The US brewer, Anheuser-Busch, has reaffirmed its 2003 earnings per share (EPS) growth forecast of 12%. Based on its 2002 earnings per share of US$2.20, that would put 2003 EPS at around US$2.46. A Thomson First Call survey has forecast EPS for Anheuser in 2003 of US$2.48.

The brewer also confirmed its forecast for double-digit annual EPS growth over the long term.

Anheuser-Busch also announced that its board had approved the repurchase of 100m shares. The new buyback programme follows a similar 100m share buyback launched in February 2000 which is nearly complete.