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Jul 31, 2020

Brown-Forman Q1 2021 Earnings Report

Brown-Forman reported solid first quarter results amidst continued uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

Brown-Forman's first quarter fiscal 2021 results showed net sales down 2% to $753 million but up 3% on an underlying basis. Operating income increased 56% to $387 million, and diluted earnings per share grew 73% to $0.67.

Underlying net sales grew 3%, with the United States and developed international markets growing underlying net sales 9% and 12%, respectively.

Premium bourbons grew underlying net sales 18%, driven by Woodford Reserve and Old Forester.

The tequila portfolio grew underlying net sales 16%, led by New Mix in Mexico and el Jimador.

Diluted earnings per share increased 73% to $0.67, including gains from the sale of brands and a discrete tax item.

Total Revenue
$753M
Previous year: $766M
-1.7%
EPS
$0.4
Previous year: $0.39
+2.6%
Gross Margin
61.7%
Previous year: 64.9%
-4.9%
Operating Margin
51.4%
Previous year: 32.4%
+58.6%
Effective Tax Rate
11.6%
Previous year: 18.2%
-36.3%
Gross Profit
$465M
Previous year: $498M
-6.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$908M
Previous year: $307M
+195.8%
Free Cash Flow
$76M
Previous year: $51M
+49.0%
Total Assets
$6.19B
Previous year: $5.32B
+16.3%

Brown-Forman

Brown-Forman

Forward Guidance

The company continues to face substantial uncertainty due to the rapidly evolving environment with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the global economy and remains unable to provide quantitative guidance for fiscal year 2021.

Positive Outlook

  • Company maintains expectations to fully fund ongoing investments in the business.
  • Company maintains expectations to pay regular dividends.
  • Company believes that they continue to be in a strong financial position.
  • Company's capacity to generate solid operating cash flows remain sound.
  • Company is confident about the growth opportunities for their brands and the resilience of their business.

Challenges Ahead

  • Substantial uncertainty due to the rapidly evolving environment with the COVID-19 pandemic
  • COVID-19 effect on the global economy
  • Expected volatility
  • Company remains unable to provide quantitative guidance for fiscal year 2021.
  • Unspecified risks and uncertainties mentioned in the forward-looking statements.