Strong Analyst Sentiment on Anheuser-Busch (BUD) As It Expands U.S. Brewing Capacity and Reaquires Strategic Plant

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) is included in our list of the most undervalued blue chip stocks to buy now.

As of January 7, 2026, roughly 90% of covering analysts keep a bullish stance on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD). The consensus price target is $75.00, which implies 17.60% upside.

The analysts’ confidence was recently supported by the company’s operational moves reported by Reuters on January 6, 2026. Firstly, it was reported that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) will invest $30 million in its Jacksonville, Florida, brewery and a can plant under its Brewing Futures initiative. With this investment, the company plans to expand capacity for fast-growing brands such as Michelob Ultra, including upgrades to bottling lines and brewing tanks. Michelob Ultra is the company’s leading brand by volume in 2025, reflecting a portfolio shift toward premium light beers with resilient demand. This investment follows the company’s $300 million investment in U.S. facilities last year and more than $100 million in Jacksonville since 2021.

Secondly, Reuters reported on the same day that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) will reacquire a 49.9% stake in its U.S. container plants for roughly $3 billion. With this repurchase, the company will regain full economic exposure to seven plants across six states. The deal, funded with cash, is expected to close in Q1 and is expected to boost profits from year one, enhance supply security, and mitigate rising aluminum costs. This is the company’s first major acquisition after reducing leverage to investor-acceptable levels at the end of 2024.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD), the world’s largest brewer, produces and distributes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages across the globe.

While we acknowledge the potential of BUD to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BUD and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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