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Constellation Brands' (STZ) Solid Growth, Diverse Portfolio Aid

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Constellation Brands Inc.’s (STZ - Free Report) strategies reflect a strong focus on market growth, particularly in the beer segment, prudent financial management and a commitment to long-term shareholder value. Despite some challenges, particularly in the Wine & Spirits segment, the company is positioned well with a diverse portfolio, strategic investments and a clear vision for the future.

 

Zacks Investment Research
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Let’s Delve Deeper

The company's beer business showcased an impressive performance, with a notable depletion growth of 8.2% in third-quarter fiscal 2024, indicating a strong and consistent demand for its products. This achievement is particularly significant, as it represents the 55th consecutive quarter of growth in this area, highlighting a stable and growing market presence. The leadership in Thanksgiving beer sales in the U.S.-tracked channels further underscores the brand's strong consumer preference and market positioning, especially during key holiday periods.

Constellation Brands demonstrated a balanced approach to capital allocation. The execution of $215 million in share repurchases, while maintaining a stable net leverage ratio, illustrates a strategic balance between investing for growth and returning value to shareholders. This approach indicates financial prudence and a commitment to a healthy balance sheet.

Regarding investments, the company's focus on enhancing its brewery capacities, particularly with investments in the Obregon brewery and a new site in Veracruz, is a strategic move to prepare for future demand. This indicates a long-term perspective toward market expansion and meeting growing consumer needs.

The performance of individual beer brands like Modelo Especial and Pacifico, which showed significant depletion growth, highlights its strong market acceptance and growing consumer base. The success of these brands significantly contributes to the company's overall performance and helps diversify its portfolio strength.

In the Wine & Spirits business, the company is focusing on reshaping its portfolio toward higher-end brands, aligning with consumer trends toward premiumization. The expansion into direct-to-consumer channels and international markets is a significant move to tap into new revenue streams and diversify market presence.

To wrap up, the company’s commitment to delivering shareholder value is evident in its balanced capital allocation, prioritizing growth and shareholder returns. This approach, coupled with disciplined investment and share repurchase programs, demonstrates a focus on sustainable growth and shareholder interests.

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company has gained 10.5% in the past year against the industry’s decline of 7.5%.

Three Solid Picks

A few better-ranked stocks are PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP - Free Report) , The Coca-Cola Company (KO - Free Report) and Freshpet Inc. (FRPT - Free Report) .

PepsiCo is one of the leading global food and beverage companies. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo’s current financial-year earnings and sales indicates growth of 11.2% and 6.4%, respectively, from the previous year’s reported figures. PEP has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 5.6%.

The Coca-Cola Company is putting its best foot forward to evolve its business model to become a total beverage company with something for everyone to drink. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for The Coca-Cola Company’s current financial-year earnings and sales indicates growth of 8.1% and 5.7%, respectively, from the previous year’s reported figures. KO has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 5.1%.

Freshpet is a pet food company. The company manufactures and markets natural fresh foods, refrigerated meals, and treats for dogs and cats. FRPT currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Freshpet’s current financial-year sales suggests growth of 26.8% from the 2022 reported figure. FRPT delivered an earnings surprise of 25% in the third quarter of 2023.

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