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Boston Beer (SAM)
NYSE:SAM

Boston Beer (SAM) AI Stock Analysis

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SA

Boston Beer

(NYSE:SAM)

61Neutral
Boston Beer's stock reflects a mixed outlook. The company shows strong revenue growth and cost management, but profitability and cash flow pressures persist. The technical indicators suggest bearish momentum. The stock's high P/E ratio points to an expensive valuation, and no dividend yield limits income returns. Positive aspects from the earnings call, such as margin expansion and EPS growth, are countered by challenges in market segments and increased competition.
Positive Factors
Margin Improvement
The potential for gross margins to recover to high-40s% is driven by SAM’s initiatives on procurement, waste and network optimization, and brewery performance.
Product Launch
Sun Cruiser is seen as a promising product for 2025, with potential to drive premiumization in the hard tea segment.
Negative Factors
Brand Investment
A still challenged volume outlook and uncertain returns on SAM's planned step-up in brand investment.
Sales Growth
Twisted Tea's sales growth has slowed significantly, contributing to a reduced revenue growth outlook.

Boston Beer (SAM) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Boston Beer Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBoston Beer Company, Inc. (SAM), founded in 1984, is a leading American brewery known for its extensive range of high-quality craft beers. The company is best recognized for its flagship product, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, but it also offers a diverse portfolio that includes seasonal brews, ciders, hard seltzers, and other alcoholic beverages. Operating primarily in the alcoholic beverage sector, Boston Beer has established itself as a pioneer in the craft beer industry, consistently focusing on innovation, quality, and brand authenticity to maintain its competitive edge.
How the Company Makes MoneyBoston Beer Company generates revenue primarily through the sale of its wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including craft beers, hard ciders, hard seltzers, and other specialty drinks. The company's revenue streams are largely derived from wholesale distribution to retailers, bars, and restaurants across the United States and internationally. Additionally, Boston Beer benefits from direct-to-consumer sales via its own taprooms and online platforms. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with other beverage companies and brands further enhance its market presence and contribute to its revenue growth. The company invests heavily in marketing and brand promotion to drive sales and maintain customer loyalty, while its innovative approach to product development helps it capture new market trends and expand its consumer base.

Boston Beer Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Boston Beer demonstrates steady revenue growth with efficient cost management as seen in its solid gross profit margin. While the company enjoys a strong equity base and low leverage, there are pressures on profitability margins and cash flow generation. Continued attention to operational efficiency and cash management will be crucial for sustaining financial health.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Boston Beer has shown consistent growth in total revenue over the years, with a recent increase from $2,008.6 million to $2,137.8 million, indicating a positive revenue growth trend. The gross profit margin is healthy at 41.8%, reflecting efficient cost management. However, the decline in EBIT and EBITDA margins to 3.6% each from higher values in previous years suggests rising operational challenges. Net profit margin has decreased to 2.8% from 3.8%, indicating narrowing profitability.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, reflecting minimal leverage. The equity ratio is robust at 73.3%, indicating a solid equity base relative to total assets. Return on equity (ROE) has slightly decreased to 6.5% from previous years, suggesting moderate efficiency in generating profits from shareholders' equity.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Boston Beer has maintained a positive free cash flow, though it decreased to $172.6 million, highlighting effective cash generation despite lower operating cash flow of $248.9 million. The free cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 2.89, indicating effective conversion of profits into cash. However, the decline in operating cash flow from previous years suggests potential pressures on liquidity management.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
2.14B2.01B2.09B2.06B1.74B
Gross Profit
893.73M852.37M861.99M797.79M814.45M
EBIT
75.97M100.00M161.31M106.35M244.21M
EBITDA
245.78M209.96M242.67M87.13M317.44M
Net Income Common Stockholders
59.70M76.25M67.26M14.55M191.96M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
211.82M298.49M180.56M26.85M163.28M
Total Assets
1.25B1.43B1.42B1.39B1.38B
Total Debt
35.94M45.27M54.14M61.48M67.40M
Net Debt
-175.88M-253.22M-126.42M34.63M-95.88M
Total Liabilities
333.83M352.06M352.22M408.17M421.86M
Stockholders Equity
916.19M1.08B1.07B983.41M956.97M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
172.62M201.06M109.36M-91.62M113.41M
Operating Cash Flow
248.89M265.15M199.94M56.30M253.41M
Investing Cash Flow
-96.25M-62.38M-88.51M-146.62M-139.12M
Financing Cash Flow
-239.31M-84.84M2.80M-6.64M12.32M

Boston Beer Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price227.96
Price Trends
50DMA
240.55
Negative
100DMA
273.77
Negative
200DMA
278.30
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-5.10
Positive
RSI
43.50
Neutral
STOCH
38.71
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SAM, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 227.96 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 233.61, below the 50-day MA of 240.55, and below the 200-day MA of 278.30, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -5.10 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 43.50 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 38.71 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for SAM.

Boston Beer Risk Analysis

Boston Beer disclosed 20 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Boston Beer reported the most risks in the “Production” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Boston Beer Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
BUBUD
74
Outperform
$125.29B21.577.31%1.02%0.64%10.02%
TATAP
74
Outperform
$11.96B11.038.54%3.03%-0.64%22.45%
72
Outperform
$16.39B16.7027.99%2.52%-5.11%3.64%
62
Neutral
$20.53B13.72-10.76%7.35%1.61%5.95%
SASAM
61
Neutral
$2.56B46.235.99%0.21%-20.69%
STSTZ
61
Neutral
$32.33B47.897.94%2.26%3.69%-55.78%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SAM
Boston Beer
227.96
-82.17
-26.50%
BUD
Anheuser-Busch Inbev Sa
62.78
3.65
6.17%
STZ
Constellation Brands
177.42
-88.10
-33.18%
TAP
Molson Coors
58.89
-6.69
-10.20%
BF.B
Brown-Forman B
34.65
-15.15
-30.42%

Boston Beer Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 25, 2025 | % Change Since: -2.70% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a generally positive sentiment with strong financial performance in terms of gross margin expansion, EPS growth, and strategic brand management despite challenges in specific segments like Hard Seltzer. The company demonstrated a strategic focus on innovation and market expansion, particularly with Twisted Tea and Sun Cruiser, while addressing competitive pressures and operational costs.
Highlights
Gross Margin Expansion
The company achieved 200 basis points of gross margin expansion in 2024, reaching 44.4% excluding contractual prepayments and shortfall fees, indicating improved operational efficiency.
EPS Growth
Non-GAAP EPS grew by 31% year-over-year, supported by improved operational performance and share repurchasing activities.
Twisted Tea Market Share
Twisted Tea continues to grow its share in the FMBs and total beer market, remaining the leader in the hard tea category with an 84% market share.
Sun Cruiser Expansion
Sun Cruiser, a vodka iced tea, performed well in initial markets and is set for national expansion, with expectations to triple its points of distribution by mid-2025.
Share Repurchase Program
The company repurchased $268 million in shares from January 2024 to February 2025, indicating strong cash flow management and shareholder return focus.
Lowlights
Decline in Hard Seltzer Category
The Hard Seltzer category continues to face headwinds with category dollars down 4% in Q4 2024, impacting the Truly brand.
Increased Competition
Greater competition in the 'beyond beer' category is impacting near-term consumer behavior and market dynamics.
Volume Declines
Shipments decreased by 0.5% in Q4 2024 due to declines in Truly Hard Seltzer, despite growth in other brands like Twisted Tea and Sun Cruiser.
Contract Settlement Costs
The company recorded $26 million in contract settlement costs in Q4 2024, impacting overall profitability.
Company Guidance
During the Boston Beer Company Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Call, guidance for 2025 was provided, highlighting several key metrics. The company achieved a 31% increase in non-GAAP EPS and expanded its gross margin by 200 basis points in 2024, with a free cash flow of $173 million, or $14.70 per share. For 2025, the company plans to increase advertising investments by $30 million to $50 million, focusing on brand support to drive market share improvements. The company expects its depletions and shipments to range from a low single-digit decrease to a low single-digit increase, with price increases of 1% to 2%. Full-year gross margins are projected to be between 45% and 47%, with a targeted EPS range of $8 to $10.50. The company also plans capital expenditures between $90 million and $110 million, primarily for brewery infrastructure improvements.

Boston Beer Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesStock Buyback
Boston Beer Announces $50 Million Stock Repurchase Plan
Positive
Mar 13, 2025

On March 12, 2025, Jean-Michel Valette announced his decision to retire from the Board of Directors of Boston Beer Company after the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, clarifying that his departure was not due to any disagreements with the company. Additionally, on March 13, 2025, Boston Beer Company initiated a 10b5-1 plan to repurchase up to $50 million of its Class A Common Stock between March 31, 2025, and June 27, 2025, indicating a strategic move to potentially enhance shareholder value.

Executive/Board Changes
Boston Beer Sets New Executive Compensation Plans
Neutral
Feb 11, 2025

Boston Beer Company, known for its alcoholic beverages, has announced executive compensation details for fiscal year 2024 and 2025. The company has set bonus targets based on performance against certain goals such as depletions growth, EBIT targets, and cost savings. In 2024, the company achieved 90% on its bonus scale, leading to approved bonuses for its executives. For 2025, the company has set new salary and bonus targets, with the Compensation Committee approving increased base salaries and long-term equity awards, including restricted stock units (RSUs) and option awards, for its Named Executive Officers (NEOs). Vesting of these awards is contingent upon continued employment and performance-based criteria related to revenue growth.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.