Craft brewery stocks

[M.K. Jeeves]

I want to look at some craft brewery stocks, I have googled and yahoo'd every combination of words containing beer, and brewey I can think of. Most of the searches bring me to the big boys, Bud, Diego, etc. with a few independents here and there.
I am assuming that a lot of craft breweries are not publicly held, but I'm sure some are. I suppose I could make a list of names and check each one in yahoo finance, but there's got to be an easier (lazier) way. Any help would be appreciated.

[steveh]

http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=SAM

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/cq?d=v1&s=Red+Hook

Couldn't fine Sierra Nevada or Anchor, might have to investigate through their web sites to get the correct code. Or maybe there are fewer public companies than you think?

S.

[Insidious Rex]

Ive had Sam (Boston Beer Co.) stock since they went public. Good investment so far. I tried doing the search you are doing now probably 5 or 6 years ago and didnt find much. Im not sure its changed a lot since.

[M.K. Jeeves]

Thanks fellas, I think you guys may be right about the amount of companies available.

[newportstorm]

Both Anchor and Sierra Nevada are privately owned. The number of "craft breweries" that offer public stock is quite small.

Pyramid was/is/was one of them. They were publicly offered under PMID on the Nasdaq, but recently merged with Magic Hat, a privately owned brewery in VT. I'm unsure if all the details have been finalized, but it was initially going to be an all cash buyout at a 50% premium over the then going rate of Pyramid stock. Pyramid, though larger in brewing output, would operate under the parent company (Magic Hat or some newly named parent), with PMID essentially off the market. Not sure when/if that will be finalized.

Redhook is still offered (HOOK), though that also includes Widmer Bros. Brewing which merged with RedHook last year.

Here's an article mentioning some frustrations with being a publicly traded craft brewery.

http://thefullpint.com/2008/05/01/pyramid-breweries-to-be-acquired-by-magic-hat

[steveh]

Redhook is still offered (HOOK), though that also includes Widmer Bros. Brewing which merged with RedHook last year.


Explains why I couldn't find Widmer.

S.

[rlkbaylor]

I'd recommend using a stock screener. Your broker can pull all the beverage (alcohol) stocks, which is the industry where microbrews would reside. Or you can use your online broker and do it yourself.

See attached. I pulled a quick list & found 24 in the industry, there are several obvious ones that are not micros BUD, HINKY, etc. But I would recommend researching the others to find out who they are.

[chazwicke]

I've been approached by a new brewpub seeking investors. 50K is minimum buy in. If anyone can make a go at it these guys can.

[Mill Rat]

I've been approached by a new brewpub seeking investors. 50K is minimum buy in. If anyone can make a go at it these guys can.Any investment in the restaurant trade is risky. Given the current state of the US economy, it is doubly so. Without a good business plan, detailed 3rd party market research, etc., I would not go near it unless I had other reasons for the investment other than simply trying to get a return on my investment, or even just plain OF my investment.

[chazwicke]

I have declined to invest precisely due to some of the reasons that you cited above. However, I have a feeling they will be successful. I have seen thier market research and business plan.They have high powered real estate and a legal teams in place as well as very experienced restaurant folks (owner and managers) and a very talented, experienced and well known brewer. They are serious and have done their homework. Their concept is excellent as well. I don't want to say too much but I really do think they will succeed. They have a proven history. But I can't risk 50K right now due to the continued slump in housing that has effected my own business. I am, however considering putting together some sort of consortium that may be interested in pooling smaller funds to get to that 50K minimum without having to risk it all myself. I am actually waiting on a response to see if they would accept a consortium of sorts as an investment entity in itself.