Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat: What is your recommendation on Constellation Brands, including its big investment in Canopy Growth?

Article Excerpt

A: Constellation Brands, $206.81, symbol STZ on New York (Shares outstanding: 167.9 million; Market cap: $40.2 billion; www.cbrands.com), is an international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits. Founded in 1945, Constellation has more than 100 brands in its portfolio, owns 28 wineries, breweries and distilleries, and employs 9,600 people. The company is the largest multi-category supplier (beer, wine, spirits) of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. and the third-largest beer company in the U.S. In fiscal 2018 (ended February 28, 2018), beer accounted for 61.4% of total revenue, wine 33.7%, and spirits 4.9%. International sales (primarily from Canada) accounted only 3.4% of the company’s revenue. Constellation’s well-known brands include Corona, Modela, Pacifico, Ballast Point, Funky Buddha, Robert Mondavi, Ruffino, 7 Moons, Svedka Vodka, High West Whiskey, Casa Noble Tequila, Black Velvet, and Paul Masson. The company’s CEO is Robert S. Sands, and the Sands family holds controlling interest. Constellation continues to position itself at the premium (high-profit-margin) end of the alcoholic beverage market. Since…