A-B Depletions Down 2.2% in U.S.

Dear Client: A-B Q2 is in, with U.S. sales still struggling and helping to drive down overall profit. Company reported U.S. shipments down 1.1% for quarter (3.5% for half year), and depletions down 2.2%, (1.9% for the half year) "due to adverse weather conditions in key markets, and some share loss." Recall that Q1 depletions had been down 1.5%. But company noted that "Budweiser volume trends were very encouraging, and there were also strong performances from our above premium brands.