Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. on February 1 reported that full-year 2006 net sales increased 4.5 percent and diluted earnings per share (excluding one-time items in both years) increased 9.1 percent. For the fourth quarter of 2006, net sales increased 1.8 percent and diluted earnings per share improved 31.6 percent.
"2006 was a successful year for the company," said August A. Busch IV, president and chief executive officer of the company. "Growth momentum was restored in the domestic beer business, significant progress was made on several strategic initiatives to enhance shareholder value, and earnings per share were up at the high end of our 7 percent to 10 percent long-term growth objective."
In the domestic beer business, Anheuser-Busch shipments were up 1.2 percent for the year and wholesaler sales to retailers were up 1.1 percent, with a strong performance in the fourth quarter. Revenue per barrel was up 1.4 percent in 2006 and productivity improvements reduced costs by almost $100 million.