NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of brewers climbed Monday after Anheuser-Busch
Companies Inc., the nation's largest brewer, said it shipped 2 percent more beer
to wholesalers in the U.S. during 2007.
The company said it was helped by the addition of global brewer InBev SA's
European brands, which it imports through a partnership deal. The brands include
Beck's, Bass and Stella Artois.
The company said shipments to wholesalers rose 3.4 percent in the fourth
quarter.
Sales to retailers climbed 1.3 percent for both the fourth quarter and full
year.
Morgan Stanley analyst William Pecoriello said volume trends in the coming
months will be more important in terms of gauging whether the weakened economy
and a slowdown in consumer spending has hurt premium brands.
Here is how some key brewer stocks did Monday:
Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. rose $2.45, or 4.7 percent, to $54.15.
Molson Coors Brewing Co. rose 92 cents to $51.61.
Boston Beer Co. Inc. rose $1.66, or 4.7 percent, to $36.68.
Redhook Ale Brewery Inc. fell 4 cents to $6.06.
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