Boston Beer STRs Slow, Up 2%

Boston Beer Co. reported a fourth quarter depletions increase of 2%, which brings 2008 depletions up 8%, a slowdown in the quarter which suggests Boston lost some share of the craft business. Still, pricing is still healthy as net revenues grew 13% for the quarter and net pricing was up 5% for the year. Net income for the fourth quarter was $3.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, a decrease of 46%, primarily driven by "increased costs of raw and