Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) is back in growth mode. The global beer conglomerate, which owns hundreds of brands including Bud Light and Stella Artois, on Thursday revealed improving sales and volume trends as it recovers from the huge COVID-19 hit that the business took in the spring and summer months. Sales rose 4% and global volume rose 1.9% to mark the first increase on those metrics since volumes collapsed 10% in the fiscal first quarter of 2020. Standout brands included Stella Artois, Corona, and Budweiser. Image source: Getty Images. InBev explained that major sales pressures remain as the virus has reduced demand in bars, restaurants, sporting events, and many other on-premises activities. The company is more exposed to these issues than smaller peers like Constellation Brands and Boston Beer, which have each enjoyed strong beer sales growth through the pandemic. These challenges contributed to management's decision to continue forgoing its normal dividend payment through the end of fiscal 2020. But executives were happy to highlight their return to overall growth even as more alcohol spending shifts toward at-home consumption. "We delivered a strong and balanced ... performance," CEO Carlos Brito said in a press release, "by quickly adapting to meet the evolving needs of our customers." 10 stocks we like better than Anheuser-Busch InBev NVWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Anheuser-Busch InBev NV wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of October 20, 2020 Demitri Kalogeropoulos owns shares of Boston Beer. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Boston Beer and Constellation Brands. The Motley Fool recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Source