Beer Stays Home in March, Steps Out in April

A-B is caught in weather-related doldrums. As reported yesterday, A-B reported first quarter US shipments up just 0.4%, and down 0.2% without their new import brands. Bud shares were up slightly yesterday. Sales-to-retailers were disappointing, down 0.7% or down 1.4% without imports. A-B cfo Randy Baker said in a conference call yesterday that, indeed, poor weather in March compared to good weather in March last year effected sales. March volume was truly a train wreck, likely down in the 6%