Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV BUD, alias AB InBev, is off to a strong start to 2021, with robust first-quarter 2021 results. Notably, its top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and improved on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter. The company’s results benefited from its unique commercial strategy, strong brand portfolio, investments in digital platform and operation excellence, which led to market share growth across the majority of the key markets.

The better-than-expected top-line results demonstrated the company’s fundamental strength as well as continued resilience in the global beer category. Notably, its beer business reported 2.8% volume growth in first-quarter 2021 compared with first-quarter 2019, reflecting strong growth versus the pre-pandemic levels. This growth came despite heightened COVID-led impacts like on-premise restrictions across markets as well as a one-month ban imposed on the sale of alcohol in South Africa.