Anheuser-Busch Cos. Reports Improved Sales And Earnings For First Quarter

01/05/07 Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. reported improved sales and earnings for the first quarter 2007 at its annual meeting of shareholders held in Orlando, Fla. Consolidated net sales increased 2.7 percent in the first quarter 2007 and earnings per share increased 4.7 percent.

"We are encouraged by our progress on key initiatives during the first quarter," said August A. Busch IV, president and chief executive officer of the company. "We successfully implemented domestic beer price increases and discount reductions earlier this year and the pricing environment continues to be favorable. Our cost reduction efforts have lessened the impact of ongoing cost pressures and the gross profit margin for our company improved during the quarter. We are making good progress in transitioning the InBev European brands into our wholesaler system and in implementing our import and energy drink alliances. And our international segment, led by Grupo Modelo, continues to make a significant contribution to earnings growth. These factors, combined with our marketing and selling initiatives, provide a good foundation for accelerated earnings growth in 2007."

The Anheuser-Busch Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of 29 ½ cents on shares of the company's outstanding common stock.