Heineken’s Q1 revenue exceeds analysts’ estimates on Nigeria

Revenue gained 3.4 percent, compared with the 2.9 percent median estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News, Amsterdam-based Heineken said.

Beer volume rose 1.5 percent compared with the 1.6 percent median analyst estimate. Both figures are reported on a so-called consolidated basis, and exclude effects of acquisitions, disposals and currency swings.

“It is particularly pleasing to note that two of the group’s growth engines, Africa and America, are kicking back into gear,” Jonathan Fyfe, an analyst at Mirabaud, wrote. “We are confident today’s numbers confirm a reacceleration at Heineken and suggest the downgrade cycle has finally come to an end.” Fyfe, who has an “accumulate” rating on the stock, plans to review his forecasts Friday.

After a drop in profit last year, Heineken is anticipating stronger sales in 2014 as some economies start to improve. The brewer is looking to expand sales of pricier beers such as the eponymous flagship Heineken brand, which rose 8 percent in the quarter. It’s also turning to developing markets to offset European stagnation, and bought control of its joint venture Asia Pacific Breweries in 2012 for about $5.6 billion ($4.5bn).

“We are encouraged by a positive start to the year with continued improved top-line growth momentum in Africa Middle East and the Americas,” Heineken Chief Executive Officer Jean-Francois Van Boxmeer said in the statement. That’s helping offset challenging conditions in Russia, he said. The company reaffirmed its outlook for sales improvements this year.

Revenue rose 1.8 percent and volume 2.1 percent in Western Europe, the company said, as it benefited from the comparison with destocking in France in the same period a year ago after a tax increase.

Volume improved in the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Belgium, offsetting declines in the UK, Italy and Switzerland. Brewers have been struggling to drive growth in the region due to high competition and sluggish economic growth. Marco Gulpers, an analyst at ING in Amsterdam, described today’s results as a “positive surprise” in the region.

Revenue in the Americas soared 8.7 percent as the company raised prices in Mexico, which represents 13 percent of earnings, according to UBS estimates, and Brazil, where the company also benefited from improved economic conditions.

Sales in Africa and the Middle East also improved as Heineken sold more affordable beer and volume increased in Nigeria, the second-biggest beer market in sub-Saharan Africa.

Asia-Pacific revenue edged up 0.3 percent and volumes fell 0.3 percent, dragged down by tough conditions in Vietnam where the company has also been restructuring its beer sales. “Softer economic conditions” affected some markets in the region.