Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Constellation Brands (STZ) Down Ahead of Earnings: What To Expect

Read MoreHide Full Article

Shares of Constellation Brands (STZ - Free Report) fell 1% during regular market hours Wednesday, the last trading period before the alcohol giant posts its latest quarterly earnings report. Investors clearly displayed some hesitation ahead of the announcement Thursday morning, but this report is certainly still one to watch.

Constellation Brands contributed to one of the biggest stories on Wall Street during the third quarter, tossing its name in the ring of companies betting big on marijuana. The maker of Corona, Modelo, and Svedka upped its investment in Canopy Growth (CGC - Free Report) , a major Canadian marijuana producer, to 38% and revealed that it is interested in developing cannabis-infused beverages.

It makes sense that Constellation wants to ensure its status as a purveyor of the “buzz,” wherever that intoxication may come from. But marijuana drinks are a future-minded growth idea—not something that is likely to have a material effect on the company’s performance right now.

Nevertheless, Constellation Brands will hope that it can satisfy investors with its report tomorrow, as its stock has struggled to generate much momentum lately. Shares are down more than 6% on the year, and earnings growth has been tepid.

Of course, there’s no better way to get the ball rolling again than with a stronger-than-expected earnings report. So what kind of expectations is Constellation Brands up against? Let’s take a closer look.

Constellation Brands Inc Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Constellation Brands Inc Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Constellation Brands Inc Quote

Earnings Outlook

Constellation Brands will report its Q2 fiscal 2019 results before the market opens Thursday. Here’s what analysts are projecting, according to our Zacks Consensus Estimates.

Earnings: STZ is expected to see earnings of $2.58 per share. These results would represent year-over-year growth of 4.5%.

Estimate Revisions: Constellation has witnessed four revisions to its earnings estimates for the soon-to-be-reported quarter within the past 60 days. Two of these have been positives; two have been negative. The Zacks Consensus has shed a penny in that time.

This type of mixed sentiment and downtrend in the consensus is not a positive indicator leading up to a report.

Revenue: Consensus estimates haveConstellation’s Q2 revenue pegged at $2.25 billion. This would mark growth of about 7.9% from the prior-year period.

Bottom Line

Some investors are rightfully excited about Constellation’s investment in the marijuana market, and that move could reap rewards for investors in the future. However, the outlook for tomorrow’s report is unclear. Shares have struggled to move higher this year, and there is no universally-positive analyst sentiment to speak of.

What’s worse, STZ is sporting a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). This is because the company has witnessed six negative revisions to its full-year EPS estimates. However, the stock could bounce back if it is able to surprise investors with great results.

Best Electric Car Stock? You'll Never Guess It.

Zacks Research has released a report that may shock many investors. One stock stands out as the best way to invest in the surge to electric cars. And it's not the one you may think!

Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium battery power is set to shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, revenues that were already at $31 billion in 2016 are expected to blast to over $67 billion by the end of 2022.

See Zacks Best EV Stock Free >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) - free report >>

Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) - free report >>