Examination Thesis from the year 2007 in the subject Business economics – Investment and Finance, grade: 2, 0, University of West Florida, language: English, abstract: Anheuser-Busch is in financially stable situation. The company operates its business very efficient. Cash flow and earnings are high. But Anheuser-Busch has to be aware of its future. Margins in the traditional markets begin to shrink. Investors do not see much potential in the brewing giant. Anheuser-Busch needs to prepare itself for future growth. The company has to undertake an important strategy change, as it has to strengthen its activities in the growing markets abroad. Otherwise, today’s stable situation is going to be at risk.
Anheuser-Busch operates its business with a small equity base. But for future acquisitions in foreign countries, it is likely that investors want to see a higher equity. At the moment, the risk buffer of the brewery is too small. The management recognized the problem and started to repurchase stocks. Therewith Anheuser-Busch tried to strengthen its equity base in the past years. This procedure must continue if the company wants to be ready for entering new growth markets. The good income and cash flow situation of Anheuser-Busch should make it possible that this plan is going to work out. In the end, the brewery should be able to improve its debt situation. After the financing improvement and new acquisitions in foreign markets, investors attitude should be positive and Anheuser-Busch even more competitive.
The ratio analysis of Anheuser-Busch proofs that the company is able to operate its business with a small use of working capital. Moreover the brewery understands to use its assets efficiently. Remarkable are Anheuser-Busch’s abilities to operate its business with low equity, to keep the cost down and thereby holding a good price level. With the mentioned policy changes the company should experience an extremely positive effect.