Anheuser-Busch InBev makes $1.28 billion 4Q profit

BRUSSELS

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA, the world's largest brewer, made a profit of $1.28 billion in the fourth quarter despite falling beer sales during the economic downturn.

This was less than a third-quarter profit of $1.55 billion but a massive increase on a year ago when the company made just $29 million.

Revenue for the three months ending Dec. 31 was $9.29 billion, down from $9.76 billion in the third quarter but up nearly 4 percent from $8.96 billion for 2008's fourth quarter.

For all of 2009, AB InBev made a profit of $4.6 billion and had $36.76 billion in revenues.