Anheuser-Busch Cos. Reports Improved Sales And Earnings Per Share For The First Quarter 2008
ST. LOUIS, April 23, 2008 – Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. reported improved sales and earnings for the first quarter 2008 today at its annual meeting of shareholders held in Orlando, Fla. Consolidated net sales increased 6.2 percent in the first quarter 2008 and earnings per share increased 6.0 percent.
“Our operations achieved solid results in the quarter, growing sales and operating income six percent over the first quarter last year,” said August A. Busch IV, president and chief executive officer of the company. “We have successfully implemented U.S. beer price increases and expect good revenue per barrel performance in 2008. Our cost reduction efforts are significantly mitigating the impact of industry-wide cost pressures. We are increasing marketing and sales support for our core beer brands, and, although U.S. beer sales-to-retailers results were below expectations, we are optimistic concerning the outlook for beer sales during the key summer selling season.” The Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 33 cents on shares of the company’s outstanding common stock.