Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands and Altria are both considered stable blue chip stocks, but Altria has outperformed Constellation significantly over the past three years, raising questions about future investment potential [1][2]. Constellation Brands - Constellation Brands generates most of its revenue from its beer business, with popular brands like Modelo and Corona, and a smaller portion from wine and spirits [4]. - The company faces three major challenges: declining beer consumption among younger consumers, decreasing sales of lower-end wines, and increased costs due to tariffs on imported Mexican beers [5][6]. - Analysts expect Constellation's revenue to decline from $10.2 billion in 2024 to $9.9 billion in 2027, while its earnings per share (EPS) is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% [8]. - Despite a low valuation at 14 times forward earnings and a forward yield of 2.5%, the lack of near-term catalysts makes it an unappealing investment [9]. Altria - Altria primarily generates revenue from its Marlboro cigarettes and has a strong domestic focus, which protects it from tariffs and foreign-exchange issues [10][11]. - The company has been countering declining smoking rates by raising cigarette prices, cutting costs, and expanding its smokeless product portfolio through investments and acquisitions [12]. - Following a setback with its investment in Juul, Altria acquired Njoy for $2.8 billion in 2023, which is expected to boost EPS starting in 2026 [13]. - Analysts predict Altria's revenue will dip slightly from $20.4 billion in 2024 to $20.2 billion in 2027, but its EPS is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 5% from 2025 to 2027 [14][15]. - Altria's stock is considered cheap at 12 times forward earnings, with a substantial forward yield of nearly 7%, making it a more stable investment compared to Constellation [15]. Investment Recommendation - Altria is viewed as the better investment option due to its more stable business model, larger dividend, and lower valuation multiple compared to Constellation Brands [16].

ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ), a leading beverage alcohol company, reported today its first quarter fiscal 2026 financial results. A conference call to discuss the financial results and outlook will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer, Bill Newlands, and Chief Financial Officer, Garth Hankinson, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. ET. Visit ir.cbrands.com to locate information for joining the conference call, or a live, listen-o ...

Core Insights - Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ) is successfully implementing a premiumization strategy, leading to accelerated growth in its Power Brands, particularly in the beer segment [1] Group 1: Divestiture and Portfolio Restructuring - The company has completed the divestiture of its mainstream wine brands to The Wine Group, which includes brands like Woodbridge, Meiomi, and Robert Mondavi Private Selection [2][9] - The wine portfolio now focuses on exclusive wines priced at $15 and above, featuring renowned brands from top regions globally [3] - The craft spirits portfolio includes High West whiskey, Mi CAMPO tequila, and Casa Noble tequila, aligning with consumer-led premiumization trends [4] Group 2: Financial Outlook - For fiscal 2026, Constellation Brands anticipates net sales growth of 0-3% in the beer segment and a significant increase in enterprise operating income by 765-783% [5] - The medium-term outlook for fiscal 2027 and 2028 includes enterprise net sales growth of 2-4%, with operating income margins projected at 35-36% overall [6] - Earnings per share (EPS) growth is expected to be mid-single-digit to low-double-digit for fiscal 2027 and low-single-digit to mid-single-digit for fiscal 2028 [7] Group 3: Capacity Expansion and Market Position - The company is investing in capacity expansion in Mexico to meet demand for its high-end Mexican beer portfolio, aiming for a capacity of approximately 55 million hectoliters by fiscal 2028 [8] - Constellation Brands is focused on enhancing distribution and innovation to support its leading position in the beer market [8] Group 4: Challenges - The company faces challenges from rising selling, general, and administrative costs, as well as inflationary pressures affecting packaging and raw material costs [10]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, continues to sell more stocks than it buys, increasing its cash reserves to over $347 billion while strategically investing in select stocks like Constellation Brands [1][2]. Stock Transactions - In Q1 2025, Berkshire Hathaway sold eight stocks, including Citibank and Nu Holdings, while purchasing seven stocks, notably increasing its position in Constellation Brands [1][2]. - Constellation Brands has seen a 25% decline over the past three years, which Buffett views as a buying opportunity despite its potential as a value trap for less experienced investors [2]. Investment Philosophy - Buffett's investment strategy is characterized by a contrarian approach, focusing on buying low and selling high, which he has articulated through his famous quote about being fearful when others are greedy [4][5]. - The decision to sell Nu Holdings, a high-growth stock, may be influenced by the current economic conditions in Brazil, including high inflation and increased provisions for losses [7]. Company Analysis - Nu Holdings has significant growth potential, particularly in Brazil, where it has 59% market penetration, and is expanding into Mexico and Colombia [6]. - Constellation Brands, known for its established alcoholic beverage brands, offers stability and a growing dividend yield of 2.2%, which aligns with Buffett's preference for financially strong companies [10][11]. Market Considerations - The current economic uncertainty and market volatility make stable stocks like Constellation Brands more appealing, as they are better positioned to withstand challenging conditions [10]. - Constellation Brands is trading at an attractive valuation with a forward P/E ratio of 13 and a price-to-cash flow ratio of 17, indicating potential long-term upside [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands, Inc. will report its financial results for the first quarter ending May 31, 2025, on July 1, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for July 2, 2025, to discuss the results and future outlook [1][2]. Company Overview - Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy [3]. - The company's mission focuses on building beloved brands and enhancing human connections, which drives its growth as one of the fastest-growing large consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in the U.S. [3]. Product Portfolio - The company offers a range of high-end, iconic imported beer brands, including Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, and various craft spirits and fine wine brands such as The Prisoner Wine Company and Robert Mondavi Winery [4]. Sustainability and ESG Strategy - Constellation Brands emphasizes sustainable and responsible operations, integrating its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy into its business practices to support long-term goals [5].

Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands, Inc. will participate in the 2025 Deutsche Bank Global Consumer Conference, discussing financial metrics, operating performance, strategic initiatives, and future outlook [1]. Company Overview - Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy [3]. - The company's mission focuses on building beloved brands and enhancing human connections, which drives its growth as one of the fastest-growing large consumer packaged goods companies in the U.S. [3]. Product Portfolio - The company offers a range of high-end imported beer brands, including Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, and various craft spirits and fine wines such as The Prisoner Wine Company and Robert Mondavi Winery [4]. Sustainability and ESG Strategy - Constellation Brands emphasizes sustainable and responsible operations, integrating its ESG strategy into its business practices to promote environmental stewardship and responsible alcohol consumption [5].

The alcoholic beverages maker faces a lot of near-term challenges.Constellation Brands (STZ -1.18%) was once considered a reliable blue-chip stock. It owns more than 100 brands of beers, spirits, and wines, and it has raised its dividend annually for 10 consecutive years. But over the past 12 months, Constellation's stock price has dropped nearly 30%. Let's see why that happened -- and if it can bounce back over the next 12 months.What happened to Constellation over the past year?Constellation struggled wit ...

Group 1 - Constellation Brands, Inc. will participate in the 2025 Goldman Sachs Global Staples Forum on May 13, 2025, with a presentation covering financial metrics, operating performance, strategic initiatives, and future outlook [1] - The presentation will be available via a live webcast on the company's investor relations website, with financial information and reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP measures accessible during the event [2] - Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy, focusing on building beloved brands and anticipating market trends [3][4] Group 2 - The company emphasizes sustainability and responsible operations as part of its ESG strategy, aiming to be good stewards of the environment and promote responsible beverage alcohol consumption [5] - Constellation Brands offers a range of high-end beer brands, including Corona and Modelo, as well as fine wines and craft spirits, contributing to its position as one of the fastest-growing large CPG companies in the U.S. [4][3]

Group 1: Investment Overview - Berkshire Hathaway sold more stock than it bought in 2024, raising questions about its investment in Constellation Brands, which has likely lost value due to tariff fears and declining alcohol consumption [1] - Constellation Brands appears to align with Buffett's investment philosophy, being a "forever" stock with enduring product demand, particularly as it produces the U.S.'s No. 1 beer, Modelo Especial [2] - The current valuation of Constellation Brands is low, with a forward P/E ratio of 15 and a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 3.4, down from 6 in 2022, indicating a significant discount [3] Group 2: Market Performance and Concerns - Constellation's stock performance has been poor, diverging from the S&P 500 since 2023, which may have prompted Buffett's team to see an investment opportunity [4] - Recent tariff concerns regarding imports, including Mexican beers and spirits, could lead to increased prices and decreased sales, potentially jeopardizing Modelo's market position [5] Group 3: Investment Strategy and Opportunities - Investors may have the chance to "out-Buffett" Buffett by purchasing shares at a lower valuation, as current P/S ratios are more favorable than those at which Buffett's team bought shares [6] - New shareholders could benefit from a higher dividend yield of about 2.2%, which is significantly above the S&P 500's approximate 1.5% yield [7] - Constellation Brands has consistently raised its dividend since 2015, with a free cash flow of $1.9 billion in fiscal 2025, indicating the potential for further dividend increases [8] Group 4: Future Considerations - While Berkshire's Q1 purchases remain unknown until the release of its 13-F, there is potential for investors to achieve better returns than Buffett if they buy at lower share prices [9] - Despite the uncertainties surrounding tariffs and consumption, the low valuation and prospects for rising dividends may present a compelling opportunity for investors to add Constellation shares [11]