(SAM) Boston Beer Company – Earnings Estimates Advance

January 6th, 2010

Boston Beer Co., Inc. (SAM) just hit a new 52-week high as shares rallied into the new year. Estimates are up on the company’s better than expected Q3 results from early November.

Company Description

Boston Beer Company, Inc. produces and sells specialty alcoholic beverages in the United States and Internationally. The company was founded in 1984 and has a market cap of $700 million.

Shares of SAM just hit a new 52-week high after breaking above a key level of resistance at $41. The recent surge began in early November when the company reported better than expected Q3 results.

Third-Quarter Results

Sales were up 6% from last year to $108.7 million. Earnings also came in strong at 72 cents, 32 cents ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company has been handily beating estimates for the last three quarters by an average of 106%.

The company noted that shipment volumes were up 7% from last year, while gross margin for the quarter improved to 54% and 51% for the year. Boston Beer also has a cash balance of $45 million and an unused line of credit of $50 to provide extra liquidity.

Trends Improving, Competition Tough

The company noted that general trends have improved, but CEO Jim Koch added that Boston Beer continues to see increased competition from “domestic specialty and regional craft beers.”

Estimates Advance

The good quarter sent estimates higher, with the current year adding 48 cents and climbing to $2.24. The next-year estimate is pegged at $2.39, a respectable 7% growth projection.

Valuation

Shares of SAM are currently trading with a forward P/E of 21X, a slight premium to the overall market.

The Chart

SAM jumped past a 2-month level of resistance on the better than expected quarter, with shares rallying into the end of the year to hit a new 52-week high. Look for support from the up trend line and previous breakout area on a pull back. Take a look below.

Michael Vodicka is the Momentum Stock Strategist for Zacks.com. He is also the Editor in charge of the market-beating Zacks Surprise Trader Service.

Zacks Investment Research

More on this topic (What's this?)
Are You Drinking Sam Adams This New Year’s Eve? (Phil’s Stock World, 12/30/11)
Stocks to Watch: Zumiez, Boston Beer and More (Wall Street Sector Selector, 5/11/11)
Here’s Why Shares of Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams) are Up 13% (Wall St. Cheat Sheet, 12/15/10)
Sam Adams Tastes Great In Your Portfolio (SAM) (Benzinga, 10/18/10)
Read more on Boston Beer Company at Wikinvest

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