Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands reported disappointing Q1 fiscal 2026 results, with both sales and earnings missing estimates, primarily due to weak consumer demand influenced by socioeconomic factors [3][4]. Financial Performance - Comparable earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 were $3.22, down 10% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.38. Reported EPS was $2.90, a 39% decline year over year [4]. - Net sales fell 5.5% year over year to $2.52 billion, also missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.57 billion [4]. - The beer segment's sales decreased 2% year over year to $2.23 billion, with a shipment volume decline of 3.3% [5]. - The wine and spirits segment saw a significant sales drop of 28% year over year to $280.5 million, driven by a 30.4% decline in shipment volumes [6]. Margin Analysis - Comparable operating income was $810 million, down 11% from the prior year, attributed to declines in both beer and wine & spirits segments [7]. - Operating income for the beer segment fell 5% year over year to $873.4 million, with an operating margin contraction of 150 basis points to 39.1% due to increased costs [8]. - The wine and spirits segment reported an operating loss of $6 million, a significant decline from an operating income of $59.7 million in the previous year [9]. Financial Position - As of May 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $73.9 million, long-term debt was $9.8 billion, and total shareholders' equity was $7.3 billion [10]. - The company generated an operating cash flow of $637.2 million and an adjusted free cash flow of $444.4 million for Q1 [10][11]. Future Outlook - Constellation Brands forecasts operating cash flow of $2.7-$2.8 billion and free cash flow of $1.5-$1.6 billion for fiscal 2026, with planned capital expenditures of $1.2 billion [12]. - The company anticipates organic net sales for fiscal 2026 to range from a decline of 2% to an increase of 1%, with the beer segment expected to grow 0-3% and the wine and spirits segment to decline 17-20% [13]. - Comparable EPS guidance for fiscal 2026 is set at $12.60-$12.90, with reported EPS expected to be $12.07-$12.37 [15].

Core Insights - Constellation Brands, Inc. reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results with both sales and earnings missing expectations, primarily due to weak consumer demand influenced by socioeconomic factors [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Comparable earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $3.22, a 10% decline year over year, missing the consensus estimate of $3.38. Reported EPS was $2.90, down 39% year over year [2][6] - Net sales decreased by 5.5% year over year to $2.52 billion, also falling short of the consensus estimate of $2.57 billion [2][6] - The beer segment's sales fell 2% year over year to $2.23 billion, with a 3.3% decline in shipment volume attributed to socioeconomic headwinds [4][6] - Wine and spirits sales plummeted 28% year over year to $280.5 million, driven by a 30.4% decline in shipment volumes and an 8.1% dip in depletions [7][6] Margin Analysis - Comparable operating income was $810 million, down 11% from the prior year, reflecting challenges in both beer and wine & spirits segments [8] - Operating income for the beer segment fell 5% year over year to $873.4 million, with operating margin contracting by 150 basis points to 39.1% due to increased costs [9] - The wine and spirits segment reported an operating loss of $6 million compared to an operating income of $59.7 million in the previous year, with significant margin contraction [10] Financial Position - As of May 31, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $73.9 million, long-term debt of $9.8 billion, and total shareholders' equity of $7.3 billion [11] - Operating cash flow for the first quarter was $637.2 million, with adjusted free cash flow at $444.4 million [11][12] Future Outlook - The company forecasts operating cash flow of $2.7-$2.8 billion and free cash flow of $1.5-$1.6 billion for fiscal 2026, with planned capital expenditures of $1.2 billion [13] - Management anticipates organic net sales for fiscal 2026 to range from a decline of 2% to an increase of 1%, with the wine and spirits segment expected to decline by 17-20% [14] - Comparable EPS guidance for fiscal 2026 is set at $12.60-$12.90, with reported EPS expected to be $12.07-$12.37 [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands, Inc. is expected to report declines in both revenue and earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with earnings estimated at $3.34 per share, reflecting a 6.4% decrease year-over-year, and revenues projected at $2.6 billion, indicating a 3.5% decline from the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share is $3.34, down 6.4% from the same quarter last year, with a 1.5% downward revision in the past week [2] - Revenue expectations are set at $2.6 billion, which is a 3.5% decline compared to the prior-year quarter [2] - The company experienced a negative earnings surprise of 15.4% in the last reported quarter, but has historically beaten estimates by an average of 5.2% over the last four quarters [2] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Constellation Brands, with an Earnings ESP of -1.64% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] Segment Performance Insights - The beer segment is expected to show resilience, benefiting from cost-saving measures and efficiency initiatives, with growth driven by brands like Modelo Especial and Corona Extra [4] - The wine and spirits segment returned to growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, with expected sales growth supported by increased shipment volumes and a favorable product mix [5] - Premiumization strategies and capacity expansion in Mexico are contributing positively to the beer segment's performance [6] Market Environment and Challenges - The company faces inflationary pressures, including higher packaging and raw material costs, which are impacting margins [7] - The operating environment is challenging due to cautious consumer spending and potential tariff changes, which may further affect profitability [8] Valuation Perspective - Constellation Brands is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.38X, which is below its five-year high of 23.57X and the industry average of 15.27X, indicating an attractive investment opportunity [9][10] - The stock has declined by 37.1% over the past year, compared to an 8.8% decline in the industry [11]