On April 2, President Donald Trump unveiled a 10% baseline duty on all goods flowing into the United States. Several trading partners now face even higher so-called “reciprocal” tariffs, with the tax on imports from China now reaching 54%. Calling it America’s “Liberation Day,” the announcement has rattled global markets and cast a shadow of a looming trade war. 

Amid the turbulence, the broader stock market may wobble, but consumer staples are expected to weather the storm. Their steady demand and firm pricing power offer a safe harbor in choppy waters. Standing tall in this scenario is Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD), the global brewing giant behind Bud Light and Beck’s. 

With production rooted locally across more than eight nations, it seems to be insulated from costly import duties. Where tariffs do pinch, AB InBev may have room to maneuver, potentially adjusting prices without significant strain.

About AB InBev Stock

The Belgium-based brewing titan Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) has carved a global legacy with over 500 well-known brands under its belt. The $113 billion behemoth is among the world’s leading brewing companies by volume and even finds itself among the top five consumer product giants globally.

AB InBev holds the lion’s share of the global beer market, commanding roughly one-third of it. But beer is not the only arrow in the company’s quiver. AB InBev also serves up spirits-based ready-to-drink options and non-alcoholic beverages.

So far in 2025, BUD stock has surged by 22%.

From a valuation lens, BUD trades at 16.6 times forward adjusted earnings and 1.9 times sales, both sitting above industry averages. While this could suggest that the stock is overvalued, it also suggests that investors are willing to a pay a premium for its brand and market dominance. 

AB InBev Surpasses Q4 Earnings

For a company titled as the “King of Beers,” AB InBev certainly walked the talk in its latest financial showcase. On Feb. 26, the beer powerhouse popped the cork on its fourth-quarter results, wherein the top and bottom line surpassed Wall Street expectations. 

Despite facing a 1.9% drop in global volumes in the fourth quarter, owing to softened demand in China and Argentina, the company managed to keep the taps flowing with a 3.4% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $14.8 billion. 

The EBITDA margin expanded by 216 basis points in the quarter. Underlying profit attributable to equity holders surged 6.6% from the prior year’s period to $1.7 billion, while underlying EPS grew 7.3% to $0.88. 

In tune with shifting consumer tastes, AB InBev’s no-alcohol portfolio poured in a “low-twenties” revenue surge in 2024, spearheaded by Corona Cero’s triple-digit volume growth. 

Looking ahead to 2025, AB InBev expects EBITDA to grow organically between 4%-8%. Net capital expenditures are projected between $3.5 billion and $4 billion for the year. 

Meanwhile, analysts tracking AB InBev forecasts first quarter EPS to grow 2.7% year over year to $0.77, with full-year EPS expected to rise 5.7% to $3.73. The bottom line is expected to leap another 12.1% in 2026 to reach $4.18. 

What Do Analysts Expect for AB InBev Stock?

AB InBev’s strengthened financial footing and dividend hike have sent a clear signal of confidence, especially in the current economic climate. Taylor Conrad, an analyst at the financial analysis firm Argus, has set a price target of $70, citing the company’s ability to weather macroeconomic headwinds while leaning on its global portfolio of megabrands. 

Wall Street backs BUD with a consensus rating of “Strong Buy.” Among 15 analysts covering the stock, 11 maintain a “Strong Buy,” two recommend a “Moderate Buy,” while two suggest Hold.”

The average price target of $72.67 represents potential upside of 18%.