St. Louis, July 23, 2008 – Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. today reported that second quarter 2008 net sales increased 4.6 percent and diluted earnings per share (excluding a one-time item in 2007) increased 9.2 percent. For the first six months of 2008, net sales increased 5.3 percent and diluted earnings per share (excluding the one-time item) improved 7.1 percent.
“Anheuser-Busch achieved solid sales and earnings per share growth for the quarter and first half of the year.” said August A. Busch IV, president and chief executive officer of the company. “U.S. beer shipments and wholesaler sales-to-retailers increased in the quarter over last year, led by the successful launch of Bud Light Lime and improved performance of other core brands. According to IRI supermarket data, Anheuser-Busch has gained 1.0 share points at the consumer level during the last four weeks. We are encouraged by the success of our marketing and selling initiatives, and are optimistic concerning the outlook for the remaining summer selling season.”