Anheuser Busch Posts Rise In Q4 Profit

reported a rise in its net profit for the fourth quarter. The company's board approved a $1-billion share buyback program and proposed a final dividend of 2.00 euros per share. Anheuser Busch's quarterly net profit surged to $2.53 billion, versus a year-ago profit of $2.52 billion. Core profit climbed 5.6% to $5.07 billion, versus analysts' estimates of $5.31 billion. Its revenue came in at $12 billion, versus analysts' estimates of $11.86 billion. Its sales volumes in the US gained 0.2% in the fourth quarter. Anheuser Busch shares fell 0.85% to close at $124.44 yesterday.