Leading producer and distributor of premium alcoholic beverages, Brown-Forman Corporation BF.B boasts a solid portfolio with over 25 premium brands. With renowned names like Jack Daniel’s – its flagship spirits brand, along with Southern Comfort liqueur, Canadian Mist whiskey and Finlandia vodka in its kitty, the company has proven its worth time and again.
However, Brown-Forman has been battling foreign currency headwinds for a while now, which along with tough economic conditions in the emerging markets and soft global retail network, weighed upon its third-quarter fiscal 2016 results.Evidently, the company saw continued soft sales in the quarter, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third consecutive time.
The top line mainly mirrored the impact of adverse currency fluctuations, which are also expected to linger in the future. Also, the company indicated that future projections have become difficult in the face of an uncertain global economic environment and its impact on businesses. Consequently, management lowered its sales and earnings outlook for fiscal 2016.
The aforementioned factors, which raise concerns about Brown-Forman’s future performance, also triggered a downtrend in estimates. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017 witnessed a downtrend over the last 30 days. The estimate for fiscal 2016 declined 1.2% to $3.44 per share, while the same for fiscal 2017 fell 3.7% to $3.61 per share.
Further, the company, which shares space with Castle Brands Inc. ROX, Constellation Brands Inc. STZ and Heineken NV HEINY, remains prone to an increase in excise taxes that may hurt its bottom line. Also, stiff competition and risks arising from overseas operations may impact the company’s performance.
On the positive side, however, Brown-Forman reported strong underlying results in the third quarter, buoyed by its strong portfolio of premium American whiskey brands along with its trademark, Jack Daniel’s. Also, the company’s earnings topped estimates, backed by enhanced margins.
Despite the currency headwinds and tough economic conditions, the company expects to drive growth, given the sturdy worldwide demand for authentic American whiskey brands, consumer interest in flavored whiskey and a rising trend toward premium spirits.
Nonetheless, whether Brown-Forman’s growth strategies can battle the aforementioned obstacles or not, remains a wait-and-watch story.
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