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Jul 31, 2023

Brown-Forman Q1 2024 Earnings Report

Brown-Forman's financial performance was impacted by difficult shipment comparisons from fiscal year 2023 and inventory rebuild, while reaffirming full-year fiscal 2024 guidance.

Key Takeaways

Brown-Forman Corporation reported a 3% increase in reported net sales to $1.0 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2024. However, reported operating income decreased by 4% to $327 million, and diluted earnings per share decreased by 7% to $0.48. The company reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2024 guidance of 5-7% organic net sales growth and 6-8% organic operating income growth.

Emerging, Developed International markets and Travel Retail channel delivered broad-based reported net sales growth.

Portfolio growth was led by Gin Mare and Diplomático brands, New Mix RTD, el Jimador and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple.

Reported gross margin expanded 90 basis points.

Brand investment increased reported advertising expense 19%.

Total Revenue
$1.04B
Previous year: $1.01B
+3.1%
EPS
$0.48
Previous year: $0.52
-7.7%
Gross Margin
62.7%
Previous year: 61.8%
+1.5%
Operating Margin
31.5%
Previous year: 34%
-7.4%
Effective Tax Rate
22.9%
Previous year: 23.6%
-3.0%
Gross Profit
$651M
Previous year: $622M
+4.7%
Cash and Equivalents
$426M
Previous year: $899M
-52.6%
Free Cash Flow
-$11M
Previous year: $140M
-107.9%
Total Assets
$8.09B
Previous year: $6.52B
+24.0%

Brown-Forman

Brown-Forman

Forward Guidance

The company reiterates its guidance and expects organic net sales growth in the 5% to 7% range and organic operating income growth in the 6% to 8% range for fiscal year 2024.

Positive Outlook

  • Strength of portfolio of brands
  • Pricing strategy
  • Strong consumer demand

Challenges Ahead

  • Trends will normalize after two consecutive years of double-digit organic net sales growth
  • Continued input cost pressures