder value creation. Uh, if you, if you, if you think about it as we move it from an inorganic to inorganic transition, I think the first thing that was important for us was to give a framework. So people understand this sort of growth that we can deliver. That's the medium-term Outlook that we provided 4 years ago. Then if you look at what we did in the beginning of this year, we provide a

Mortgage the ambition for a progressive dividend.

Michel Doukeris: Michelle, good morning. Thanks for the question. I think that just building on the share buyback point, I think that there is a lot of consistency on the capital allocation choices and this, of course, that is the return to shareholders, the debt, but that is the number one priority that we have, which is organic growth. We'll continue to invest for this number one priority, which is drive the category and the company forward in an organic basis. In terms of the category overall, I think that we shared with you during the capital markets day the view that we have around the category and the potential that we see for future growth coming from structural tailwinds related to economic growth, demographics, and where this growth most likely will come from developing and emerging markets where we have a strong footprint, strong growth to market, and scale.

And I think now with the share buyback is just another Natural Evolution on that. Uh, 2 year share buyback, 6 billion dollars. Uh, but that should not be seen on a standalone. It's the share buyback. It's also the entering dividend which consistently for ambition of progressive deal and over time. And also that that reduction that we announced uh which consistent with our Capital location priorities. So much more of an evolution uh and then and kind of uh the consequence of the additional flexibility that we have nowadays.

Michelle.

Good morning. Thanks for the question.

That just building on the share buyback point. I think that there is a lot of consistency on the capital location choices. And this, of course, that is the return to shareholders the that. But there is the number 1 priority that we have, which is organic growth. And we continue to invest for this number 1 priority, which is Drive the category, uh, and the company forward in organic basis. In terms of the category of overall. I think that we we shared with you during the capital markets day, The View that we have around the category and the potential that we see for future growth coming from structural payo wings, uh, related to economic growth demographics. And where this growth most likely will come from, uh, developing and Emerging Markets.

Michel Doukeris: Therefore, we are in the same line where the full potential of the category today would be around 1% growth in normal conditions. The more we increase the addressable market with this beyond beer propositions, there are opportunities for us to further stretch this growth, right? Looking at the short term, I think that we see this Latin America impact on the beer category overall. Latin America is very important for CPGs but is much more important for the beer category to the range of almost twice the size that it represents for beer versus other CPGs. We saw some pressure across CPGs overall in Latin America, but this is more impactful for beer and even more for us because Latin America is much bigger for us than it is for beer overall and for other CPGs.

Where we have a strong footprint, a strong growth to Market and a scale. Therefore, we are in the same line where the full potential of the category today, uh, would be around 1% growth in normal conditions, and the more we increase the addressable Market with this Beyond beer, propositions that are opportunities for her for us to further stretch this growth, right? Uh, looking at the short term, I think that we see

This Latin America impact on the beer category overall, so Latin America is very important for cpgs.

But is much more important for the beer category to the range of almost twice the size uh, that is represents for beer versus other cpgs.

We saw some pressure across cpgs overall in Latin America but this is more impactful for beer.

Michel Doukeris: When you think about price, I think that there are two components on that. One is that beer is an affordable category and affordability is very important for beer. After three, four years of high cost pressure, high inflation for us and for consumers in general, of course, we had to be very disciplined in revenue management and to recover our margins, as, of course, you just saw during the webcast, to continue to recover our margins over time because of revenue, but also cost discipline. As we look forward, inflation is normalized, coming down, so we would expect less pressure on the prices coming from inflation.

and even more for a because Latin America is much bigger for us than it is for beer, overall, and for other cpgs, and when you think about price, so there are I think that

2 components on that 1 is that beer is an affordable category and affordability is very important for beer and after 3, 4 years of high cost pressure high inflation for us. And for consumers, in general, of course, we had to be very disciplined in Revenue management and to recover our margins. As of course, you just saw during the the webcast to continue to recover our margins over time because of Revenue. But also cost discipline.

Michel Doukeris: I'm on the view that we should be very disciplined as category leaders to continue to build over time the capabilities to move prices with inflation so we can continue to recover our margins but also have a good category and ability to deliver on the investments and everything that we want to do for the future and how you do that. You need to balance, as we always do, the affordability with the ability to build brands, because premium brands, they command premium price, use the right revenue management capabilities. A good revenue management strategy needs to deliver, at least with inflation. This is in the long run, because in the long run we need to capture the cost increase and the opportunities that we have to premiumize in the market. Nothing changed on our side there.

And as we look forward, inflation is normalized coming down so we would expect less pressure on the prices coming from inflation. But I'm on The View that we should be very disciplined as category leaders to continue to build over time the capabilities to move prices with inflation. So we can continue to recover our margins but also have a, a good category and ability to uh, deliver on the Investments and everything that we want to do for the future and how you do that. So you need to balance as we always do their affordability with the ability to build Brands because premium Brands they command premium price.

Use the right Revenue, management capabilities. So a good Revenue management is strategy, needs to deliver at least, uh, with inflation. And this is in the long run because in the long run, we need to capture the cost increase and the opportunities that we have to premiumize in the market. So,

Michel Doukeris: I think that what's going to change is a little bit of the environment because inflation is coming down. Therefore, less pressure will hit consumers. Thank you for the question. Thank you.

Nothing changed on our side there. I think that's what's going to change is a little bit of the environment because inflation is coming down. Therefore less pressure will hit consumers.

Thanks for the question.

Operator: Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Mitchell Collett with Deutsche Bank. Please proceed with your questions.

Thank you.

[Analyst]: Thank you. Hi, Michel. Hi, Fernando. I've also got two questions, I think one for each of you. The first one is on longer term volume growth. You cited some of the external factors that have impacted not just this quarter, but overall 2025. How do you think about volume growth longer term for the category, particularly in your footprint? You gave the comment that 2026 offers an incredible opportunity to activate the beer category. Do you think you can get back to volume growth in 2026? My second question, which I think is for Fernando, is can you give us any color at this stage? I know it's early on the potential impact of input costs in 2026. I'm specifically thinking about the impact of FX and the timing of your FX hedges. Thank you.

Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Mitch Colette with Deutsche Bank. Please proceed with your questions.

Thank you. Uh, hi Michelle. Hi Fernando. Uh, I've also got 2 questions, I think 1 for each of you. So the first 1 is on on longer term, volume growth. I mean, you've cited some of the external factors that have impacted, not just this quarter, but but overall 2025. So, how do you think about volume growth longer term for the category, particularly in your footprint? Uh, and you gave the comment that 2026 offers an incredible opportunity to activate the beer category. Do you think you can get back to volume growth?

My second question, which I think is is for Fernando is, can you give us any color at this stage? I know it's early on the, uh, potential.

Impact of input costs in 2026. And I'm specifically thinking about, uh, the impact of of FX and the timing of your FX Hedges. Thank you.

Michel Doukeris: Hi, Mitch. Good morning. I think that you're right, like 2025 is being very typical. That is this combination of the pressure that inflation has been built over consumer and the consumer basket. We see this overall across many markets, reduction on the total basket while beer and alcohol have been maintaining the share of baskets. It's really about a little bit of pressure on consumption. There is this big one-off of this change in the weather pattern because of the La Niña that is impacting the Americas. Some countries such as Brazil were heavily impacted by that. The fundamentals behind the category growth remain the same. As we said before, a lot of this growth, projected to be over 80%, will come from developing and developed markets. Our footprint is very strong in these regions and I see no reason today why this will change over time.

Hi, Mitch morning.

uh,

So I think that's your your your right like 20.

25 is being very typical and that is this.

Combination of the impression, the pressure that inflation has been built over consumer, uh, and the consumer baskets. We see this overall across many markets, uh, reduction on the total basket, while your beer and alcohol, have been maintaining the share of baskets. So it's really about a little bit of pressure on consumption.

Uh there is this big 1 off of this change in the weather pattern because of the lania that is impacting the Americas and some countries such as Brazil were heavily impacted by that.

Michel Doukeris: Next year then becomes a very special year. While you know that we don't guide for volume, we see the outlook as a positive one because less pressure on consumers coming from lower inflation. As salaries rebuild, purchase power rebuilds, prices tend to normalize. Consumers tend to be in a better position. I'm not making any forecast on the consumer sentiment, neither the purchase power for next year. Consumer sentiment is impacting this year and as everybody else, we hope that things will normalize over time. If this bounces back, should be a positive as well. Overall for CPGs, weather, hard to believe that's going to be worse than what we saw this year. The worst-case scenario should be the same, but we think that can be better. We have FIFA.

Uh, but the fundamentals behind the category growth, they remain the same. And as you said before, a lot of this growth projected to be over 80%, will come from developing and developed markets or footprint is very strong these regions. And I see no reason today why this will change over time next year then becomes a very special year and while you know that we don't guide for volume uh we see the Outlook as positive 1 because less pressure on consumers coming from lower inflation.

So, a salaries revealed purchase power rebuilds prices, 10 to normalize. So consumers tend to be in a better position but I'm not making any forecasts on the consumer's sentiment neither the purchase power for next year.

Consumer sentiment is impacting this year and as everybody else, we hope that things will normalize over time. If this bounces back should be a positive as well. Overall for cpgs.

whether uh,

Michel Doukeris: FIFA over time is being 0.2% to 0.25% impact on the category in the years that we have the games. The fact that's going to happen in North America is great for the category because it's going to impact the overall Americas, of course, but then has great viewership time across Europe and Africa and of course in Asia. People always adapt. The nightlife is much stronger as consumer occasion in APAC. I think that's going to be a great year for FIFA. Everybody's very excited. The games will be longer next year because more teams, so more people participating. We can't wait to see the fans across the globe gathering and gathering over a beer to watch for that. Continue to work hard focusing on what we can control. You see that the growth of non-alcohol is a great opportunity for us.

Hard to believe that's going to be worse than what we saw this year and the worst case scenario should be the same, but we think that can be better. And then we have people

FIFA over time is being uh, pointed to.

To point 25, impact on the category. In the years that we have the games, the fact that it's going to happen in North America is great for the category because it's going to impact the overall Americas, of course. But then it has great viewership time across Europe and Africa. And of course, in Asia, people always adapt the 'My life' is much stronger as a consumer occasion in.

Michel Doukeris: Our beyond beer portfolio continues to accelerate and we continue to innovate in the balance choices. We are providing more options for consumers in more occasions. We are doing our part and we are looking forward to see how consumers will react next year.

Fernando Tennenbaum: Thanks for the question and hi Mitch, Fernando here. Your question on COGS. We don't provide any specific guidance on COGS, cost of goods sold. Our hedging policy always hedge 12 months ahead. If you look at where FX is today and what it was one year ago, you can get a good sense on that from where the market is. It's kind of more like a normal year. Once again, I think we said normal year in 2025. I think 2026 is more of a normal year. Different dynamics in different markets. I think next year probably given where you see Midwest premium today, probably a little bit more pressure on the U.S., but this is based on current market prices.

In APAC. So I think that's going to be a great year for FIFA. Everybody's very excited, the games will be longer next year because more teams so more people participating. So we can't wait to see the fans across the globe Gathering and gathering over a beer to watch for that. So continue to work hard focusing on what we can control. You see that the growth of non-alcohol is a great opportunity. For us. Our Beyond beer, portfolio continues to accelerate and we continue to innovate in the balance crisis. So we are providing more options for consumers in more occasions. So we are doing our part and we are looking forward to see how customers will react next.

Last year. Thanks for the question.

And hi, Mitch, Fernando here. So your question on on Cog so we we don't provide any specific guidance on cost of goods. Solds

But uh, you know, our hedging point is to always hedge 12 months ahead. So if you look at the where FX is today and what it was, when year ago uh you can get a good sense on that uh,

Fernando Tennenbaum: They can always move around and FX a little bit the other way around as we saw in 2025. In 2025, we saw more pressure in the first half given the currency behavior in 2024 and more pressure in the second half. I'm sorry, and less pressure in the first half in 2026. Given how things are evolving, if things continue to be the same way, likely to be the other way around. This is basically on current FX. We still have two months to go, but let's keep monitoring that.

2025 2 0 2.

[Analyst]: Very helpful.

Operator: Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Lawrence Wyatt with Barclays. Please proceed with your questions.

Very helpful.

[Analyst]: Afternoon Michel and Fernando, thanks very much for the questions. A couple from me as well, please. Firstly, you kindly gave some information on the exit rate in Mexico suggesting that was improving throughout the quarter. I was wondering if you had a similar view on what was happening in both Brazil and Colombia just to see if we could get a similar consumer improvement in other parts of Latin America. Secondly, perhaps Fernando, historically you would say that going below 2 times net EBITDA was value destructive for AB InBev. Just wondering if you continue to share that view and what steps you could take if that metric were to be getting close to being hit. Thank you.

Thank you. Our next question is from the line of Lawrence Wyatt with Barclays, please proceed with your questions.

Uh afternoon, Michelle and Fernando, thanks so much for the questions a couple from me as well please. Firstly, you kindly gave some information on the X array in Mexico. Suggesting that was improving. Uh, throughout the quarter. I was wondering if, if you had a similar view on what was happening in both Brazil and Colombia just to see if we we're getting a similar consumer Improvement in other parts of Latin America and then secondly perhaps the Fernando historically you would you would say that uh going below 2 times? Net debit dollar was value destructive for ABN. Bev just wondering if you continue to share that view and what steps you could take, if you that metric Worth to be getting close to being hit. Thank you.

Michel Doukeris: Hey Lawrence, thanks for the question. Yes, we made a comment on the exit rate for Mexico because I think that was very telling. The fact that once the price environment normalized a little bit, the weather was slightly better. We could see not only our market share bouncing back, but also volumes improving through August and September. Unfortunately, in Brazil it is a tale of two stories. I think that the industry overall remains very impacted by this very unseasonable weather. At this point you can really say that it's unseasonable because the winter was cold. Yes, winters can be cold. You see September is usually much better weather in Brazil, even October, and still cold and wet in a very strange way. Brazil didn't improve a lot for the weather. Of course, we've been adjusting our execution.

Hey Lawrence, thanks for the question. Uh yes, we made a comment on the eggs to rate for Mexico because I think that was very telling.

uh, the fact that

Michel Doukeris: Relative prices in the market improved after more than a year of prices being very open on the gap and our share bounced back strongly, which reinforces the strength of our portfolio. The way that our mega brands are growing in Brazil and the share gains on the premium segment that continue to accelerate. When you look at Colombia, Colombia is not getting all this impact. Colombia volumes continue to grow, share of alcohol beverages continue to improve, very strong performance. Consumer confidence is not that high but not as low. Inflationary pressures in Colombia are more moderate. Consumer is in better shape there than it is in some other parts in Latin America.

Once the price environment, normalized a little bit, the weather was slightly better. We could see not only our market share bouncing back, but also volumes uh, improving through August and September. Uh, unfortunately in Brazil is a tale of 2 stories. I think that the industry overall remains very impacted by this, very seasonable weather. And, at this point, you can really say that it's unusable because the winter was cold and, yes, uh, Winters can be cold, but you see. September is usually much better weather in Brazil with in October and it's still cold and wet, uh, in a very, uh, strange way. So Brazil didn't improve a lot for the weather, but of course, you're being adjusting our execution, uh, relative prices in the market, improve it.

Michel Doukeris: Of course, this all is being bouncing back and now we are looking at the summer so we can see really where the industry is going to land overall and how the weather is going to be. As we said, as we look forward for 2026, some of these one offs can actually be positive as we build back in 2026.

After more than a year uh, of prices being very open on the on the Gap and our share bounce back strongly which reinforces the strength of our portfolio. The way that our Mega brands are growing Brazil and the share gains on the premium segment, that continue to accelerate. Uh, when you look at Columbia, uh, Columbia is not getting all this impact. So Columbia, uh, volume continue to grow, uh, shared of alcohol, beverage contain to improve very strong performance. Uh, consumer confidence is not a high, but it's not a low, uh, inflationary pressure in Colombia more moderate. So, consumer is in a better shape there than it is in some other parts in Latin America. But of course, uh, this all uh, is being bouncing back and now we are looking

Fernando Tennenbaum: Thanks for the question and Lawrence, Fernando Tennenbaum here. Your question on leverage, we've been very consistently saying that our optimal capital structure is around two times. It's also fair to say that most of the benefit of leverage you get once you get to three times. The long term goal is still two times, but you have less of an urgency to go there. You can have more flexibility once you're below this level, which you reached at the end of last year. Of course, every year is going to be slightly different. Sometimes you have FX fluctuations, but the resilience of our business gives us the consistency to be more on the, as I can say, more on the offense. Bear in mind that the priority number one is always organic growth.

Looking at the summer so we can see really where the industry is going to land overall and how the weather is going to be. Uh and as we said as we look forward for 2026, some of this 1 off can actually be positive as we build back in 2026. Thank you for the question.

Fernando Tennenbaum: We keep investing, we keep, if you see this quarter, sales and markets, we continue to invest there, but definitely way more flexibility and kind of still two times is the optimal capital structure.

And Lawrence Fernando here. So your question on Leverage, we we've been very consistent in saying that our optimal capital structure is around 2 times. Uh but uh it's also fair to say that most of the benefit of uh leverage you get once you get to 3 times and uh so the the long-term goal is is to to times but you have less of an urgent to go there and you can have more flexibility to once. You're below this level, which you reach at the end of last year. Of course, every year is going to be slightly different. Sometimes you have effects fluctuations but uh, the resilience of our business gives us the consistency to be to be more on the, as I can say, more on the offense now, uh, bear in mind that uh, the product number 1 is always organic growth. We keep investing, we keep investing, see the sales and marketing, we continue to invest there. Uh but definitely way more flexibility and and kind of uh, issue you to

Times is the optimal capital structure?

[Analyst]: Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Robert Ottenstein with Evercore ISI. Please proceed with your questions.

Thank you.

[Analyst]: Great. Thank you very much. Two questions from me as well. The first one is I want to focus on the announcement that you've won the UEFA Champions League. That came as a bit of a surprise to me. Maybe put that in the context of how you're looking at sports and some of these big assets, how that's evolving. Most importantly, obviously there's a lot of big numbers on this. Maybe, I don't know if you can talk about the numbers on this, but maybe talk about the ROI. How you see that being an efficient use of marketing investment and also a little bit about timing. My understanding is that Heineken still has it for the next couple of years. That's the first question on the UEFA Champions League. The second question, arguably in the U.S., perhaps the greatest success this year has been Cutwater.

Thank you. Our next questions, come from the line of Rob uten with evercore. Isi, please proceed with your questions.

Great, thank you very much. Um, 2 questions from me as well.

[Analyst]: That's a brand that you've had for a number of years and it's just exploded this year. Maybe talk a little bit about the success that Cutwater's having this year, what you think the drivers are for that, whether you think that's sustainable, what you've learned from it, and can you take that model to other countries? Thank you.

So, the the first 1 is, uh, I, I want to focus on, you know, the announcement, uh, that you've won the Champions League that came as a bit of a surprise, uh, to me. Uh, so maybe put that in the context of how you're looking, um, at Sports and some of these big assets, uh, how that's evolving. Uh, and you know, most importantly, um, obviously, you know, I mean there's a lot of big numbers on this, um, you know, so maybe I don't know if you can talk about the numbers on this, but maybe talk about the roic. How you see that being a, a efficient use of marketing investment and, and also a little bit about timing, um, I understanding is that that Heineken still has it for the next couple of years. So that's the first question on the champions league and then the second question, um, you know, arguably, you know, in the in the US perhaps the the greatest success this year has been, you know, cut water. Uh, you know, that's a brand that you've had

Had for a number of years and it's just just exploded this year. So maybe kind of talk a little bit about the success that orders having this year. Um, you know what, you think the drivers are for that, you know, you know, whether you think that's sustainable what you've learned from it and can you take that model, uh, to other countries. Thank you.

Michel Doukeris: Hey, Robert, good morning. Thanks for the questions. Starting with the recent announcement and the role of these events, sports and occasions, I would start by talking about consumers. This is the main reason why we do the investments and why we are lining up into mega platforms. Consumers are behaving different and consumers are as usual evolving. As such, it was very important as we build our strategy and we fine tune our execution to make sure that we are leading and moving fast to where consumers are and will be more and more. That is why when we start leading in terms of execution with this concept of mega platforms and mega brands, integrating our brands with big partners, big partnerships, big events and relevant cultural moments is key for our brands to win in the long term.

Hey Robert, good morning, thanks for the questions. Um,

So, starting with the recent announcement, uh, and...

The, the role of this Events sports and occasions.

Uh, I would start by talking about consumers.

And this is the main reason.

Why we do the Investments and why we are lining up into Mega platforms. So consumers,

Are behaving different and consumers are as usual evolving. And I searched was very important as we build our strategy and we fine tune our execution, to make sure that we are leading

And moving fast uh to our consumers are and will be more and more and that's why.

when we start leading in terms of execution with this concept of Mega platforms and mega brands

Michel Doukeris: As I said before, these winning brands that command premium price and premium positioning are very important on our strategy. This works for FIFA, this works for Netflix, this will also work for UEFA Champions League, which is an important component as we build this integration with platforms and culturally relevant moments that consumers are looking for, are talking about and are experiencing. It is all about the consumer, how we integrate our brands and these relevant cultural moments and how our brands over execute competitors and within the category. That is a great addition. We could not be more excited with the opportunity. As everything moves, 2027 is the right timeline for us to start executing on that. The second part on the US and Cutwater, I think that you've been following.

Integrating Our Brands with big Partners big Partnerships, big events and relevant cultural moments is key for Our Brands to win in the long term. And as I said before this winning brands that command premium price in premium positioning are very important on our strategy and this works for FIFA this works for Netflix. This will also work for UFA, which is an important component. As we build this integration with platforms and cultural relevant moments that consumers are looking for are talking about and are experiencing. So it's all about the consumer, how we integrate, Our Brands and this relevant cultural moments and how our Brands uh over execute uh compared to

Michel Doukeris: We have been talking about this portion of the consumer and consumption occasions where bitter is not the choice, where more refreshing is not the choice, where people want to indulge a little bit more, where the palate's a little bit more sweet and more mixed. We decided to bet on that back in 2018. With Cutwater, we have been building this brand very patiently, but we build the brand in a very high quality way. Consistency, right distribution, right price as a premium brand, right investments, right consumer occasions. As the brand improves availability, as consumers get to know the higher quality that we have on this proposition and we position very right for the right occasion, I think that the brand is gaining relevance. What we saw over the summer now is consistent brand building and relevance getting to a tipping point.

And we need a category, so that's a, a great addition. We could not be more excited with the opportunity, uh, and as everything moves, uh, 2027 is the right timeline for us to start executing on that. The second part on, on the US and cut water, I think that you've been following. So we've been talking about this portion of the consumer and consumption occasions, where bitter is not the choice where more refreshing is not the choice where people want to indulge a little bit more where the pilots a little bit more.

Sweet, right and more mixed. And we decided to bet on that. Uh, back in 2018, we've cut water. Uh, we've been building this brand

very patiently, but we've built the brand.

Investments, right. Consumer occasions. And as the brand

Improves availability.

As consumers get to know the higher quality that we have on this proposition and we position very right for the right occasion, uh I think that the brand is gaining relevance. So what we solve for the summer now is consistent

Michel Doukeris: This brand is now the number one, charging in spirits triple digits over the summer, becoming one of the top 10 spirits brands in the US and built from scratch. If one would say what we learned from that, it is that yes, we can build brands in a very relevant way, yes, we can build this beyond beer segment to be what we expect it to be for us, so incremental and something that will increase our addressable market. We have been rolling out this notion of the beyond beer and how to tap into more occasions across many markets. I gave here during the webcast the example of us rolling out now Flying Fish across many different markets from Africa to Europe to Americas. The early results and indicators are very positive as well. There is more to come. We continue to build Cutwater.

Brand building and relevance getting to a Tipping Point and then this brand is now the number 1 share in spirits.

Triple digits over the summer becoming 1 of the top 10 Spirits brands in the US.

And built from scratch. So if 1 would say, uh, what we learned it from that, is that yes we can build brands in a very relevant way.

Yes, we can build this Beyond beer segment, to be what we expect to be for us. So incremental and something that will increase our addressable market. And we've been rolling out this notion of the Beyond beer and how to tap into more occasions across many markets. So I gave here during the the webcast

Michel Doukeris: We are just at the beginning. I think that the brand, still very small for us, is accelerating and we have a big ambition to drive not only Cutwater, but Nutrl and the other propositions that we've been betting on in this beyond beer space. Thank you for the question.

The example of rolling out now flying fish uh across many different markets from Africa, to Europe, to Americas and the early results and indicators are very positive as well. So there is more to come. And we continue to build cut water. We are just at the beginning. So I think that the brands still, uh, very small for us is accelerating. And we have a big ambition to drive, not only cut water, but neutral and the other propositions that we've been betting on, on this Beyond beer space. Thank you for the question.

Operator: Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Andrea Pistachi with Bank of America. Please proceed with your questions.

[Analyst]: Yes. Hi guys. I have two also, please. This is the first one. Your volumes have been more challenging this year, but after nine months you're still very much, very much on track. In fact, you're at the middle of your 4 to 8% EBITDA guidance range. I wanted to ask whether you had to make any adaptations to the plans that you would have had at the beginning of the year. Maybe more agile revenue management or something more tighter cost control than you would have had at the beginning of the year. If you could discuss this a touch. Just on the Middle America zone, there was a question earlier on Colombia. I just wanted to broaden it slightly. Middle America's excellent. Mexico is very profitable for you. It continues to deliver solid volume growth.

Thank you. Our next question is come from the lawn of Andrea bastaki with Bank of America please proceed with your questions.

Uh, yes. Hi guys. I I have 2 also please.

This is the first 1. So your, your volumes have been more challenging this year, but often 9 months, you're still very much very much on track. In fact, you're at the middle of your 4280 but our guidance range. So I wanted to ask whether you've had to make any adaptations to the plans that you would have, had at the beginning of the year. Maybe more, agile, Revenue management, or something more tight tighter cost control.

[Analyst]: Could you just discuss a bit on how the environment is in these markets, why you think it's different from, say, Mexico, Brazil, how confident you are in your ability to continue to deliver volume growth in these high margin countries in the next 12 months or so. Thank you.

And again, then you would have had at the beginning of the year, if you could discuss this a touch and then just on the Maz, the Middle America Zone. There's a question earlier on Colombia. I just wanted to broaden it slightly. So, Middle America's, excluding Mexico, is very profitable for you. It continues to deliver solid volume growth.

So could you just discuss a bit on how how the environment is in these markets? Why you think it's different from? Say Mexico? Brazil, how confident you are in your ability to continue to deliver volume growth in these in these high margin countries in the next 12 months or so. Thank you.

Michel Doukeris: Good morning. Thanks for the question. I think that in a way they are in the same vicinity right on volume and how performance and our execution is adjusting, adapting on this environment. I think that the environment is one that's very dynamic and we've been seeing this of course over the last few years, but every year there is some extra components. As I said before, to me the extra component on this dynamic operating environment this year was the unseasonable weather in the Americas, but more pronounced in Latin America. I think that we've been adjusting. We often say here in house that our strategy is just like beer, can be used in many different occasions. We've been adapting the execution. We are very agile in reallocating resources.

Hey Andrea. Good morning. Thanks for the question. Uh, I think that in a way they

They are in the same vicinity right on volume. And how performance in our execution, uh, is adjusting and adapting to this environment. So I think that the environment is one that's very dynamic. And we've been seeing this, of course, over the last few years, but every year there are some extra components. As I said before, to me the extra component of this dynamic operating environment this year was the seasonal weather in the Americas, but more pronounced in Latin America. And I think that we've been adjusting. So we often.

Say here in house that our strategy is just like beer uh can be used in many different occasions.

Michel Doukeris: Our portfolio has breadth that is useful for us in this moment because we have from premium brands to value propositions that can adapt and be used to accelerate a little bit our execution when it's needed. The discipline in cost management, the discipline in revenue management was very, very important for us and a differentiator I would say during this period because despite a very challenging consumer environment we are able to deliver margin expansion, EBITDA growth, EPS growth. Very solid financial results that are a product of our very solid operational capabilities and delivers through the quarter. When you look at math, it's not only very important for us and very relevant for our performance during the quarter and in the long run. This quarter specifically because overweight in the beer category versus other CPGs and overweight for us, AB InBev was a big impact on the volume.

So, we've been adapting, the execution we are very agile in reallocating resources. Our portfolio has

Breath. That is useful for us in this moments, because we have from premium Brands to Value, propositions that they can adapt. And be used to accelerate a little bit, uh, our execution, when is needed.

Challenging consumer environment. We are able to deliver margin expansion to be the growth EPS growth. So very solid Financial results that are a product of our very solid operational capabilities, uh, and delivers through the quarter. And when you look at math, uh, is

Michel Doukeris: It's relevant, we are adapting, brands are performing very well, we continue to invest, we continue to manage the portion of the business that we control and in the long term we continue to see this as a very relevant growth driver for the industry. We are best positioned to capture this growth over time with the operations scale and brands that we have in the region. Thank you for the question. Thank you.

Not only very important for us in very relevant for our performance during the the quarter and in the long run. But of course this quarter specifically because overweight in the beer category versus other cpgs and overweight for us, ABI was a big impact on the volume. So it's relevant. We are adapting brands are performing very well. We continue to invest, we continue to manage the portion of the business that we control and of course in the long term, we continue to see this as a very relevant, growth driver for the industry and of course we are best positioned to capture this growth over time with the operations scale and brands that we have in the region.

So, thank you for the question.

Operator: Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Celine Panutti with J.P. Morgan. Please proceed with your questions.

Thank you.

Thank you. Our next questions, come from the line of Selene ponui with JP Morgan please proceed with your questions.

[Analyst]: Thank you. Good afternoon everyone. My first question, could you, coming back maybe on the Cutwater question, but in a broader sense, how big is beyond beer now for you in terms of the portfolio? You said it grew, I think, 27%. Where do you see the capabilities outside or the opportunities outside of North America? If you could help us a bit frame the growth journey and as well the profitability of that category both in North America and outside of North America. My second question, I think it was an impressive performance in gross margin despite some of the FX headwinds that you were facing. Could you give us a view on the building block on the gross margin performance in the quarter, please? Thank you.

Thank you. Good afternoon everyone. So my first question, um, could you um, coming back maybe on the cutwater? Um, question. But on the broader sense, uh, how big is beyond beer? Now for you, in terms of the portfolio, you said it grew, I think. 27% uh where do you see? Uh the um capabilities outside or the opportunities outside of North America? And if you could help us a bit frame, the growth journey and as well the profitability uh of that category both in North America uh and outside of North America.

And um my second question. Um I mean I think it was an impressive performance in gross margin despite some of the effects, uh, headwinds that you were facing. Could you give us a view on the building block uh on the gross margin performance. Um, in the in the quarter of please, thank you.

Michel Doukeris: Hi Celine, good morning. Thanks for the question. I think that I will hit some numbers quickly here to cover the points that you asked about. I think that the last time that we talked about that I mentioned that beyond beer is a great opportunity for us because it cuts across this interaction of the different alcohol beverages and is incremental for us?

Hi Selen. Good morning, thanks for the question. So I think that uh, I'll hit some numbers quickly here, uh, to cover the, the points that you you asked about. So I think that the last time that we talked about that, I mentioned that

Beyond beer is a great opportunity for us because cuts across this interaction of the different alcohol. Beverage

Fernando Tennenbaum: Right.

Michel Doukeris: Two-thirds plus of the volume that we capture in these occasions from these consumers is incremental to our portfolio. I also remember that the last time that we talked about this, this was around 1% of our overall volume. This today for U.S. is around 2% and is growing 27%. The opportunity here is huge because the addressable market outside of the beer category is very relevant and is bigger than the beer category itself. It is a huge addressable market. Today it is a very small portion of our volumes, but it is growing very fast. Again, it's all about the consumers. There is a group of consumers there that indulge in different occasions with different liquid profiles, and we've been learning a lot about that and we've been having some very successful launch and scale up products in this area.

And is that incredible for us, right? So 2/3 plus of the volume that we capture in these occasions from this consumers is incremental to our portfolio.

uh,

I also remember that the last time that we talked about this, this was around 1% of our overall volume. So this today for Us is around 2%.

So and it's growing 27%. So the opportunity here is huge because the addressable Market outside of the beer category, uh, you know is very relevant uh and is bigger than the beer category itself. So it's a huge addressable market, today is a very small portion of our volumes but it is growing very fast. And again, it's all about the consumers. So there is a group of consumers there that they

Indulge.

Michel Doukeris: Cutwater, Nutrl, Brutal Fruit, Flying Fish, Busch Light Apple, to mention a few of them. They on average are sold at higher prices than the beer equivalent products that we have, so they have profitability per hectoliter per SKU that is higher than the profitability that we have with equivalent beer SKUs. I think that we continue to work hard on that. Again, it's small for us today, 2% of the portfolio, but it is big in our opportunity to grow with more consumers in more occasions and in a very large addressable market of consumer occasions and volume pool. I'll hand over to Fernando to the second question.

In different occasions with different liquid profiles and there's been learning a lot about that and it's been having some very successful, uh, launch and scale up, uh, products in this area. So cut water neutral, brutal fruit, flying fish. Uh, Busch Light apple to mention few of them and they on average are sold at higher prices.

Fernando Tennenbaum: Okay, Celine, on the gross margin side, I think the gross margin side one is a function of your health brand portfolio. You see the net revenues per hectoliter, as Michel said, premium brands command premium pricing. You can move with the revenue management agenda. The second component of that is, of course, the cost of goods sold. In the cost of goods sold, you have one component that is the FX and commodities, which is market price, but you have the other components, which is the efficiencies, the kind of fixed costs, and there is always the kind of opportunity for us to keep driving on that. For me, it's a combination of strong portfolio with premium brands and also driving efficiency on the cost of goods sold.

In our opportunity to grow with more consumers in more occasions and in a very large addressable Market of consumer, occasions, occasions and volume pool. So I'll hand over to Fernando to to the second question.

Uh, on the gross margin side. I think the gross margin side, 1 is a function of uh your health uh brand portfolio.

So you see the net reversal as Michelle said premium Brands comments. Uh premium pricing so you can you can move with the revenue management agenda.

Fernando Tennenbaum: If you remember, we talked about it several times that when we look for margins, we still see opportunities for us to improve our operations, to improve our margins, and a lot of that would be coming from gross profit. It's just delivering on what we already mentioned several times in the past.

The second component of that is, of course, the cost of good source and the cost of goods sold, you have 1 component. That is the effects and commodities, which is market price, but you have the other components, which is the deficiencies, the, the kind of fixed costs. And there is always a kind of opportunities for us to keep driving on that. So for me, it's a combination of strong portfolio with premium Brands, uh, and also driving efficiencies on the cost of good solds. And if you remember, we we talked about it several times that we, when we look kind of for margins with CC opportunities for us to improve our operations to improve our margins, and a lot of that would be coming from gross profits. It's just delivering on what we already mentioned. Several times in the past.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question has come from the line of Simon Hales with Citi. Please proceed with your questions.

[Analyst]: Thank you. Hi, Michel. Hi, Fernando. My first question, I wonder, Michel, could you talk a little bit more about China? Again, I wonder if you could quantify how big the destock was in Q3 in the context of the little over 11% fall in volumes, and should we expect some further destocking, do you think, in Q4? Is there any reason to believe in overall terms that your Q4 volumes in China will be less bad than they have been in Q3? Perhaps just associated with that, you highlight some new innovations that you've got coming in the market. Bud Magnum and some one liter cans, are they in market yet or will they be in market in Q4? That's the first question.

Thank you. Our next questions come from the line of Simon hails with the city. Please proceed with your questions.

[Analyst]: The second one, a little bit more briefly, I wonder if you could talk a little bit about the early consumer and retail reaction to the launch of Form Energy in the US and maybe highlight what really differentiates that brand from other competitors in the energy space.

Uh, thank you. Hi Michelle, Hough and Andy. Um, so my first question I wonder, um, Michelle could you talk a little bit more about China again? Uh, I wonder if you could quantify uh, how big the destock, uh, was in Q3 in the context of the little over 11% fall in volumes. And should we expect some further, destocking? Do you think in Q4 and is there any reason to believe? You know, overall terms, that your Q4 volumes in China will be less bad than they have been in Q3, uh, and perhaps just associated with that you, you, you, you highlight some new innovations that you've got coming in the market, you know, but Magnum and some 1 liter cans. Uh, are they in market yet? Or will they be in Market in Q4? So, uh, that's the first question and then second 1, a little bit more briefly. Um, on, um, I wonder if you could talk a little bit about the early consumer and Retail reaction to the launch of form energy uh, in the US and maybe highlight what really differentiates uh, that brand from other.

Competitors, in the energy space.

Michel Doukeris: Hi Simon, good morning. Thanks for the question. On China, I think that we highlighted in prior quarters is a kind of one third of what we see in the volumes is coming from really geographical footprint, channel footprint. One third comes from these adjustments on the inventories. You give me here an opportunity I'll take to talk about this. I think that just so I'm clear about the adjustments on the inventories, of course, when regions start to decline, we need to adjust our inventories with the wholesalers so we can have a healthy operating environment. This is what we are doing this year. As channels shift as well, you have a second adjustment that needs to be done so we keep the channels healthy and once they rebound we can then grow with the channels without stressing the ecosystem.

Hi Simon. Good morning. Thanks for the question. So on China. I think that we highlighted, uh, in Prior quarters is a kind of 1, third of what we see in the volume. This is coming from really geographical footprint, Channel footprint.

Uh, one-third comes from these adjustments on the inventories, and you give me here an opportunity to talk about this. So, I think that just, so I'm clear about the adjustments on the inventories. Of course, when regions,

Start to decline.

Michel Doukeris: One third is really the shift that happened between on and off premise, where the off premise started to grow faster. The propositions that grew in the off premise are more on the core plus sub premium and then this causes a share loss for us because we were more on the off premise and we are of course smaller and less distributed in the off premise. Here is where we are making most of the adjustments. When we look at China, most of this adjustment is being already done. There is still of course a little bit to be done as we go through October, November, December, but should not be beyond the fourth quarter.

We need to adjust our inventories with the whole salers so we can have a healthy operating environment and this is what we are doing this year as channels shift as well. You have a second adjustment that needs to be done so we keep the channels healthy and once they rebound so we can then grow with the channels without stressing the ecosystem and 1. Third is really the shift that happened between on and off premise where the off premises start to growing faster, the propositions that grow in The Offspring are more on the court plus super premium and then this calls it a share long.

Loss for us because we were more on the off-premise. And we are, of course, smaller and less distributed in the off-premise. Here is where we are making most of the adjustments.

Michel Doukeris: At the same time, because we start expanding distribution off premise, adjusting innovation, adjusting execution, that would be a combination of continuing to right size the inventories but then having acceleration on our STRS and some of the innovations that we launched and tested. You mentioned Banmagnum. Very successful in India, very successful where we launch it in China and we will start to roll it out now not only the product itself but some very interesting new packaging that are making a big strike in China will come to Banmagnum. We had the new Corona can, it's called Drop line can which is a full lid opening can. That's very interesting. We launched it first in zero. 2.0 was a big success and now we're going to expand distribution on this packaging and we have some new deals coming on Harbin as well.

So when we look at China mostly of these adjustment, uh, is being already done. That is still, of course, a little bit to be done as you go through October November December. But should not be beyond the, the fourth quarter, but at the same time because we start expanding distribution of premise, adjusting Innovation adjusting execution. That would be a combination of continued to rightsize the inventories, but then having acceleration on our SPS.

Michel Doukeris: Not only the expansion of zero Sugar but some new propositions there that will be helpful as we further enhance our route to market in the off premise. Inventory adjustments, one-third; channel shifts, one-third. These both should phase out as we go through Q4. Then we have increased availability in the off-premise, increased investments for execution and innovation that will start to kick in in Q4 and will be very relevant for us in the next year. Form is interesting because in a way we've been participating in the energy drink category in the U.S. for over a decade, and we have had some very successful scale-up of brands in our network, but we were never majority owners of any of these brands. While we were an important component of the scale-up and growth of these brands, we were not the owners.

We launched and then tested, uh, you mentioned, but Magnum, so very successful in India, very successful where we launched in China, and we will start to roll it out. Now, not only the product itself, but some very interesting new packaging that are making a big striking, China will come to but Magnum, uh, we had the new Corona cans called drop line can uh which is a full lead. Uh, opening can that is very interesting. So we launched it. First in 02 was a big success, and now we're going to expand Distribution on this packaging and we have some new news coming in Harvey as well. Not only the expansion of zero sugar, but some new propositions there that will be helpful as we further enhance our role to Market in the, in the off premises, so inventory, adjustments, 1/3, uh, Channel shifts.

1/3.

This both should face out as we go through the quarter 4, and then we have increased availability in the off premise, increasing Investments for execution, and Innovation that we start to kick in in the quarter 4. And we will be very relevant for this, in the next year.

Uh form is interesting because in a way we've been participating on the energy drink in the US uh for over a decade.

Michel Doukeris: The latest one we divested at the beginning of this year, end of last year, was a good divestment, was a good run of the brand, but now we have a brand that we are majority owners of, committed to the long term. Incredible partners are with us in the journey, from our wholesalers to the Form partners to the UFC—not UFC, but dynamite partner with us in building that. Brand launch has been very exciting. The product is great because I think that the most differentiated thing is the fact that we are focused on a very specific consumer cohort, those who do the work and need this energy every day. The product brings this clean energy approach, very balanced elements. I think that the proposition is a strong one, is getting good traction. We are just at the beginning.

Uh, and we have had some very successful scoop of brands in our network, but we were never majority owners of any of these Brands. So, while we were an important, uh, component of this Koop, and growth of this Brands, we were not the owners, so the latest 1, we divested, uh, at the beginning of this year, at the end of last year, was a good divestment, uh, was a good run of the brand, but now we have a brand that we are majority owners, uh, committed to the long term, incredible Partners, uh, that are with us in the journey, from our wholesalers to The Forum Partners, uh, to the USC, uh, not even see but then the white, uh, partner with us in building that. So brand launch is being very exciting. The product is great, because I think that the most difficult

Differentiated thing is the fact that we are focused on a very specific consumer cohort, those who do the work and need this energy every day.

Michel Doukeris: I think that there will be a nice upside coming next year because the launch was this year, distribution is building, awareness is building, and we have some flavors that we are expanding on the back end of this year and will be fully available next year. The most important thing here is our commitment and investment to the long term because now we are majority owners of the brand and we have incredible partners that are with us on the journey. Thank you for the question.

Operator: Thank you. These were the final questions. If your question has not been answered, please feel free to contact the investor relations team. I will now turn the floor back over to Mr. Michel Doukeris for closing remarks.

Uh, the product brings this clean energy approach, very balanced, uh, elements and I think that the, the proposition is a strong 1 is getting good traction, uh, and we are just at the beginning. So I think that there will be a nice website coming next year because the launching was this year distribution is building, awareness is building and we have some flavors that we are expanding on the back end of this year and will be fully available next year. And most important thing here is our commitment and investment to the long term because now we are majority owners of the brand and we have incredible partners that are with us on the journey. So, thanks for the question.

Michel Doukeris: Thank you very much. Thank you everyone for joining, for the ongoing partnership and support for our business. I hope that you are all doing well. Remember to drink a beer for Halloween and we'll talk soon. Thank you.

Thank you. These were the final questions. If your question has not been answered, please feel free to contact the investor relations team. I will now turn the floor back over to Mr. Michelle, deris for closing remarks,

Operator: Thank you. This does conclude today's earnings conference call and webcast. Please disconnect your lines at this time and enjoy the rest of your day.

so thank you very much. Uh, thank you everyone for joining for the ongoing partnership and support for our business. I hope that you are all doing well. Remember to drink a beer for Halloween and we'll talk soon. Thank you.

Thank you. This does conclude today's earnings conference call and webcast. Please disconnect your lines at this time and enjoy the rest of your day.