anheuser-busch 2006AR_MgmntDiscuss

Anheuser-Busch had a successful year in 2006. Consolidated net sales increased 4.5% to $15.7 billion and diluted earnings per share grew 13.5% to $2.53. Domestic beer shipments increased 1.2% and revenue per barrel was up 1.4%. International beer volume grew 9.3% and equity partner brands volume increased 19.7%. The packaging and entertainment segments also increased pretax profit. Anheuser-Busch remains focused on increasing domestic and international beer profitability, packaging and entertainment segment growth, and enhancing long-term shareholder value.