Boston Beer Reports Third Quarter Financial Results
Higher margins accompanied lower sales volumes, while Boston Beer raised the floor of its full-year adjusted earnings outlook.
Sentiment and the balance of points
Rhea-AI Sentiment reads the wording of the document, how positive or negative its language is on a 1 to 5 scale. The balance of points shown with the takes weighs what the document actually discloses, so the two can disagree, for example when a trial that missed its main goal is described in upbeat language.
Rhea-AI Summary
Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM) reported third-quarter net revenue of $520.1 million, down 3.2% from the same quarter last year. For the quarter ended September 26, 2026, shipments fell 4.9% and depletions, a measure of distributor sales to retailers, declined 5%. Gross margin rose 90 basis points to 51.7%. GAAP diluted earnings per share were $4.21 versus $4.25.
Year-to-date net revenue declined 3.6% to $1.522 billion, with a GAAP diluted loss of $4.87 per share. Cash totaled $308.1 million, with no debt. Share repurchases reached $79.5 million through October 16. For 2026, the company now expects volumes to decline mid-single digits and raised its gross-margin floor to 49%. Non-GAAP earnings guidance rose to $9.00–$10.50 per share from $8.50–$10.50; GAAP guidance remains a loss, now $4.26–$5.76 per share. Expected tariff costs fell to $18–$22 million.
How this balance works
Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.
It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.
Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.
Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works
Positive
- Major point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Full-year non-GAAP EPS guidance increased to $9.00–$10.50 from $8.50–$10.50.
- Moderate pointShare repurchases totaled $79.5 million through October 16, with approximately $149 million of authorization remaining. 4.2% of market cap
- Minor pointThird-quarter gross margin increased 90 basis points to 51.7% year over year.
- Minor pointYear-to-date gross margin increased 80 basis points to 50.5% year over year.
- Minor pointCash totaled $308.1 million at September 26, 2026, with no debt.
9 minor points
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Full-year gross-margin guidance increased to 49%–50% from 48.5%–50%, including tariffs.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Expected full-year tariff costs decreased to $18–$22 million from $20–$30 million.
- Minor pointSun Cruiser and Angry Orchard grew, partially offsetting shipment declines in other brands.
- Minor pointThird-quarter general and administrative expenses decreased $2.1 million, primarily from lower salary and benefit costs.
- Minor pointThird-quarter advertising spending declined $9.0 million year over year.
- Minor pointYear-to-date brewery asset impairments decreased $3.3 million to $3.1 million.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Full-year advertising, promotion and selling expense guidance is approximately flat, versus a previous $0–$20 million increase.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Full-year capital spending guidance decreased to $55–$70 million from $60–$80 million.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Boston Beer expects modest fourth-quarter shipment growth, reflecting shipment timing and prior-year inventory changes.
Negative
- Moderate pointThird-quarter net revenue fell 3.2% to $520.1 million year over year.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter shipments fell 4.9% to approximately 1.8 million barrels; depletions declined 5%.
- Moderate pointYear-to-date GAAP diluted results shifted to a $4.87 loss from $11.82 income per share.
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Full-year volume guidance worsened to down mid-single digits from down low-single digits to mid-single digits.
- Minor pointThird-quarter GAAP diluted EPS declined to $4.21 from $4.25 a year earlier.
10 minor points
- Minor pointYear-to-date net revenue fell 3.6% to $1.522 billion.
- Minor pointYear-to-date shipments fell 5.4% to approximately 5.4 million barrels; depletions declined 5%.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Full-year GAAP guidance remains a $4.26–$5.76 loss per share, versus a previous $4.23–$6.23 loss.
- Minor pointThird-quarter freight costs increased $9.5 million, as higher rates outweighed lower shipment volumes.
- Minor pointYear-to-date freight costs increased $20.6 million.
- Minor pointYear-to-date local brand marketing investment increased $8.5 million.
- Minor pointThird-quarter brewery asset impairments increased $1.5 million to $2.9 million.
- Minor pointYear-to-date shortfall fees and production prepayment expenses totaled $4.8 million, reducing margin approximately 32 basis points.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Full-year shortfall fees and production prepayment expenses are expected to reduce gross margin 40–60 basis points.
- Minor pointEstimated depletions through October 17 declined approximately 5% from the comparable 42-week period in 2025.
News Explained
The accrued supplier-litigation balance is a potential future cash obligation, but the release gives no payment timing.
Boston Beer reported third-quarter results with its supplier-dispute litigation unresolved, recording
The company says it cannot estimate when or if damages or interest will ultimately be paid. Its non-GAAP diluted earnings measure excludes the supplier-litigation impact; year-to-date non-GAAP diluted earnings were
Boston Beer expects its cash balance, projected future operating cash flows and unused credit line to fund future cash requirements, including potential litigation payments.
Key Figures
- Third-quarter depletions
- Down 5%
- Third quarter 2026 versus prior-year quarter
- Third-quarter shipments
- Down 4.9%
- Third quarter 2026 versus prior-year quarter
- Net revenue
- $520.1 million, down 3.2%
- Third quarter 2026
- Gross margin
- 51.7%, up 90 basis points
- Third quarter 2026 year over year
- GAAP diluted EPS
- $4.21
- Third quarter 2026; includes $0.16 per share of non-recurring litigation expenses
- Supplier-dispute litigation expense
- $194.5 million
- Year-to-date 2026
- Full-year gross-margin guidance
- 49% to 50%
- 2026 current guidance; previous range was 48.5% to 50%
- Full-year non-GAAP EPS guidance
- $9.00 to $10.50
- 2026 current guidance; previous range was $8.50 to $10.50
Previous Earnings Reports
-
Gross margin rose 60 basis points while net revenue and shipments declined.
-
Gross margin rose 450 basis points while net revenue and shipments declined.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
gaap financial
non-gaap financial
post-judgment interest financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
BOSTON, Oct. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM), today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 26, 2026. Key results were:
Third Quarter 2026 Summary:
- Depletions decreased
5% and shipments decreased4.9% - Net revenue of
$520.1 million decreased3.2% - Gross margin of
51.7% up 90 basis points year over year - GAAP diluted income per share of
$4.21 , which includes non-recurring litigation expenses of$0.16 per share - Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of
$4.37
Year-to-date 2026 Summary:
- Depletions decreased
5% and shipments decreased5.4% - Net revenue of
$1.522 billion decreased3.6% - Gross margin of
50.5% up 80 basis points year over year - GAAP diluted loss per share of
$4.87 , which includes non-recurring litigation expenses of$14.51 per share - Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of
$9.64
Capital Structure
- Ended the third quarter with
$308.1 million in cash and no debt - Repurchased
$79.5 million in shares from December 28, 2025 to October 16, 2026
“The demand environment remains challenging, and we are prioritizing actions within our control to strengthen our business and improve market share trends,” said Chairman, Founder and CEO Jim Koch. “We are encouraged by the strong performance of Sun Cruiser and remain focused on marketplace execution, while our continued emphasis on productivity and strong cash generation provide a solid foundation to invest behind our brands and drive long-term value.”
“We delivered strong gross margin expansion and are raising the low end of our gross margin and earnings guidance, while managing through a dynamic consumer demand and input cost environment,” said Interim CFO and Chief Accounting Officer Matt Murphy. “Our results reflect continued progress from our multi-year supply chain transformation, disciplined investment, and an ongoing focus on productivity across the organization.”
Details of the results were as follows:
Third Quarter 2026 (13 weeks ended September 26, 2026) Summary of Results
Depletions for the third quarter decreased
The Company believes distributor inventories as of September 26, 2026 were at appropriate levels and averaged approximately four weeks on hand which is lower than the four and a half weeks on hand at the end of September 2025.
Revenue for the quarter decreased
Gross margin of
The third quarter gross margin of
Advertising, promotional and selling expenses in the third quarter were flat year over year. This reflected
General and administrative expenses decreased by
Litigation expenses of
In the third quarter of 2026, the combined pre-tax expense related to the supplier dispute litigation of
Impairment of brewery assets of
The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter was
Year-to-date 2026 (39 weeks ended September 26, 2026) Summary of Results
Depletions year-to-date decreased
Revenue year-to-date decreased
Gross margin year-to-date of
The year-to-date gross margin of
Advertising, promotional and selling expenses year-to-date increased
General and administrative expenses year-to-date increased
Litigation expense of
The litigation expense of
Impairment of brewery assets of
The Company’s effective tax rate year-to-date was a benefit of
The Company expects that its September 26, 2026 cash balance of
During the 39-week period ended September 26, 2026 and the period from September 27, 2026 through October 16, 2026, the Company repurchased shares of its Class A Common Stock in the amounts of
Depletions Estimate
Year-to-date depletions through the 42-week period ended October 17, 2026 are estimated by the Company to have decreased approximately
Full-Year 2026 Projections
The Company has updated its financial guidance for the full year 2026. The Company’s actual 2026 results could vary significantly from the current projection and are highly sensitive to changes in volume projections, supply chain performance, inflationary and commodity impacts and tariff policy. Tariff cost projections below, which are net of a
| Full Year 2026 | Current Guidance | Previous Guidance |
| Depletions and Shipments Percentage Change | Down mid-single digits | Down low-single digits to mid-single digits |
| Price Increases | ||
| Gross Margin (including Tariffs) | ||
| Tariff Costs ($ million) | ||
| Advertising, Promotion, and Selling Expense Year Over Year Change ($ million) | Approximately Flat | |
| GAAP Tax Rate (Benefit)/ Provision | ( | ( |
| Non GAAP Tax Rate Provision | ||
| GAAP EPS (Income/ (Loss)) | ( | ( |
| Non-recurring Litigation Expenses impact per share | ($14.76) | ($14.73) |
| Non GAAP EPS | ||
| Capital Spending ($ million) | ||
Underlying the Company's current 2026 projections are the following full-year estimates and targets:
- The Company is monitoring changes in commodity, fuel and transportation costs driven by macroeconomic factors. Freight costs remain elevated due to higher transportation rates, labor constraints within the transportation industry and higher fuel costs, while energy costs also impact aluminum input costs, given the energy intensive nature of aluminum production. The Company's current estimates of these cost increases are reflected in its guidance.
- Supply chain improvements implemented during 2025 resulted in more consistent levels of distributor inventory in terms of weeks on hand. The impact of these changes on prior-year shipment flows, together with the expected timing of shipments to meet customer demand in 2026, continues to influence the quarterly phasing of shipments. Accordingly, we currently expect modest shipment growth in the fourth quarter.
- The Company’s business is seasonal, with the fourth quarter typically a lower volume quarter and the lowest gross margin rate of the year. At the midpoint of the full year guidance range, the Company expects year-over-year gross margin rate improvement to be the most meaningful in the fourth quarter as shortfall fees are expected to be lower in 2026 versus 2025 and the Company typically expenses the majority of its shortfall fees in the fourth quarter.
- During full year 2026, the Company estimates shortfall fees and non-cash expense of third-party production pre-payments in total will negatively impact gross margins by 40 to 60 basis points.
- The advertising, selling and promotional expense projection does not include any changes in freight costs for the shipment of products to the Company’s distributors. Advertising investment levels are expected to decline year over year in the fourth quarter, reflecting lower planned full-year investment and a comparison against high levels of investment in the fourth quarter of 2025 that included production costs associated with preparation for 2026 programming.
Full-Year 2027 Projections
The Company is planning to provide full year 2027 financial guidance during its fourth quarter earnings call in February 2027.
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
Non-GAAP EPS and Non-GAAP Tax Rate are not defined terms under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP EPS, or Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, excludes from projected GAAP EPS the impact of the non-recurring litigation relating to a supplier dispute of
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this press release that state the Company’s or management’s intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2025 and subsequent reports filed by the Company with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Copies of these documents are available from the SEC and may be found on the Company’s website, www.bostonbeer.com. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
About the Company
The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM) began in 1984 brewing Samuel Adams beer and has since grown to become one of the largest and most respected craft brewers in the United States. We consistently offer the highest-quality products to our drinkers, and we apply what we’ve learned from making great-tasting craft beer to making great-tasting and innovative “beyond beer” products. Boston Beer Company has pioneered not only craft beer but also hard cider, hard seltzer and hard tea. Our core brands include household names like Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Dogfish Head, Sun Cruiser, Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, and Samuel Adams. We have taprooms and hospitality locations in Delaware, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio. For more information, please visit our website at www.bostonbeer.com, which includes links to our respective brand websites.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
| THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| Thirteen weeks ended | Thirty-nine weeks ended | |||||||||||||||
| September 26, 2026 | September 27, 2025 | September 26, 2026 | September 27, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 555,458 | $ | 571,476 | $ | 1,624,792 | $ | 1,678,258 | ||||||||
| Less excise taxes | 35,357 | 33,982 | 102,423 | 98,948 | ||||||||||||
| Net revenue | 520,101 | 537,494 | 1,522,369 | 1,579,310 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 251,023 | 264,377 | 752,960 | 794,412 | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 269,078 | 273,117 | 769,409 | 784,898 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Advertising, promotional, and selling expenses | 165,182 | 164,739 | 491,138 | 461,987 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 42,855 | 44,913 | 144,035 | 138,615 | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of brewery assets | 2,888 | 1,416 | 3,124 | 6,401 | ||||||||||||
| Litigation expense | 1,824 | — | 194,471 | — | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 212,749 | 211,068 | 832,768 | 607,003 | ||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 56,329 | 62,049 | (63,359 | ) | 177,895 | |||||||||||
| Other income, net: | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income, net | 2,714 | 2,696 | 6,604 | 7,320 | ||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | (138 | ) | (595 | ) | (950 | ) | (1,168 | ) | ||||||||
| Total other income, net | 2,576 | 2,101 | 5,654 | 6,152 | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit) | 58,905 | 64,150 | (57,705 | ) | 184,047 | |||||||||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | 15,739 | 17,995 | (7,176 | ) | 53,047 | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 43,166 | $ | 46,155 | $ | (50,529 | ) | $ | 131,000 | |||||||
| Net income (loss) per common share – basic | $ | 4.21 | $ | 4.25 | $ | (4.87 | ) | $ | 11.83 | |||||||
| Net income (loss) per common share – diluted | $ | 4.21 | $ | 4.25 | $ | (4.87 | ) | $ | 11.82 | |||||||
| Weighted-average number of common shares – basic | 10,254 | 10,855 | 10,369 | 11,073 | ||||||||||||
| Weighted-average number of common shares – diluted | 10,224 | 10,830 | 10,369 | 11,050 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 43,166 | $ | 46,155 | $ | (50,529 | ) | $ | 131,000 | |||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | 27 | (161 | ) | (207 | ) | 233 | ||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 27 | (161 | ) | (207 | ) | 233 | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 43,193 | $ | 45,994 | $ | (50,736 | ) | $ | 131,233 | |||||||
| THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
| (in thousands, except share data) | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| September 26, 2026 | December 27, 2025 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 308,072 | $ | 223,378 | ||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 83,032 | 57,094 | ||||||
| Inventories, net | 98,078 | 92,532 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 24,668 | 20,316 | ||||||
| Income tax receivable | 2,096 | 24,259 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 515,946 | 417,579 | ||||||
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | 542,645 | 578,125 | ||||||
| Operating right-of-use assets | 23,000 | 30,229 | ||||||
| Goodwill | 112,529 | 112,529 | ||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 13,483 | 14,753 | ||||||
| Third-party production prepayments | 5,324 | 7,099 | ||||||
| Note receivable | 7,826 | 11,218 | ||||||
| Other assets | 18,635 | 22,063 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,239,388 | $ | 1,193,595 | ||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 107,640 | $ | 94,975 | ||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 146,382 | 144,797 | ||||||
| Accrued litigation expenses | 194,471 | - | ||||||
| Current operating lease liabilities | 7,871 | 12,762 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 456,364 | 252,534 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes, net | 21,524 | 64,785 | ||||||
| Non-current operating lease liabilities | 21,667 | 25,111 | ||||||
| Other liabilities | 4,103 | 4,885 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 503,658 | 347,315 | ||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders' Equity: | ||||||||
| Class A Common Stock, | 81 | 84 | ||||||
| Class B Common Stock, | 21 | 21 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 713,081 | 698,811 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (587 | ) | (380 | ) | ||||
| Retained earnings | 23,134 | 147,744 | ||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 735,730 | 846,280 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 1,239,388 | $ | 1,193,595 | ||||
| THE BOSTON BEER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Thirty-nine weeks ended | ||||||||
| September 26, 2026 | September 27, 2025 | |||||||
| Cash flows provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (50,529 | ) | $ | 131,000 | |||
| Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 63,478 | 67,726 | ||||||
| Impairment of brewery assets | 3,124 | 6,401 | ||||||
| Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment | (88 | ) | (47 | ) | ||||
| Litigation expense | 194,471 | — | ||||||
| Change in right-of-use assets | 8,342 | (5,654 | ) | |||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 15,126 | 14,408 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (43,261 | ) | (15,496 | ) | ||||
| Other non-cash income | (374 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (25,961 | ) | (22,866 | ) | ||||
| Inventories | (6,585 | ) | 13,816 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (4,502 | ) | (3,329 | ) | ||||
| Income tax receivable | 22,163 | 4,925 | ||||||
| Third-party production prepayments | 1,775 | 6,058 | ||||||
| Brewery-related assets and cloud computing | 4,968 | 4,975 | ||||||
| Other non-current assets | (498 | ) | (1,148 | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable | 14,320 | 16,042 | ||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 7,916 | 8,205 | ||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | (9,450 | ) | 4,958 | |||||
| Other non-current liabilities | (233 | ) | 276 | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 194,202 | 230,218 | ||||||
| Cash flows used in investing activities: | ||||||||
| Purchases of property, plant, and equipment | (31,234 | ) | (36,717 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment | 88 | 47 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (31,146 | ) | (36,670 | ) | ||||
| Cash flows used in financing activities: | ||||||||
| Repurchases and retirement of Class A common stock | (75,338 | ) | (152,423 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options and sale of investment shares | 1,495 | 1,242 | ||||||
| Cash paid on finance leases | (1,092 | ) | (1,288 | ) | ||||
| Payment of tax withholding on stock-based payment awards and investment shares | (3,427 | ) | (2,444 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (78,362 | ) | (154,913 | ) | ||||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | 84,694 | 38,635 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 223,378 | 211,819 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 308,072 | $ | 250,454 | ||||
| Copies of The Boston Beer Company's press releases, including quarterly financial results, are available at www.bostonbeer.com | ||||||||
| Investor Relations Contact: | Media Contact: |
| Nora Doherty | Dave DeCecco |
| (617) 368-5390 | (914) 261-6572 |
| nora.doherty@bostonbeer.com | dave.dececco@bostonbeer.com |
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What were Boston Beer's third-quarter 2026 revenue and earnings?
Boston Beer reported $520.1 million in net revenue and $4.21 in GAAP diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 26, 2026. Net revenue declined 3.2% year over year, while diluted earnings per share compared with $4.25 a year earlier.
How did Boston Beer change its full-year 2026 outlook?
Boston Beer raised its non-GAAP earnings guidance to $9.00–$10.50 per share and its gross-margin outlook to 49%–50%. The previous ranges were $8.50–$10.50 and 48.5%–50%, respectively. It now expects depletions and shipments to decline mid-single digits, versus its previous low-single-digit to mid-single-digit decline range.
Does Boston Beer's 2026 selling expense guidance include changes in freight costs?
Boston Beer's advertising, selling and promotional expense projection excludes changes in freight costs for shipments to distributors. The company expects fourth-quarter advertising investment to decline year over year, reflecting lower planned full-year investment and comparison with elevated fourth-quarter 2025 spending that included production costs for 2026 programming.