12 Best Brewery Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

7. Anheuser-Busch InBev Sa/NV (NYSE:BUD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) is the Largest Beer Company in the World with a global production volume of 585 million hectoliters and a revenue of $59.38 billion in 2023, an increase of over 2.7% from the previous year.

The brewing giant came under fire in the American market last year after the controversy regarding its best-selling brand Bud Light, which resulted in the brand losing its crown as the Top-Selling Beer in America after nearly two decades. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD)’s sheer size and the breadth of its portfolio give it some protection from a single brand falling out of favor and so despite the Bud Light setback, the company’s overall beer portfolio gained volume share in the US in Q3 of 2024. In fact, Michelob Ultra, another one of AB InBev’s brands, is now the top-selling draft beer in America.

Moreover, to reignite its beer business, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) has leaned into the non-alcoholic beer category, and its Bud Zero and Corono Cero brands have gained massive popularity through partnerships with mega events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2022. The company gained market share of NA beer in over 60% of its key markets in Q3 of 2024, with Corona Cero more than doubling both volumes and revenues.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) boasts a strong presence in around 150 markets around the world and its globalization strategy seems to be paying off. In Q3 of 2024, the company witnessed volume increase in 50% of its markets and revenue growth in 60% of its markets globally. To return value to its shareholders, AB InBev has also recently announced a $2 billion share buyback program to be executed within the next 12 months.

Thanks to its deep pockets and global influence, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) can market its products on the biggest of scales and forge strong partnerships. It was announced last month that the brewing company has extended its partnership with FIFA to include the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, taking place in the US in July. AB InBev is also a sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.