Constellation Brands Q3 Earnings Preview: Growth or Pressure?

Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands, Inc. is expected to report declines in both revenue and earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, with earnings estimated at $2.66 per share, reflecting an 18.2% decrease year-over-year, and revenues projected at $2.2 billion, indicating an 11.6% decline from the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $2.66 per share, down 18.2% from the same quarter last year [2]. - Revenue expectations are set at $2.2 billion, which is an 11.6% decline compared to the prior-year quarter [2]. - In the last reported quarter, the company achieved an earnings surprise of 7.7%, with an average earnings beat of 4.2% over the last four quarters [3]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Constellation Brands, as it holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) and an Earnings ESP of +3.58% [4]. Key Factors Impacting Q3 Results - The anticipated results are influenced by sluggish performance in the wine and spirits segment due to decreased shipment volumes, affected by the SVEDKA and 2025 Wine divestitures, as well as changes in distributor contractual obligations [5]. - Increased costs from packaging and raw materials due to inflation, along with higher depreciation and operating costs from brewery expansions, are expected to negatively impact operating income [6]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is progressing with capacity expansion plans in Mexico to meet demand for its high-end Mexican beer portfolio, including hard seltzers [7]. - Constellation Brands is focusing on premiumization, successfully transitioning its portfolio towards higher-end brands that align with consumer trends, with key growth drivers being its high-end Power Brands [8]. Valuation Insights - Constellation Brands is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 11.22X, which is below its five-year high of 23.57X and the industry average of 15.11X, indicating an attractive investment opportunity despite expected near-term declines [9][10]. - The stock has underperformed recently, losing 2.9% over the past three months compared to the industry’s growth of 1.9% [11].