FAIRPORT, N.Y., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) today reported earnings per share on a diluted basis of $0.82 for the three months ended August 31, 2001 ("Second Quarter 2002"), an increase of 17 percent over earnings per diluted share of $0.70 for the three months ended August 31, 2000 ("Second Quarter 2001").

Richard Sands, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Constellation, said, "Constellation's strong results reflect the continued execution of our proven strategy. We experienced growth across all of our business segments. Our primary growth drivers, imported beer, fine wine and the U.K. wholesale business, collectively achieved organic sales growth of 15 percent. Through our balanced approach of organic growth and growth through acquisitions, we are well positioned to continue our success."

Consolidated Results

Net sales reached $742 million for Second Quarter 2002, a 16 percent increase over Second Quarter 2001. On a currency-adjusted basis, net sales increased 18 percent. Approximately half of the growth resulted from the inclusion of brands acquired in the Turner Road Vintners and Corus acquisitions in March 2001, including Vendange, Talus and Alice White, and from the Ravenswood brand, which was acquired in July 2001 (collectively, the "Acquisitions"). Excluding the Acquisitions, net sales increased a healthy 10 percent on a currency-adjusted basis, attributed primarily to growth in imported beer, fine wine and the U.K. wholesale business. Net sales for the six months ended August 31, 2001 ("Six Months 2002"), reached $1.4 billion, a 13 percent increase as compared to the six months ended August 31, 2000 ("Six Months 2001"). After adjusting for foreign currency impact, net sales for Six Months 2002 increased 15 percent compared to the prior year period.

Gross profit rose to $238 million for Second Quarter 2002, an increase of 18 percent over Second Quarter 2001. The improvement in gross profit resulted from increased sales and a 60 basis point improvement in gross profit margin. The increase in gross profit margin to 32.1 percent resulted primarily from higher margin brands from the Acquisitions and lower grape costs, partially offset by higher spirits costs. Gross profit and gross profit margin for Six Months 2002 were $440 million and 31.8 percent, respectively, compared to $385 million and 31.4 percent for Six Months 2001.

Selling, general and administrative expenses reached $149 million for Second Quarter 2002, a 15 percent increase from $130 million for Second Quarter 2001. The largest portion of the increase resulted from advertising and promotion costs associated with brands from the Acquisitions. Second Quarter 2002 selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percent of net sales, were 20.1 percent, a 30 basis point improvement over the same period a year ago. Selling, general and administrative expenses for Six Months 2002 increased to $281 million, representing 20.3 percent of net sales, from $256 million, representing 21.0 percent of net sales, for Six Months 2001.

Operating income increased to $89 million for Second Quarter 2002 from $71 million for Second Quarter 2001, an increase of 26 percent. For Six Months 2002, operating income was $159 million compared to $128 million for Six Months 2001. Net interest expense reached $29 million, an increase of $2 million from Second Quarter 2001. The higher interest expense was the result of an increase in average borrowings primarily due to financing related to the Acquisitions, partially offset by a slightly lower average borrowing rate. Net interest expense for Six Months 2002 was $59 million, up from $55 million for Six Months 2001.

As a result of these factors, net income reached $36 million for Second Quarter 2002, a 38 percent increase compared to net income of $26 million for Second Quarter 2001. Earnings per diluted share for Second Quarter 2002 were $0.82, a 17 percent increase over earnings per diluted share of $0.70 for Second Quarter 2001. Net income and earnings per diluted share for Six Months 2002 were $60 million and $1.39, respectively, versus $44 million and $1.18 for Six Months 2001.

Barton Results

Barton's Second Quarter 2002 net sales were $302 million, a six percent increase as compared to Second Quarter 2001. Beer sales increased eight percent, led by volume increases in Corona Extra, Corona Light and Modelo Especial. Recent wholesaler beer depletion data reflects growth in the mid-teens. Spirit sales were flat while spirit volumes increased four percent. Operating income was $51 million for Second Quarter 2002, an increase of one percent compared to the prior year.

Barton's net sales and operating income reached $556 million and $95 million, respectively, for Six Months 2002, increases of seven percent compared to the prior year.

Canandaigua Wine Results

Net sales for Canandaigua Wine for Second Quarter 2002 increased 29 percent to $218 million. Most of the increase resulted from the addition of sales from brands acquired in the Turner Road Vintners and Corus acquisitions. Excluding the acquired brands, branded net sales grew three percent driven by volume.

Operating income more than doubled compared to the prior year to reach $24 million in Second Quarter 2002. The increase was the result of additional profits from the acquired brands and the positive impact of lower grape prices.

Net sales and operating income for Six Months 2002 were $403 million and $39 million, respectively, compared to $332 million and $18 million for Six Months 2001.

Matthew Clark Results

Matthew Clark's net sales for Second Quarter 2002 were $198 million versus $170 million reported for the comparable quarter a year ago, an increase of 16 percent. After adjusting for foreign currency impact, net sales increased 23 percent. The increase is due to tremendous growth in the wholesale business and solid growth in the branded business.

Operating income for Second Quarter 2002 reached $14 million, an increase of 14 percent when compared to $12 million reported for the comparable period last year. The growth in operating income is primarily related to increased sales in the wholesale business.

Net sales for Six Months 2002 were $380 million versus $339 million reported for the same period last year, an increase of 12 percent. Net sales increased 20 percent adjusting for the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Operating income for Six Months 2002 reached $22 million, which was relatively flat compared to last year.

Franciscan Results

Franciscan's net sales for Second Quarter 2002 were $32 million versus $21 million reported for the comparable quarter last year, an increase of 49 percent. Sales growth this quarter was impacted by the addition of Ravenswood, which was acquired in July 2001. Excluding Ravenswood, net sales increased 24 percent. This growth was primarily due to volume increases, particularly on Estancia, Franciscan Oakville Estate and Veramonte. Driven by greater volume and the addition of Ravenswood, operating income nearly doubled compared to the same quarter a year ago, reaching $8 million.

Net sales and operating income for Six Months 2002 were $58 million and $15 million, respectively, an increase of 35 percent and 57 percent compared to Six Months 2001.

Outlook

The following statements are management's current expectations for the Company's three months ending November 30, 2001 ("Third Quarter 2002"), and fiscal year ending February 28, 2002 ("Fiscal 2002"). These statements are made as of the date of this press release and are forward-looking. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to a number of risks and uncertainties. The following statements include the anticipated impact of the recently announced acquisition of the Blackstone wine business by Pacific Wine Partners, the Company's joint venture with BRL Hardy.

  • Diluted earnings per share for Third Quarter 2002 are expected to be within a range of $1.08 to $1.12 versus $0.93 reported for Third Quarter 2001.

  • Diluted earnings per share for Fiscal 2002 are expected to be within a range of $3.03 to $3.08 versus $2.60 reported for Fiscal 2001.

The Company's earnings expectations reflect the impact of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 ("SFAS 142"), "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," as it relates to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. With respect to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to July 1, 2001, the Company will adopt the new accounting rules beginning March 1, 2002. The Company is currently assessing the financial impact of SFAS 142 on its financial statements.

All share and per share amounts in this press release, including within the financial statements, reflect the two-for-one stock split of both the Company's Class A and Class B common stock, which was distributed in the form of a stock dividend on May 14, 2001.

Status of Business Outlook and Related Risk Factors Statements

During the quarter, Constellation may reiterate the estimates set forth above under the heading Outlook (collectively, the "Outlook"). Prior to the start of the Quiet Period (described below), the public can continue to rely on the Outlook as still being Constellation's current expectations on the matters covered, unless Constellation publishes a notice stating otherwise.

Beginning November 19, 2001, Constellation will observe a "Quiet Period" during which the Outlook no longer constitutes the Company's current expectations. During the Quiet Period, the Outlook should be considered to be historical, speaking as of prior to the Quiet Period only and not subject to update by the Company. During the Quiet Period, Constellation's representatives will not comment concerning the Outlook or Constellation's financial results or expectations. The Quiet Period will extend until the day when Constellation's next quarterly Earnings Release is published, presently scheduled for Thursday, January 3, 2002.

The statements made under the heading Outlook are forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise noted, these forward-looking statements do not take into account the impact of any future acquisition, merger or any other business combination, divestiture or financing that may be completed after the date of this release. Further, these statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. For a detailed list of the risk factors that may adversely impact these forward-looking statements, please refer to Attachment A set forth below in this press release; please also refer to our Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

About Constellation

Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leader in the production and marketing of beverage alcohol brands in North America and the United Kingdom and is a leading independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom. As the second largest supplier of wine, the second largest importer of beer and the fourth largest supplier of distilled spirits, Constellation is the largest single-source supplier of these products in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Constellation is a leading marketer of wine and the second largest producer and marketer of cider. With its broad product portfolio, Constellation believes it is distinctly positioned to satisfy an array of consumer preferences across all beverage alcohol categories. Leading brands in Constellation's portfolio include: Franciscan Oakville Estate, Simi, Estancia, Ravenswood, Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, St. Pauli Girl, Almaden, Arbor Mist, Talus, Vendange, Alice White, Black Velvet, Fleischmann's, Schenley, Ten High, Stowells of Chelsea, Blackthorn and K.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

A conference call to discuss the quarterly results will be hosted by Richard Sands, Chairman and CEO, and Tom Summer, Executive Vice President and CFO, on Tuesday, October 2, 2001, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (800) 860-2442. A live listen-only web cast of the conference call is available on the Internet at Constellation's web site: http://www.cbrands.com under "Investor Information." If you are unable to participate in the conference call, there will be a replay available on Constellation's web site or by dialing (877) 344-7529 from approximately 1:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, October 2, 2001, through 12:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 10, 2001. 

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 CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 (in thousands)


 August 31, February 28,
 2001 2001
 ASSETS
 CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash investments $6,768 $145,672
 Accounts receivable, net 406,929 314,262
 Inventories, net 769,117 670,018
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 70,987 61,037
 Total current assets 1,253,801 1,190,989
 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net 560,452 548,614
 OTHER ASSETS 1,092,458 772,566
 Total assets $2,906,711 $2,512,169

 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 Notes payable $88,991 $4,184
 Current maturities of long-term debt 75,854 54,176
 Accounts payable 149,481 114,793
 Accrued excise taxes 45,496 55,954
 Other accrued expenses and liabilities 256,953 198,053
 Total current liabilities 616,775 427,160
 LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities 1,284,120 1,307,437
 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 132,521 131,974
 OTHER LIABILITIES 33,238 29,330
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 840,057 616,268
 Total liabilities and
 stockholders' equity $2,906,711 $2,512,169


 CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 (in thousands, except per share data)


 Three Months Ended
 August 31, August 31, Percent
 2001 2000 Change

 Gross sales $951,228 $828,668 15%
 Net sales $741,530 $637,490 16%
 Cost of product sold (503,854) (436,851) 15%
 Gross profit 237,676 200,639 18%
 Selling, general and
 administrative expenses (148,812) (129,935) 15%
 Operating income 88,864 70,704 26%
 Interest expense, net (28,974) (27,187) 7%
 Income before income taxes 59,890 43,517 38%
 Provision for income taxes (23,956) (17,407) 38%
 Net income $35,934 $26,110 38%

 Earnings per common share:
 Basic $0.85 $0.71 20%
 Diluted $0.82 $0.70 17%
 Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 Basic 42,414 36,600 16%
 Diluted 43,932 37,328 18%

 Segment Information:
 Net sales:
 Barton
 Beer $229,186 $212,159 8%
 Spirits 72,514 72,561 0%
 Net sales $301,700 $284,720 6%
 Canandaigua Wine
 Branded $199,848 $149,272 34%
 Other 18,001 19,560 -8%
 Net sales $217,849 $168,832 29%
 Matthew Clark
 Branded $78,161 $76,368 2%
 Wholesale 119,469 93,310 28%
 Net sales $197,630 $169,678 16%
 Franciscan $31,948 $21,393 49%
 Intersegment eliminations $(7,597) $(7,133) 7%
 Consolidated net sales $741,530 $637,490 16%

 Operating income:
 Barton $51,361 $50,613 1%
 Canandaigua Wine 23,797 10,382 129%
 Matthew Clark 13,968 12,222 14%
 Franciscan 8,098 4,242 91%
 Corporate Operations and Other (8,360) (6,755) 24%
 Consolidated operating income $88,864 $70,704 26%


 CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 (in thousands, except per share data)


 Six Months Ended
 August 31, August 31, Percent
 2001 2000 Change
 Gross sales $1,787,002 $1,603,190 11%
 Net sales $1,383,640 $1,223,070 13%
 Cost of product sold (944,014) (838,558) 13%
 Gross profit 439,626 384,512 14%
 Selling, general and
 administrative expenses (280,839) (256,344) 10%
 Operating income 158,787 128,168 24%
 Interest expense, net (59,159) (54,814) 8%
 Income before income taxes 99,628 73,354 36%
 Provision for income taxes (39,851) (29,342) 36%
 Net income $59,777 $44,012 36%

 Earnings per common share:
 Basic $1.43 $1.20 19%
 Diluted $1.39 $1.18 18%
 Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 Basic 41,834 36,530 15%
 Diluted 43,126 37,243 16%

 Segment Information:
 Net sales:
 Barton
 Beer $412,171 $375,293 10%
 Spirits 143,831 145,107 -1%
 Net sales $556,002 $520,400 7%
 Canandaigua Wine
 Branded $367,674 $293,838 25%
 Other 35,239 38,457 -8%
 Net sales $402,913 $332,295 21%
 Matthew Clark
 Branded $145,144 $145,983 -1%
 Wholesale 234,475 193,233 21%
 Net sales $379,619 $339,216 12%
 Franciscan $58,341 $43,282 35%
 Intersegment eliminations $(13,235) $(12,123) 9%
 Consolidated net sales $1,383,640 $1,223,070 13%

 Operating income:
 Barton $95,412 $89,448 7%
 Canandaigua Wine 39,192 18,200 115%
 Matthew Clark 22,285 22,596 -1%
 Franciscan 15,146 9,658 57%
 Corporate Operations and Other (13,248) (11,734) 13%
 Consolidated operating income $158,787 $128,168 24%


 Attachment A

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT

OF 1995

The Company makes forward-looking statements from time to time and desires to take advantage of the "safe harbor" which is afforded such statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 when they are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

The statements set forth in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any projections of future results of operations, and in particular, (i) the Company's estimated diluted earnings per share for the quarter ending November 30, 2001, and (ii) the Company's estimated diluted earnings per share for the twelve months ending February 28, 2002, should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement in this press release will be realized or that actual results will not be significantly higher or lower than set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statement. In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business operations, the forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this press release are also subject to the following risks and uncertainties:

Recent Acquisitions and Joint Venture

  • Projections of future results of operations include Constellation's expectations with respect to future performance of recently acquired businesses, including the expected impact of (i) the Ravenswood acquisition, and (ii) the operations of Pacific Wine Partners LLC, our joint venture with BRL Hardy, including the recently announced acquisition of the Blackstone wine business by the joint venture. These expectations are based upon the acquired businesses and the operations of the joint venture achieving certain sales projections and meeting certain cost targets, and the acquisitions being successfully integrated.

Performance of Wholesale Distributors

  • In the United States, we sell our products principally to wholesalers for resale to retail outlets, including grocery stores, package liquor stores, club and discount stores and restaurants. The replacement or poor performance of our major wholesalers or our inability to collect accounts receivable from our major wholesalers could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Distribution channels for beverage alcohol products have been characterized in recent years by rapid change, including consolidations of certain wholesalers. In addition, wholesalers and retailers of our products offer products, which compete directly with our products for retail shelf space and consumer purchases. Accordingly, there is a risk that these wholesalers or retailers may give higher priority to products of our competitors. In the future, our wholesalers and retailers may not continue to purchase our products or provide our products with adequate levels of promotional support.

Suppliers, Raw Materials and Price Fluctuations

  • Our business is heavily dependent upon raw materials, such as grapes, grape juice concentrate, grains, and alcohol from third-party suppliers and packaging materials. We could experience raw material supply, production or shipment difficulties, which could adversely affect our ability to supply goods to our customers. We are also directly affected by increases in the costs of such raw materials. Although we believe we have adequate sources of grape supplies, in the event demand for certain wine products exceeds expectations, we could experience shortages. One of our largest components of cost of goods sold is that of glass bottles, which have only a small number of producers. The inability of any of our glass bottle suppliers to satisfy our requirements could adversely affect our business.

Competition

  • We are in a highly competitive industry. The dollar amount and unit volume of our sales could be negatively affected by our inability to maintain or increase prices, changes in geographic or product mix, general decline in beverage alcohol consumption or the decision of our wholesale customers, retailers or consumers to purchase competitive products instead of our products. Wholesaler, retailer and consumer purchasing decisions are influenced by, among other things, the perceived absolute or relative overall value of our products, including their quality or pricing, compared to competitive products. Unit volume and dollar sales could also be affected by pricing, purchasing, financing, operational, advertising or promotional decisions made by wholesalers and retailers which could affect their supply of, or consumer demand for, our products. We could also experience higher than expected selling, general and administrative expenses if we find it necessary to increase the number of our personnel or our advertising or promotional expenditures to maintain our competitive position or for other reasons.

Consumption of Products We Sell

Consumer purchasing patterns and preferences may impact the consumption of the products we sell. There are a variety of factors that may cause consumers to decrease the amount and type of alcohol products purchased, including but not limited to the following:

  • Concerns about the health consequences of consuming beverage alcohol products and about drinking and driving;

  • A trend toward a healthier diet including lighter, lower calorie beverages such as diet soft drinks, juices and sparkling water products; and

  • Activities of anti-alcohol consumer groups.

  • A general decline in economic conditions

Excise Taxes and Government Restrictions

  • In the United States, the federal government and individual states impose excise taxes on beverage alcohol products in varying amounts, which have been subject to change. Increases in excise taxes on beverage alcohol products, if enacted, could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, the beverage alcohol products industry is subject to extensive regulation by state and federal agencies. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and various state liquor authorities regulate such matters as licensing requirements, trade and pricing practices, permitted and required labeling, advertising and relations with wholesalers and retailers. In recent years, federal and state regulators have required warning labels and signage. In the United Kingdom, Matthew Clark carries on its excise trade under a Customs and Excise License. Licenses are required for all premises where wine is produced. Matthew Clark holds a license to act as an excise warehouse operator and registrations have been secured for the production of cider and bottled water. New or revised regulations or increased licensing fees and requirements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Currency Rate Fluctuations/Foreign Operations

The Company has operations in different countries and, therefore, is subject to the risks associated with currency fluctuations. The Company could experience changes in its ability to obtain or hedge against foreign currency, foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates. The Company could also be affected by nationalizations, unstable governments, legal systems or intergovernmental disputes. These currency, economic and political uncertainties may affect the Company's results, especially to the extent these matters, or the decisions, policies or economic strength of the Company's suppliers, affect the Company's foreign operations or imported beer products.

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations - Mark Maring, +1-716-218-2132, or Media Relations - Ginny Clark, +1-716-218-2167, both of Constellation Brands, Inc./