ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Constellation Brands (NYSE:), a prominent beverage alcohol company with a market capitalization of $43.2 billion, has announced an agreement to sell its SVEDKA Vodka brand to Sazerac, a global spirits company. This move is part of Constellation’s strategic realignment to focus on premium wine and spirits, aligning with changing consumer tastes and market trends.
The company has been reshaping its portfolio over the past few years, divesting from mainstream brands to concentrate on the premium segment. With a healthy current ratio of 1.25 and revenue growth of 4.1% in the last twelve months, these strategic moves appear to be paying off. Bill Newlands, President and CEO of Constellation Brands, stated that these efforts support the acceleration of the company’s wine and spirits business performance and growth objectives. The transaction is slated to close in the coming months, subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.For deeper insights into Constellation Brands’ financial health and strategic positioning, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive analysis and exclusive ProTips.
Sazerac’s CEO, Jake Wenz, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, recognizing SVEDKA’s reputation for quality vodka and flavor innovation. Wenz said the addition of SVEDKA would enhance Sazerac’s global spirits portfolio, which includes a range of award-winning products.
Further details regarding the transaction will be discussed at the Morgan Stanley (NYSE:) Global Consumer and Retail Conference in New York, where Constellation Brands’ Executive Vice President and CFO, Garth Hankinson, will participate in a fireside chat. The presentation is scheduled for today at 2:15 p.m. ET and will be webcast on Constellation’s investor relations website, with a replay available until January 3, 2025.
Constellation Brands, listed on the NYSE under the ticker STZ, is known for its beer, wine, and spirits products, including high-end beer brands like Corona and Modelo, as well as fine wine and craft spirits from entities such as The Prisoner Wine Company and High West Whiskey. The company, which has consistently raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and maintains a solid gross profit margin of 51.3%, emphasizes sustainable and responsible operations within its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy.InvestingPro analysis reveals additional valuable insights about Constellation Brands’ performance and market position, with over 30 key metrics and multiple ProTips available to subscribers.
The information in this article is based on a press release statement.
In other recent news, Constellation Brands has faced significant changes due to policy shifts and market trends. The company’s shares fell following President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of imposing substantial tariffs on imports from Mexico, a development that could pose a substantial challenge for Constellation Brands, heavily reliant on Mexican imports. Analysts from Roth suggested potential outcomes for the company, including the possibility of the tariffs serving as a negotiation starting point or the company receiving an exemption.
BMO Capital revised its price target for Constellation Brands to $305.00, maintaining an Outperform rating despite the reduction. The firm expressed confidence in the company’s beer business fundamentals and expects an acceleration in cash returns to shareholders. Constellation Brands’ recent financial results showed a nearly 6% increase in net sales and a 13% growth in operating income in its beer business.
TD Cowen downgraded Constellation Brands from Buy to Hold, reducing the price target to $270 due to concerns over the decelerating growth pace for the company’s beer segment. Similarly, BofA Securities revised its rating from Buy to Neutral, reducing the price target to $255, citing tepid beer volume growth. Despite these adjustments, firms such as Barclays (LON:), HSBC, Jefferies, and Truist Securities continue to express confidence in the company’s growth.
In terms of leadership, Constellation Brands recently appointed E. Yuri Hermida as the new Executive Vice President, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer. Hermida, bringing significant experience from roles at Sovos Brands and Reckitt, will be responsible for areas such as Consumer Insights & Innovation and New Business Ventures. Mallika Monteiro has transitioned to the role of Executive Vice President and Managing Director for the company’s beer brand portfolio. These are the recent developments for Constellation Brands.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
