Beverage company Asahi Group Holdings is reporting an increase in overall revenue, though sales declined outside Asia.
Revenue last quarter was JP¥630.4 billion (US$4.3 billion, A$6.7 billion), up 2.6% year-on-year. While revenue increased by 7.7% in Japan, Europe and Oceania's revenue fell by 1% and 2.1% respectively.
“Revenue declined in Europe and Oceania on lower sales volumes, but Japan's revenue, primarily from the Alcohol Beverages Business, increased due to a spike in demand ahead of price revisions,” the company said.
“While Europe fell short of plan on sluggish demand in some markets, Japan performed better than expected, resulting in a roughly on-plan performance overall.”
In Japan, alcoholic beverages revenue increased by 13%, and non-alcoholic beverages revenue rose by 4.8%. Revenue declined across sectors in Oceania.
Its Asahi Super Dry brand reported 14% growth in sales volume worldwide, the highest among its beer and beer-adjacent beverages.
Core operating profit was JP¥37.7 billion, up 4.8% year-on-year. Japan and Europe saw core operating profits grow by 38.8% and 14.8%, while Oceania’s core operating profit dropped by 16.3%.
Basic earnings per share were JP¥14.32, down from ¥15.68 one year ago. Profit attributed to Asahi’s owners was ¥21.52 billion, 9.7% lower year-on-year.
Asahi’s full-year 2025 guidance projects revenue of JP¥2.97 trillion, up 1% from the previous year, and basic earnings per share of ¥118.08.
Asahi’s (TYO: 2502) share price was JP¥2,010 as of time of writing, down from its previous close at ¥2,015. Its market capitalisation is ¥3.06 trillion.