AB InBev Leverages Premiumization and Digital Expansion to Fuel Growth

March 23, 2026 — 01:32 pm EDT Written by Zacks Equity Research for Zacks-> Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV BUD, also known as AB InBev, is sustaining strong revenue momentum, backed by steady consumer demand across its diversified brand portfolio and effective pricing strategies. The company is benefiting from premiumization, disciplined revenue management, and sustained investments in brand building and operational efficiency. Leveraging its extensive global footprint and solid execution of core initiatives, BUD is achieving solid growth across major key markets, further strengthening its leadership position in the global beverage industry.A key pillar of AB InBev’s growth strategy is the continued expansion of its premium and super-premium beer offerings. With a growing emphasis on higher-margin products and innovative offerings like zero-sugar beer variants, AB InBev is capturing evolving consumer preferences and delivering sturdy growth across key regions.AB InBev is accelerating growth through its Beyond Beer portfolio and digital transformation. The company is expanding into new categories such as ready-to-drink beverages, hard seltzers and non-alcoholic beers. BUD is also scaling its digital platforms to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. Its B2B and direct-to-consumer ecosystems are becoming increasingly important growth engines, helping AB InBev better connect with retailers and consumers in a more efficient and tech-enabled manner.AB InBev has been keen on investing in its portfolio over the years and rapidly growing its digital platform, including BEES and Zé Delivery. Its digital transformation initiatives have been on track, with B2B digital platforms contributing about 72% to its revenues in 2025. Its omnichannel, direct-to-consumer ecosystem of digital and physical products generated $1.3 billion in revenues in 2025. The company’s premiumization strategy is a key growth opportunity. It has been investing to develop a diverse portfolio of global, international and crafts and specialty premium brands in its markets. Corona has been a successful premium execution, recording double-digit volume growth in 30 markets in 2025. All such endeavors are likely to bolster sales and profits.AB InBev’s shares have gained 15.8% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 2.5% growth.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchFrom a valuation standpoint, BUD trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.5X compared with the industry’s average of 13.93X.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for BUD’s 2026 and 2027 earnings per share (EPS) indicates year-over-year growth of 13.1% and 13.8%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have moved downward in the past 30 days.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchAB InBev currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Freshpet, Inc. FRPT, which is a pet food company, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Freshpet’s current financial-year sales indicates growth of 8.5% from the prior-year level. FRPT delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 50%, on average.Nomad Foods Limited NOMD, which manufactures and distributes frozen foods, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nomad Foods’ current financial-year earnings is expected to rise 6.2% from the year-ago reported figure. NOMD delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 2.9%, on average.Medifast, Inc. MED, which is a leading manufacturer and distributor of clinically-proven healthy living products and programs, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. MED missed the average earnings surprise by a sharp margin in the trailing four quarters.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Medifast’s current financial-year earnings indicates growth of 30.5% from the year-ago number. Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportFreshpet, Inc. (FRPT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportAnheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (BUD) : Free Stock Analysis ReportMEDIFAST INC (MED) : Free Stock Analysis ReportNomad Foods Limited (NOMD) : Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchThe views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.This data feed is not available at this time.