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SABMiller PLC reported third-quarter volume growth that met estimates as improved sales in Africa and Asia offset larger-than-expected declines in Europe and the U.S.

The amount of beer sold increased 3%, excluding acquisitions and disposals, in the three months ended Dec. 31, the London-based company said Thursday. That matched the median estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

Volume in Europe unexpectedly fell amid what the company said was "intense competition" and "fragile economic conditions."

SABMiller, the world's second-biggest brewer by volume, is among beer makers seeking to expand outside the U.S. and Europe as economic turmoil, unemployment and government budget-cuts weigh on consumer confidence.

"There are signs it's getting tough in Europe - not just in Russia, but in the other regions," said Trevor Stirling, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein in London.

The amount of beer sold in Europe slid 2%, missing the median estimate of nine analysts for unchanged volume.

Sales climbed in SABMiller's biggest market, Latin America, as well as in Africa and Asia. Volume dropped 3.3% at the MillerCoors LLC joint venture in North America, compared with a median estimate for a 3% decline, as sales of Miller Lite and Coors Light fell in the region.

The MillerCoors joint venture is based in Chicago. Its Eastern division headquarters are in Milwaukee. Its brewery in Milwaukee produces 10 million barrels of beer annually. It also operates Leinenkugel breweries in Chippewa Falls and Milwaukee.

The brewer said that financial performance in the quarter was in line with its forecasts. Revenue rose 7%, compared with the median estimate of 6% growth.

European volume was held back by a 6% decline in Russia "in a declining beer market." Volume rose 11% in Africa, and 2% in South Africa "in a challenging economic environment."

SABMiller is the first of the world's four biggest brewers to report on trading for the final three months of 2011.

Joe Taschler of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.