Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Introduction
This MD&A provides additional information on our businesses, current developments, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations. It should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and with our consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2024 Annual Report. This MD&A is organized as follows:
Overview. This section provides a general description of our business, which we believe is important in understanding the results of our operations, financial condition, and potential future trends.
Strategy. This section provides a description of our strategy and a discussion of recent developments and significant divestitures and investments.
Results of operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations presented on a business segment basis for the three months ended May 31, 2024, and May 31, 2023. In addition, a brief description of significant transactions and other items that affect the comparability of the results is provided.
Liquidity and capital resources. This section provides an analysis of our cash flows, outstanding debt, and liquidity position. Included in the analysis of outstanding debt is a discussion of the financial capacity available to fund our on-going operations and future commitments, as well as a discussion of other financing arrangements.
Overview
We are an international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy with powerful, consumer-connected, high-quality brands like Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Robert Mondavi Winery, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, The Prisoner Wine Company, High West, Casa Noble, and Mi CAMPO. In the U.S., we are one of the top growth contributors at retail among beverage alcohol suppliers. We are the second-largest beer company in the U.S. and continue to strengthen our leadership position as the #1 share gainer in the high-end beer segment and the overall U.S. beer market. In Fiscal 2024, Modelo Especial became the #1 beer brand in the U.S. beer market in dollar sales and continues to hold that position. Within wine and spirits, we have reshaped our brand portfolio to a higher-end focused business and continue to expand our supply channels through DTC and international markets. The strength of our brands makes us a supplier of choice to many of our consumers and our customers, which include wholesale distributors, retailers, and on-premise locations. We conduct our business through entities we wholly own as well as through a variety of joint ventures and other entities.
Our internal management financial reporting consists of two business divisions: (i) Beer and (ii) Wine and Spirits and we report our operating results in three segments: (i) Beer, (ii) Wine and Spirits, and (iii) Corporate
| Constellation Brands, Inc. Q1 FY 2025 Form 10-Q | #WORTHREACHINGFOR I 21 |
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Operations and Other. In the Beer segment, our portfolio consists of high-end imported beer brands and ABAs. We have an exclusive perpetual brand license to produce our Mexican beer portfolio and to import, market, and sell such portfolio in the U.S. In the Wine and Spirits segment, we sell a portfolio that includes higher-end wine brands complemented by certain higher-end spirits brands. Amounts included in the Corporate Operations and Other segment consist of costs of corporate development, corporate finance, corporate strategy, executive management, growth, human resources, internal audit, investor relations, IT, legal, and public relations, as well as our Canopy investment and investments made through our corporate venture capital function. All costs included in the Corporate Operations and Other segment are general costs that are applicable to the consolidated group and are, therefore, not allocated to the other reportable segments. All costs reported within the Corporate Operations and Other segment are not included in our CODM’s evaluation of the operating income (loss) performance of the other reportable segments. The business segments reflect how our operations are managed, how resources are allocated, how operating performance is evaluated by senior management, and the structure of our internal financial reporting.
Strategy
Business strategy
Our overall strategic vision is to consistently deliver industry-leading total stockholder returns over the long-term through a focus on these key pillars:
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continue building strong brands people love with advantaged routes to market;
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build a culture that is consumer-obsessed and leverages robust innovation capabilities to stay on the forefront of consumer trends;
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deploy capital in line with disciplined and balanced priorities;
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deliver on impactful ESG initiatives that we believe are not only good business, but also good for the world; and
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empower the whole enterprise to achieve best-in-class operational efficiency.
We will continue to strive for success by ensuring consumer-led decision making drives all aspects of our business; building a diverse talent pipeline with best-in-class people development; investing in infrastructure that supports and enables our business, including data systems and architecture; and exemplifying intentional and proactive fiscal management. We place focus on positioning our portfolio on higher-margin, higher-growth categories of the beverage alcohol industry to align with consumer-led premiumization, product, and purchasing trends, which we believe will continue to drive faster growth rates across beer, wine, and spirits. To continue capitalizing on consumer-led premiumization trends, become more competitive, and grow our business, we have employed a strategy dedicated to organic growth and supplemented by targeted investments and acquisitions. We also believe a key component to driving faster growth rates is to invest and strengthen our position within the DTC and 3-tier eCommerce channels. We believe our multi-year Digital Business Acceleration initiative will enable us to drive results by enhancing our technology capabilities in key areas. In Fiscal 2025, we continue to focus on end-to-end digital supply chain planning, logistics, and procurement, as well as introducing a new focus area, revenue growth management. Additionally, we believe our continued focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet provides a solid financial foundation to support our broader strategic initiatives.
Our business strategy for the Beer segment focuses on upholding our leadership position in the U.S. beer market, including the high-end segment, and continuing to grow our high-end imported beer brands through maintenance of leading margins, enhancements to our results of operations and operating cash flow, and exploring new avenues for growth. This includes continued focus on growing our beer portfolio in the U.S. through expanding distribution for key brands, including within the 3-tier eCommerce channel, as well as investing in the next increment of modular capacity additions required to sustain our momentum. We continue to focus on consumer-led innovation by creating new line extensions behind celebrated, trusted brands and package formats, as well as new to world brands, that are intended to meet emerging needs.
Expansion, optimization, and/or construction activities continue under our Mexico Beer Projects to align with our anticipated future growth expectations.
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Our business strategy for the Wine and Spirits segment continues to focus on higher-end brands, improving margins, and creating operating efficiencies. We have reshaped our portfolio primarily through an enhanced focus on higher-margin, higher-growth wine and spirits brands. Our business is now organized into three distinct category-based teams focused on (i) U.S. wine, (ii) international wine, and (iii) spirits. While each team has its own distinct brand execution strategy, all three remain aligned to the goal of accelerating performance by growing organic net sales and expanding margins. In addition, we are advancing our aim to become a global, omni-channel competitor in line with consumer preferences. Our business continues to progressively expand into DTC channels (including hospitality), 3-tier eCommerce, and international markets, while remaining a major supplier in U.S. 3-tier brick-and-mortar distribution. In markets where it is feasible, we entered into a contractual arrangement with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits to consolidate our U.S. distribution in order to obtain dedicated distributor selling resources which focus on our U.S. wine and spirits portfolio to drive organic growth.
Marketing, sales, and distribution of our products are primarily managed on a geographic basis allowing us to leverage leading market positions. In addition, market dynamics and consumer trends vary across each of our markets. Within our primary market in the U.S., we offer a range of beverage alcohol products across the imported beer, ABA, and branded wine and spirits categories, with generally separate distribution networks utilized for (i) our beer portfolio and (ii) our wine and spirits portfolio. The environment for our products is competitive in each of our markets.
We remain committed to our long-term financial model of: growing sales, expanding margins, and increasing cash flow in order to achieve earnings per share growth as well as our target net leverage ratio and dividend payout ratio; investing to support the growth of our business; and delivering additional returns to stockholders through periodic share repurchases. Our results of operations and financial condition have been affected by inflation, changing prices, reductions in discretionary income of consumers available to purchase our products, and shifting consumer behaviors, as well as other unfavorable global and regional economic conditions, global supply chain disruptions and constraints, and geopolitical events. We expect some or all of these impacts to continue in Fiscal 2025 which could have a material impact on our results of operations. We intend to continue to monitor the inflationary environment and the impact on the consumer when we consider passing along rising costs through further selling price increases, subject to normal competitive conditions. In addition, we are continuing our commodity and foreign exchange hedging programs while also seeking to identify additional cost savings initiatives. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to fully mitigate rising costs through increased selling prices and/or cost savings initiatives. Furthermore, to the extent climate-related severe weather events, such as droughts, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and/or late frosts, continue to occur or accelerate in future periods, it could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
ESG strategy
During the course of our history, we have been committed to safeguarding our environment, making a positive difference in our communities, and advocating for responsible consumption of beverage alcohol products. We believe our ESG strategy enables us to better meet stakeholder expectations and create and protect value for our business, reflects our Company values, and directly address pressing environmental and societal needs that are important to our stockholders, communities, consumers, and employees.
Specifically, we have focused on areas where we believe we have the greatest opportunities to make meaningful, positive impacts for people and the planet in a manner that strengthens our Company, and we dedicate our resources towards:
Serving as good stewards of our environment and natural resources
Improving water availability and resilience for our communities where we operate; reducing GHG emissions through energy conservation and renewable energy initiatives; and reducing operational waste and enhancing our use of returnable, recyclable, or renewable packaging
Enhancing social equity within our industry and communities
Championing the professional development and advancement of women in the beverage alcohol industry and our communities; enhancing economic development and prosperity in disadvantaged communities; and championing an inclusive workplace culture, characterized by diversity in background and thought, which reflects our consumers and the communities where we live and work
| Constellation Brands, Inc. Q1 FY 2025 Form 10-Q | #WORTHREACHINGFOR I 23 |
| MD&A | Table of Contents |
Promoting responsible beverage alcohol consumption
Ensuring the responsible promotion and marketing of our products; and empowering adults to make responsible choices in their alcohol (substance) consumption by supporting fact-based education, engagement programs, and policies
We developed targets in connection with our strategy to serve as good stewards of our environment and natural resources. During First Quarter 2025, our current breweries in Mexico obtained TRUE Certification for Zero Waste to Landfill, marking a significant milestone in meeting our waste reduction targets.
Recent Developments
Mexicali Brewery
In July 2024, we closed on the sale of the remaining assets classified as held for sale at the canceled Mexicali Brewery.
Sea Smoke acquisition
In June 2024, we acquired the Sea Smoke business, including a California-based luxury wine brand, vineyards, and a production facility. This transaction also included the acquisition of a trademark, inventory, and goodwill. The results of operations of Sea Smoke will be reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and will be included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition. This acquisition supports our strategic focus on consumer-led premiumization trends and meeting the evolving needs of our consumers.
Divestitures and Investments
Beer segment
Craft Beer Divestitures
In June 2023, we completed the Craft Beer Divestitures. Accordingly, our consolidated results of operations include the results of operations of such craft beer brands through the dates of these divestitures. The Craft Beer Divestitures are consistent with our strategic focus on continuing to grow our high-end imported beer brands through maintenance of leading margins and enhancements to our results of operations.
Daleville Facility
In May 2023, we sold the Daleville Facility in connection with our decision to exit the craft beer business.
Corporate Operations and Other segment
Canopy investment
We have an investment in Canopy, a North American cannabis and CPG company providing medical and adult-use cannabis products, which expands our portfolio into adjacent categories.
Exchangeable Shares —
In April 2024, we elected to convert our 17.1 million Canopy common shares into Exchangeable Shares on a one-for-one basis. Additionally, in April 2024, we exchanged C$81.2 million of the principal amount of our 2023 Canopy Promissory Note for 9.1 million Exchangeable Shares and forgave all accrued but unpaid interest together with the remaining principal amount of the note. As a result of these transactions, we (i) have 26.3 million Exchangeable Shares and (ii) recognized an $83.3 million net gain based on the fair value of Exchangeable Shares on the date of the conversion and exchange. This net gain is included in income (loss) from unconsolidated investments within our consolidated results of operations for First Quarter 2025. For additional information, refer to Note 7.
Canopy Equity Method Investment —
We evaluated the Canopy Equity Method Investment as of May 31, 2023, and determined there was an other-than-temporary impairment. Our conclusion was based on several contributing factors, including: (i) the fair value being less than the carrying value and the uncertainty surrounding Canopy’s stock price recovering in the near-term, (ii) Canopy recorded significant costs in its fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 results designed to align its
| Constellation Brands, Inc. Q1 FY 2025 Form 10-Q | #WORTHREACHINGFOR I 24 |
| MD&A | Table of Contents |
Canadian cannabis operations and resources in response to continued unfavorable market trends, (iii) the substantial doubt about Canopy’s ability to continue as a going concern, as disclosed by Canopy, and (iv) Canopy’s identification of material misstatements in certain of its previously reported financial results related to sales in its BioSteel Sports Nutrition Inc. reporting unit that were accounted for incorrectly, including the recording of a goodwill impairment during its restated second quarter of fiscal 2023. As a result, the Canopy Equity Method Investment with a carrying value of $266.2 million was written down to its estimated fair value of $142.7 million, resulting in an impairment of $123.5 million. This loss from impairment was included in income (loss) from unconsolidated investments within our consolidated results for First Quarter 2024. We no longer apply the equity method to our investment in Canopy following the April 2024 conversion of our Canopy common shares to Exchangeable Shares.
Other Canopy investments —
In April 2023, we extended the maturity of the remaining C$100.0 million principal amount of our then-existing Canopy Debt Securities by exchanging them for the 2023 Canopy Promissory Note. The fair value of the Canopy Debt Securities was $69.6 million as of February 28, 2023. As of May 31, 2023, we determined that the 2023 Canopy Promissory Note did not have future economic value and, accordingly, the fair value was reduced to zero.
For additional information on these divestitures and investments refer to Notes 4, 5, and 7.
Results of Operations
Financial Highlights
First Quarter 2025 compared with First Quarter 2024
*•*Our results of operations were positively impacted by Canopy-related activities, including (i) no longer recognizing equity losses from Canopy’s results following the conversion of our Canopy common shares to Exchangeable Shares, (ii) an impairment of our then-existing Canopy Equity Method Investment recognized in First Quarter 2024, (iii) a decrease in unrealized net losses from the changes in fair value of our investment in Canopy, and (iv) a net gain on the common shares conversion and 2023 Canopy Promissory Note exchange to Exchangeable Shares in First Quarter 2025, and improvements within the Beer segment driven by 7.6% shipment volume growth and a successful execution of cost savings initiatives.
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Net sales increased 6%** largely due to an increase in Beer net sales driven primarily by shipment volume growth and favorable impact from pricing, partially offset by a decline in Wine and Spirits net sales driven primarily by a decrease in branded shipment volume.
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Operating income increased 23%** largely due to the improvements within the Beer segment resulting from First Quarter 2025 shipment volume growth, favorable pricing, and lower cost of product sold, driven by the successful execution of cost savings initiatives. The operating income growth from the Beer segment was partially offset by declines in (i) the Wine and Spirits segment driven by higher cost of product sold and the decrease in branded shipment volume and (ii) the Corporate Operations and Other segment from higher compensation and benefits as compared to First Quarter 2024.
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Net income attributable to CBI** and diluted net income per common share attributable to CBI increased largely due to the items discussed above and lower provision for income taxes.
Comparable Adjustments
Management excludes items that affect comparability from its evaluation of the results of each operating segment as these Comparable Adjustments are not reflective of core operations of the segments. Segment operating performance and the incentive compensation of segment management are evaluated based on core segment operating income (loss) which does not include the impact of these Comparable Adjustments.
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As more fully described herein and in the related Notes, the Comparable Adjustments that impacted comparability in our segment results for each period are as follows:
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of product sold | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on undesignated commodity derivative contracts | $ | 14.6 | $ | (34.7) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements of undesignated commodity derivative contracts | 8.5 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Flow through of inventory step-up | (1.1) | (0.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Adjustments, Cost of product sold | 22.0 | (34.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transition services agreements activity | (2.8) | (5.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and other strategic business development costs | (1.8) | (14.9) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction, integration, and other acquisition-related costs | (0.2) | (0.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gains (losses) | 0.4 | (6.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Adjustments, Selling, general, and administrative expenses | (4.4) | (27.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Adjustments, Operating income (loss) | $ | 17.6 | $ | (62.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Adjustments, Income (loss) from unconsolidated investments | $ | 83.3 | $ | (384.4) |
Cost of product sold
Undesignated commodity derivative contracts
Net gain (loss) on undesignated commodity derivative contracts represents a net gain (loss) from the changes in fair value of undesignated commodity derivative contracts. The net gain (loss) is reported outside of segment operating results until such time that the underlying exposure is recognized in the segment operating results. At settlement, the net gain (loss) from the changes in fair value of the undesignated commodity derivative contracts is reported in the appropriate operating segment, allowing the results of our operating segments to reflect the economic effects of the commodity derivative contracts without the resulting unrealized mark to fair value volatility.
Flow through of inventory step-up
In connection with acquisitions, the allocation of purchase price in excess of book value for certain inventories on hand at the date of acquisition is referred to as inventory step-up. Inventory step-up represents an assumed manufacturing profit attributable to the acquired business prior to acquisition.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Transition services agreements activity
We recognized costs in connection with transition services agreements related to the previous sale of a portion of our wine and spirits business.
Restructuring and other strategic business development costs
We recognized costs in connection with certain activities which are intended to streamline, increase efficiencies, and reduce our cost structure.
Transaction, integration, and other acquisition-related costs
We recognized costs in connection with our investments, acquisitions, and divestitures.
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| MD&A | Table of Contents |
Other gains (losses)
We recognized other gains (losses) primarily from the sale of the Daleville Facility (First Quarter 2024).
Income (loss) from unconsolidated investments
We recognized income (loss) primarily from (i) a net gain on conversion and exchange to Exchangeable Shares (First Quarter 2025), (ii) comparable adjustments to equity in losses from Canopy’s results (First Quarter 2024), (iii) an impairment of our Canopy Equity Method Investment (First Quarter 2024), and (iv) unrealized net losses from the changes in fair value of our securities measured at fair value (First Quarter 2024). For additional information, refer to Notes 4 and 7.
Business Segments
First Quarter 2025 compared to First Quarter 2024
Net sales
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beer | $ | 2,272.8 | $ | 2,098.6 | $ | 174.2 | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Wine and Spirits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wine | 329.3 | 361.0 | (31.7) | (9 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Spirits | 59.7 | 55.3 | 4.4 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Wine and Spirits | 389.0 | 416.3 | (27.3) | (7 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 2,661.8 | $ | 2,514.9 | $ | 146.9 | 6 | % |
![]() | Beer segment | First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, branded product, 24-pack, 12-ounce case equivalents) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,272.8 | $ | 2,098.6 | $ | 174.2 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shipments | 115.1 | 107.0 | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depletions (1) | 6.4 | % |
(1)Includes an adjustment to remove volumes associated with the Craft Beer Divestitures for the period March 1, 2023, through May 31, 2023.
The increase in Beer net sales is largely due to (i) $157.4 million of shipment volume growth, which benefited from continued consumer demand, and (ii) $33.4 million of favorable impact from pricing in select markets, partially offset by $16.6 million of unfavorable product mix primarily from a shift in package types.
![]() | Wine and Spirits segment | First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, branded product, 9-liter case equivalents) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 389.0 | $ | 416.3 | $ | (27.3) | (7 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shipments | 5.6 | 5.9 | (5.1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Wholesale shipments | 4.9 | 5.2 | (5.8 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depletions | (12.7 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| MD&A | Table of Contents |
The decrease in Wine and Spirits net sales is driven by (i) a $23.6 million decrease in branded wine and spirits shipment volume and (ii) $8.1 million of unfavorable product mix, primarily driven by a decline in demand for certain of our mainstream and premium brands and an increase in lower-margin spirits brands, partially offset by $4.3 million from higher contractual distributor payments as compared to First Quarter 2024. The decrease in branded wine and spirits shipment volume is primarily attributable to our U.S. wholesale market, driven by declines in both the overall wine market and in our mainstream and premium wine brands. For First Quarter 2025, the depletions decline outpaced the U.S. Wholesale shipments decline largely driven by challenging U.S. market conditions. We expect U.S. Wholesale shipment volume to align with depletion volume for Fiscal 2025.
Gross profit
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beer | $ | 1,213.1 | $ | 1,098.7 | $ | 114.4 | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Wine and Spirits | 168.7 | 193.9 | (25.2) | (13 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Adjustments | 22.0 | (34.8) | 56.8 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated gross profit | $ | 1,403.8 | $ | 1,257.8 | $ | 146.0 | 12 | % |
![]() | The increase in Beer gross profit is due to (i) $86.1 million of shipment volume growth, (ii) the $33.4 million favorable impact from pricing, and (iii) $8.9 million of reduced cost of product sold, partially offset by $14.0 million of unfavorable product mix. The reduced cost of product sold is primarily due to (i) $12.5 million of favorable fixed cost absorption related to increased production levels as compared to First Quarter 2024 and (ii) $10.8 million of decreased transportation costs and $9.5 million of lower material costs, including aluminum, glass, and lumber, each driven by efficiency initiatives, partially offset by (i) $7.5 million of foreign currency transactional losses, (ii) a $6.8 million increase in brewery costs, including compensation and benefits and IT expenses, and (iii) $5.0 million of higher depreciation resulting from the Mexico Beer Projects. To partially offset the expected increases in cost of product sold we are executing efficiency initiatives focused largely on logistics and procurement that resulted in nearly $50 million of cost savings for First Quarter 2025. |
![]() | The decrease in Wine and Spirits gross profit is attributable to (i) $12.9 million of higher cost of product sold, (ii) a $12.1 million decrease in branded wine and spirits shipment volume, and (iii) $5.7 million of unfavorable product mix from lower-margin net sales, partially offset by the $4.3 million favorable impact from higher contractual distributor payments. The increase in cost of product sold was largely attributable to increased raw materials, including grapes, partially offset by decreased transportation and warehousing costs. |
Gross profit as a percent of net sales increased to 52.7% for First Quarter 2025 compared with 50.0% for First Quarter 2024. This increase was largely due to (i) a favorable change of 215 basis points in Comparable Adjustments, (ii) approximately 60 basis points of favorable impact from Beer pricing in select markets, and (iii) approximately 35 basis points of rate growth from lower cost of product sold within the Beer segment, partially offset by approximately 50 basis points of rate decline resulting from higher cost of product sold within the Wine and Spirits segment.
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| MD&A | Table of Contents |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beer | $ | 290.1 | $ | 300.9 | $ | (10.8) | (4 | %) | |||||||||||||||
| Wine and Spirits | 109.0 | 114.6 | (5.6) | (5 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Operations and Other | 58.7 | 49.9 | 8.8 | 18 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Adjustments | 4.4 | 27.7 | (23.3) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated selling, general, and administrative expenses | $ | 462.2 | $ | 493.1 | $ | (30.9) | (6 | %) |
![]() | The decrease in Beer selling, general, and administrative expenses is largely driven by $8.5 million of decreased marketing spend primarily driven by a planned timing shift of media investments to build awareness of our high-end imported beer brands as compared to First Quarter 2024. |
![]() | The decrease in Wine and Spirits selling, general, and administrative expenses is largely due to $5.5 million of decreased general and administrative expenses primarily due to lower (i) legal expenses and (ii) compensation and benefits, primarily due to reduced headcount and stock-based compensation expense as compared to First Quarter 2024. |
![]() | The increase in Corporate Operations and Other selling, general, and administrative expenses is largely due to an increase in compensation and benefits, driven by higher stock-based compensation expense as compared to First Quarter 2024 and increased legal and third-party expenses. |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales decreased to 17.4% for First Quarter 2025 as compared to 19.6% for First Quarter 2024. The decrease is largely driven by (i) approximately 165 basis points of rate decline from Beer as the increase in Beer net sales significantly outpaced the decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses and (ii) a favorable change in Comparable Adjustments, contributing approximately 90 basis points of rate decline, partially offset by approximately 35 basis points of rate growth from the increase in Corporate Operations and Other selling, general, and administrative expenses.
Operating income (loss)
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beer | $ | 923.0 | $ | 797.8 | $ | 125.2 | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Wine and Spirits | 59.7 | 79.3 | (19.6) | (25 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Operations and Other | (58.7) | (49.9) | (8.8) | (18 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Comparable Adjustments | 17.6 | (62.5) | 80.1 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating income (loss) | $ | 941.6 | $ | 764.7 | $ | 176.9 | 23 | % |
![]() | The increase in Beer operating income is largely attributable to the shipment volume growth, cost savings initiatives, favorable pricing impact, and lower material costs, partially offset by the unfavorable product mix. |
![]() | The decrease in Wine and Spirits operating income is largely attributable to the higher cost of product sold, decline in branded wine and spirits shipment volume, and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by the higher contractual distributor payments and decreased selling, general, and administrative expenses, as described above. |
| Constellation Brands, Inc. Q1 FY 2025 Form 10-Q | #WORTHREACHINGFOR I 29 |
| MD&A | Table of Contents |
![]() | As previously discussed, the increase in Corporate Operations and Other operating loss is largely due to the higher compensation and benefits expense as compared to First Quarter 2024. |
Income (loss) from unconsolidated investments
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain on conversion and exchange to Exchangeable Shares | $ | 83.3 | $ | — | $ | 83.3 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings (losses) from other equity method investees and related activities | (1.3) | (0.3) | (1.0) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in earnings (losses) from Canopy and related activities | — | (219.8) | 219.8 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment of equity method investments | — | (123.5) | 123.5 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized net gain (loss) on securities measured at fair value | — | (71.8) | 71.8 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 82.0 | $ | (415.4) | $ | 497.4 | NM |
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net decreased to $102.8 million for First Quarter 2025 as compared to $118.9 million for First Quarter 2024. This decrease of $16.1 million, or 14%, is due to (i) approximately $565 million of lower average borrowings driven by reduced commercial paper outstanding, (ii) approximately 10 basis points of lower weighted average interest rates, and (iii) an increase in capitalized interest in connection with the Mexico Beer Projects as compared to the First Quarter 2024. For additional information, refer to Note 8.
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
The provision for income taxes decreased to $28.0 million for First Quarter 2025 from $91.2 million for First Quarter 2024. Our effective tax rate for First Quarter 2025 was 3.0% as compared with 39.6% for First Quarter 2024. In comparison to prior year, our income taxes were impacted primarily by:
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a decrease in the valuation allowance related to our investment in Canopy; and
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a First Quarter 2025 net income tax benefit recognized as a result of the resolution of various tax examinations and assessments related to prior periods; partially offset by
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a First Quarter 2024 net income tax benefit recognized as a result of a change in tax entity classification.
For additional information, refer to Note 9.
We expect our reported effective tax rate for Fiscal 2025 to be in the range of 11% to 13%. This range includes an expected net income tax benefit following the July 2024 closing on the sale of the remaining assets at the canceled Mexicali Brewery.
Net income (loss) attributable to CBI
Net income attributable to CBI increased to $877.0 million for First Quarter 2025 from $135.9 million for First Quarter 2024. This increase of $741.1 million is largely attributable to the (i) favorable impact from Canopy-related activities, (ii) the First Quarter 2025 improvements within the Beer segment driven by shipment volume growth and the successful execution of cost savings initiatives, and (iii) the lower provision from income taxes, partially offset by the decline in performance within the Wine and Spirits segment.
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| MD&A | Table of Contents |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Our primary source of liquidity has been cash flow from operating activities. Our ability to consistently generate robust cash flow from our operations is one of our most significant financial strengths; it enables us to invest in our people and our brands, make capital investments and strategic acquisitions, provide a cash dividend program, and from time-to-time, repurchase shares of our common stock. Our largest use of cash in our operations is for purchasing and carrying inventories and carrying seasonal accounts receivable. Historically, we have used this cash flow to repay our short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures. Additionally, our commercial paper program is used to fund our short-term borrowing requirements and to maintain our access to the capital markets. We use our short-term borrowings, including our commercial paper program, to support our working capital requirements and capital expenditures, among other things.
We seek to maintain adequate liquidity to meet working capital requirements, fund capital expenditures, and repay scheduled principal and interest payments on debt. Absent deterioration of market conditions, we believe that cash flows from operating and financing activities will provide adequate resources to satisfy our working capital, scheduled principal and interest payments on debt, anticipated dividend payments, periodic share repurchases, and anticipated capital expenditure requirements for both our short-term and long-term capital needs.
We have an agreement with a financial institution for payment services and to facilitate a voluntary supply chain finance program through this participating financial institution. The program is available to certain of our suppliers allowing them the option to manage their cash flow. We are not a party to the agreements between the participating financial institution and the suppliers in connection with the program. Our rights and obligations to our suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment terms, are not impacted. As of May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, the amount payable to this participating financial institution for suppliers who voluntarily participate in the supply chain finance program was $5.3 million and $7.3 million, respectively, and was included in accounts payable within our consolidated balance sheets. We account for payments made under the supply chain finance program the same as our other accounts payable, as a reduction to our cash flow from operating activities.
Cash Flows
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 690.5 | $ | 665.4 | $ | 25.1 | |||||||||||
| Investing activities | (377.4) | (291.9) | (85.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Financing activities | (393.0) | (314.7) | (78.3) | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 1.3 | 0.2 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (78.6) | $ | 59.0 | $ | (137.6) |
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Operating activities
The increase in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities consists of:
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 892.8 | $ | 139.2 | $ | 753.6 | |||||||||||
| Unrealized net (gain) loss on securities measured at fair value | — | 71.8 | (71.8) | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax provision (benefit) | 25.0 | (0.3) | 25.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in (earnings) losses of equity method investees and related activities, net of distributed earnings | 1.3 | 220.6 | (219.3) | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment of equity method investments | — | 123.5 | (123.5) | ||||||||||||||
| Net gain on conversion and exchange to Exchangeable Shares | (83.3) | — | (83.3) | ||||||||||||||
| Other non-cash adjustments | 46.2 | 232.3 | (186.1) | ||||||||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase and sale of business | (191.5) | (121.7) | (69.8) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 690.5 | $ | 665.4 | $ | 25.1 |
The $69.8 million net change in operating assets and liabilities was largely driven by higher (i) inventory levels for the Wine and Spirits segment and (ii) accounts receivable for the Beer segment resulting from net sales growth. These changes were offset by (i) a decrease in accounts receivable for the Wine and Spirits segment resulting from reduced net sales and (ii) changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets for the Beer segment driven by the timing of collections for recoverable value-added taxes. Additionally, net cash provided by operating activities was negatively impacted by higher First Quarter 2025 income tax payments following the resolution of various tax examinations and assessments as compared to First Quarter 2024.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased to $377.4 million for First Quarter 2025 from $291.9 million for First Quarter 2024. This increase of $85.5 million, or 29%, was primarily due to $98.3 million of additional capital expenditures for First Quarter 2025 largely related to the Mexico Beer Projects, partially offset by $12.9 million in proceeds from the sale of assets for First Quarter 2025.
Financing activities
The increase in net cash provided by (used in) financing activities consists of:
| First Quarter 2025 | First Quarter 2024 | Dollar Change | |||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net proceeds from (payments of) debt, current and long-term, and related activities | $ | (0.4) | $ | (109.0) | $ | 108.6 | |||||||||||
| Dividends paid | (185.3) | (164.1) | (21.2) | ||||||||||||||
| Purchases of treasury stock | (200.0) | (35.0) | (165.0) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by stock-based compensation activities | 10.9 | 4.7 | 6.2 | ||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (17.5) | (11.3) | (6.2) | ||||||||||||||
| Payment of contingent consideration | (0.7) | — | (0.7) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $ | (393.0) | $ | (314.7) | $ | (78.3) |
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Debt
Total debt outstanding as of May 31, 2024, remained flat as compared to February 29, 2024. The issuances and repayments of debt for First Quarter 2025 were as follows:

| Debt repayment | Debt issuance |
Bank facilities
The Company, CB International, the Administrative Agent, and certain other lenders are parties to the 2022 Credit Agreement. The October 2022 Credit Agreement Amendment revised certain defined terms and covenants in the 2022 Credit Agreement and became effective in April 2024 following (i) the amendment by Canopy of its Articles of Incorporation, (ii) the conversion of our Canopy common shares into Exchangeable Shares, and (iii) the resignation of our nominees from the board of directors of Canopy.
General
The majority of our outstanding borrowings as of May 31, 2024, consisted of fixed-rate senior unsecured notes, with maturities ranging from calendar 2024 to calendar 2050.
Additionally, we have a commercial paper program which provides for the issuance of up to an aggregate principal amount of $2.25 billion of commercial paper. Our commercial paper program is backed by unused commitments under our revolving credit facility under our 2022 Credit Agreement. Accordingly, outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program reduce the amount available under our revolving credit facility.
We do not have purchase commitments from buyers for our commercial paper and, therefore, our ability to issue commercial paper is subject to market demand. If the commercial paper market is not available to us for any reason when commercial paper borrowings mature, we will utilize unused commitments under our revolving credit facility under our 2022 Credit Agreement to repay commercial paper borrowings. We do not expect that fluctuations in demand for commercial paper will affect our liquidity given our borrowing capacity available under our revolving credit facility.
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| MD&A | Table of Contents |
We had the following remaining borrowing capacity available under our 2022 Credit Agreement:
| May 31, 2024 | June 28, 2024 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Revolving credit facility (1) | $ | 1,443.1 | $ | 1,492.2 | |||||||
(1)Net of outstanding revolving credit facility borrowings and outstanding letters of credit under our 2022 Credit Agreement and outstanding borrowings under our commercial paper program (excluding unamortized discount) of $795.5 million and $746.5 million as of May 31, 2024, and June 28, 2024, respectively.
The financial institutions participating in our 2022 Credit Agreement have complied with prior funding requests and we believe they will comply with any future funding requests. However, there can be no assurances that any particular financial institution will continue to do so.
As of May 31, 2024, we and our subsidiaries were subject to covenants that are contained in our 2022 Credit Agreement, including those restricting the incurrence of additional subsidiary indebtedness, additional liens, mergers and consolidations, transactions with affiliates, and sale and leaseback transactions, in each case subject to numerous conditions, exceptions, and thresholds. The financial covenants are limited to a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum net leverage ratio, both as defined in our 2022 Credit Agreement. As of May 31, 2024, under our 2022 Credit Agreement, the minimum interest coverage ratio was 2.5x and the maximum net leverage ratio was 4.0x.
Our indentures relating to our outstanding senior notes contain certain covenants, including, but not limited to: (i) a limitation on liens on certain assets, (ii) a limitation on certain sale and leaseback transactions, and (iii) restrictions on mergers, consolidations, and the transfer of all or substantially all of our assets to another person.
As of May 31, 2024, we were in compliance with our covenants under our 2022 Credit Agreement and our indentures, and have met all debt payment obligations.
For further discussion and presentation of our borrowings and available sources of borrowing, refer to Note 12 of our consolidated financial statements included in our 2024 Annual Report and Note 8.
Common Stock Dividends
On July 2, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.01 per share of Class A Stock and $0.91 per share of Class 1 Stock payable on August 23, 2024, to stockholders of record of each class as of the close of business on August 14, 2024.
We currently expect to continue to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend to stockholders of our common stock in the future, but such payments are subject to approval of our Board of Directors and are dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, and other factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our 2024 Annual Report.
Share Repurchase Program
Our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our publicly traded common stock of up to $2.0 billion under the 2021 Authorization and an additional repurchase of up to $2.0 billion under the 2023 Authorization.
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As of July 3, 2024, total shares repurchased under the 2021 Authorization and the 2023 Authorization are as follows:
| Class A Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Authorization | Dollar Value of Shares Repurchased | Number of Shares Repurchased | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 Authorization | $ | 2,000.0 | $ | 1,633.3 | 6,838,453 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 Authorization | $ | 2,000.0 | $ | — | — |
Share repurchases under the 2021 Authorization and 2023 Authorization may be accomplished at management’s discretion from time to time based on market conditions, our cash and debt position, and other factors as determined by management. Shares may be repurchased through open market or privately negotiated transactions. We may fund future share repurchases with cash generated from operations and/or proceeds from borrowings. Any repurchased shares will become treasury shares, including shares previously repurchased under the 2021 Authorization.
We currently expect to continue to repurchase shares in the future, but such repurchases are dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, and other factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our 2024 Annual Report.
For additional information, refer to Note 17 of our consolidated financial statements included in our 2024 Annual Report and Note 10.
Accounting Guidance
Accounting guidance adopted for First Quarter 2025 did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements, including without limitation:
- The statements under MD&A regarding:
◦our business strategy, strategic vision, growth plans, innovation and Digital Business Acceleration initiatives, new products, future operations, financial position, net sales, expenses, hedging programs, cost savings initiatives, capital expenditures, effective tax rates and anticipated tax liabilities, expected volume, inventory, supply, and demand levels, balance, and trends, long-term financial model, access to capital markets, liquidity and capital resources, and prospects, plans, and objectives of management;
◦our beer expansion, optimization, and/or construction activities, including anticipated scope, capacity, costs, capital expenditures, and timeframes for completion;
◦the expected tax benefits resulting from the closing on the sale of the remaining assets classified as held for sale at the Mexicali Brewery;
◦our ESG strategy, sustainability initiatives, and environmental stewardship targets;
◦anticipated inflationary pressures, changing prices, and reductions in consumer discretionary income as well as other unfavorable global and regional economic conditions, and geopolitical events, and our responses thereto;
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| MD&A | Table of Contents |
◦the potential impact to supply, production levels, and costs due to global supply chain disruptions and constraints and shifting consumer behaviors;
◦expected or potential actions of third parties, including possible changes to laws, rules, and regulations;
◦the potential impact of climate-related severe weather events;
◦the availability of a supply chain finance program;
◦the manner, timing, and duration of the share repurchase program and source of funds for share repurchases;
◦the amount and timing of future dividends and our target dividend payout ratio; and
◦our target net leverage ratio.
-
The statements regarding the future reclassification of net gains from AOCI.
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The statements regarding potential future impairments of our Wine and Spirits goodwill or Canopy investment.
When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business operations and conditions in the general economy and markets in which we compete, our forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are also subject to the risk, uncertainty, and possible variance from our current expectations regarding:
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water, agricultural and other raw material, and packaging material supply, production, and/or shipment difficulties which could adversely affect our ability to supply our customers;
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the ability to respond to anticipated inflationary pressures, including reductions in consumer discretionary income and our ability to pass along rising costs through increased selling prices;
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the actual impact to supply, production levels, and costs from global supply chain disruptions and constraints, transportation challenges (including from labor strikes or other labor activities), shifting consumer behaviors, wildfires, and severe weather events;
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reliance on complex information systems and third‐party global networks as well as risks associated with cybersecurity and artificial intelligence;
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economic and other uncertainties associated with our international operations;
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dependence on limited facilities for production of our Mexican beer brands, including beer operations expansion, optimization, and/or construction activities, scope, capacity, supply, costs (including impairments), capital expenditures, and timing;
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results of the closing on the sale of the remaining assets classified as held for sale at the Mexicali Brewery inclusive of the expected tax benefits;
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operational disruptions or catastrophic loss to our breweries, wineries, other production facilities, or distribution systems;
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the impact of military conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and responses, including on inflation, supply chains, commodities, energy, and cybersecurity;
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climate change, ESG regulatory compliance and failure to meet emissions, stewardship, and other ESG targets, objectives, or ambitions;
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reliance on wholesale distributors, major retailers, and government agencies;
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contamination and degradation of product quality from diseases, pests, weather, and other conditions;
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communicable disease outbreaks, pandemics, or other widespread public health crises and associated governmental containment actions;
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effects of employee labor activities that could increase our costs;
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a potential decline in the consumption of products we sell and our dependence on sales of our Mexican beer brands;
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impacts of our acquisition, divestiture, investment, and new product innovation strategies and activities, including the Sea Smoke acquisition;
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| MD&A | Table of Contents |
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the success of operational and commercial execution initiatives for our wine and spirits business;
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dependence upon our trademarks and proprietary rights, including the failure to protect our intellectual property rights;
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potential damage to our reputation;
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competition in our industry and for talent;
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our indebtedness and interest rate fluctuations;
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our international operations, worldwide and regional economic trends and financial market conditions, geopolitical uncertainty, or other governmental rules and regulations;
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class action or other litigation we may face;
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potential write-downs of our intangible assets, such as goodwill and trademarks;
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changes to tax laws, fluctuations in our effective tax rate, accounting for tax positions, the resolution of tax disputes, changes to accounting standards, elections, assertions, or policies, and the impact of a global minimum tax rate;
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the amount, timing, and source of funds for any share repurchases;
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the amount and timing of future dividends; and
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ownership of our Class A Stock by the Sands Family Stockholders and their Board of Director nomination rights as well as the choice-of-forum provision in our Amended and Restated By-laws.
For additional information about risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by our forward-looking statements, please refer to Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our 2024 Annual Report.
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| OTHER KEY INFORMATION | Table of Contents |
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