Core Viewpoint - Constellation Brands has experienced a decline in share price by approximately 7.8% since its last earnings report, raising questions about the potential for continued negative trends or a possible breakout before the next earnings release [1] Financial Performance - The company reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with both sales and earnings surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate despite year-over-year declines due to weak consumer demand [2] - Comparable earnings per share (EPS) were $3.63, down 16% year over year, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.37. Reported EPS was $2.65, compared to a loss of $6.59 in the same quarter last year [3] - Net sales decreased by 15% year over year to $2.48 billion, slightly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.46 billion. Organic net sales fell by 8% year over year [3] Segment Performance - Sales in the beer segment fell 7% year over year to $2.35 billion, driven by an 8.7% decline in shipment volumes due to socioeconomic headwinds and distributor inventory rebalancing. Depletions decreased by 2.7%, with notable declines in Modelo Especial, Corona Extra, and Modelo Chelada brands, partially offset by growth in Pacifico and Victoria [4] - The wine and spirits segment saw a significant decline of 65% year over year in sales, dropping to $136 million, primarily due to a 76.4% decrease in shipment volumes linked to divestitures and changes in distributor obligations. However, depletions in this segment grew nearly 2% [5] Margin Analysis - Comparable operating income for the company was $886.2 million, down from $1,019.1 million in the prior-year quarter, attributed to weak performance across beer, wine, and spirits businesses [6] - The beer segment's operating income fell 12% year over year to $951.6 million, with an operating margin contraction of 200 basis points to 40.6%, influenced by higher costs of goods sold (COGS) and increased marketing expenses [7] - The wine and spirits segment reported an operating loss of $19.8 million, a significant decline from an operating income of $70.5 million in the previous year, with margins affected by divestitures and changes in distributor contractual obligations [8]

Core Insights - Constellation Brands, Inc. is facing challenges in the alcohol market, particularly due to the impact of GLP-1 drugs that reduce cravings for alcohol, affecting sales of its major brands like Corona and Modelo [1][2] - The company's stock has seen a decline, with a current valuation at 12 times earnings, which is noted as the lowest seen, although this multiple contraction is considered justified given recent performance [1] Company Overview - Constellation Brands produces and markets a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, under well-known brands such as Corona, Modelo, Robert Mondavi, Kim Crawford, and SVEDKA [2] - The company has been described as a "fallen idol" in the consumer packaged goods sector, reflecting broader issues within the alcohol industry [2] Market Context - The alcohol industry is currently experiencing a downturn, with Constellation Brands exemplifying the struggles faced by companies in this sector [2] - The introduction and popularity of GLP-1 drugs are significantly impacting consumer behavior, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption [2]

Core Insights - Constellation Brands, Inc. reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results with both sales and earnings exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates despite year-over-year declines due to weak consumer demand and socioeconomic challenges [1][2]. Financial Performance - Comparable earnings per share (EPS) were $3.63, a 16% decline year over year, but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.37. Reported EPS was $2.65 compared to a loss of $6.59 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Net sales decreased 15% year over year to $2.48 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.46 billion. Organic net sales fell 8% year over year [2]. - The stock price increased by 3.3% in after-market trading following the earnings release, reflecting better-than-expected performance [3]. Segment Performance - Beer segment sales declined 7% year over year to $2.35 billion, driven by an 8.7% drop in shipment volumes due to socioeconomic headwinds and distributor inventory rebalancing. Depletions fell 2.7%, with notable declines in Modelo Especial, Corona Extra, and Modelo Chelada brands, partially offset by growth in Pacifico and Victoria [4]. - Wine and spirits segment sales plummeted 65% year over year to $136 million, impacted by a 76.4% decline in shipment volumes due to divestitures and changes in distributor obligations, although depletions grew nearly 2% [5]. Margins and Operating Income - Comparable operating income was $886.2 million, down from $1,019.1 million in the prior-year quarter, attributed to weak performance in beer, wine, and spirits [6]. - Operating income for the beer segment fell 12% year over year to $951.6 million, with the operating margin contracting by 200 basis points to 40.6% due to higher costs and increased marketing expenses [7]. - The wine and spirits segment reported an operating loss of $19.8 million, a significant decline from an operating income of $70.5 million in the previous year, with margins affected by divestitures and contractual changes [8]. Financial Position and Cash Flow - As of August 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $72 million, long-term debt was $9.8 billion, and total shareholders' equity was $7.5 billion. The company generated an operating cash flow of $1.5 billion and an adjusted free cash flow of $1.1 billion in Q2 FY26 [9]. - The company returned nearly $604 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, with a quarterly dividend of $1.02 per share announced [10]. Future Outlook - Constellation Brands forecasts operating cash flow of $2.5-$2.6 billion and free cash flow of $1.3-$1.4 billion for fiscal 2026, with planned capital expenditures of $1.2 billion [11]. - The company anticipates a decline in enterprise organic net sales of 4-6% and a decrease in beer segment net sales of 2-4%. The wine and spirits segment is expected to decline by 17-20% [12]. - Management projects a comparable EPS guidance of $11.30-$11.60 for fiscal 2026, with reported EPS expected to be $9.86-$10.16 [14].

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]