Constellation Brands Reports Fiscal 2010 Results; Announces Share Repurchase Program

VICTOR, N.Y., April 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

    --  Achieves comparable basis diluted EPS of $1.69 and reported basis
        diluted EPS of $0.45; results reflect tax rate benefits
    --  Generates strong free cash flow of $295 million
    --  Decreases debt approximately $600 million for the year
    --  Significantly improves cost structure during the year
    --  Provides fiscal 2011 outlook; projects comparable basis diluted EPS of
        $1.53 - $1.68 and reported basis diluted EPS of $1.36 - $1.51
    --  Projects fiscal 2011 free cash flow in the range of $350 - $400 million
    --  Board of Directors authorizes $300 million share repurchase program





Fiscal 2010 Financial Highlights*

(in millions, except per share data)



                                          Comparable Change Reported Change

Consolidated net sales                    $3,365     -8%    $3,365   -8%



Operating income                          $560       -7%    $312     NM



Operating margin                          16.6%      10 bps 9.3%     NM



Equity in earnings of equity method
investees**                               $239       -11%   $214     14%



Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) $799       -9%    -        -



Net income                                $373       6%     $99      NM



Diluted earnings per share                $1.69      6%     $0.45    NM









Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, ASX: CBR), the world's leading wine company, reported today its fiscal 2010 results and fiscal 2011 outlook.  

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040119/STZLOGO )

"Given the lingering economic challenges throughout our key markets, I am pleased with our results for the year. We generated strong free cash flow, significantly reduced our debt and greatly improved our cost structure. Fiscal 2010 results reflect continued execution against key strategic goals, the most important of which is our U.S. distributor consolidation effort," said Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Brands.  "As our fiscal year came to a close, we worked with our distributors to reduce their fourth quarter inventory levels while securing incremental distributor investments behind our brands. This action reduced fourth quarter sales and profits for our U.S. wine business. Overall, we believe this effort better positions the company and our distributors to drive profitable, organic growth into the future."




Fiscal 2010 Net Sales Highlights*

(in millions)

             Reported                       Organic

                             Constant                        Constant
             NetSales Change CurrencyChange Net Sales Change CurrencyChange

Consolidated $3,365   -8%    -6%            $3,365    -1%    1%

Branded Wine $2,928   -3%    -1%            $2,928    -3%    -1%

Spirits      $224     -47%   -47%           $224      19%    19%

Other        $213     -3%    5%             $213      1%     9%







*Definitions of reported, comparable, organic and constant currency, as well as reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures, are contained elsewhere in this news release.

** Hereafter referred to as "equity earnings."

NM= Not Meaningful

Fiscal 2010 Net Sales Commentary

Reported consolidated net sales decreased eight percent due primarily to the impact of the value spirits divestiture and the unfavorable impact of year-over-year currency exchange rate fluctuations. Organic constant currency net sales increased one percent.

Branded wine organic net sales on a constant currency basis decreased one percent which included a three percent decrease in North America partially offset by increases of seven percent in Europe and four percent in Australia/New Zealand. The sales increase in Europe was primarily due to volume growth of lower priced products.

Total spirits organic net sales increased 19 percent for the year, led by a 38 percent gain for SVEDKA vodka.  "Sales of SVEDKA vodka continue to experience strong momentum," said Sands. "The brand recently launched the first-ever SVEDKA television advertising campaign which marks an exciting milestone and serves as another example of how SVEDKA is setting itself apart in its quest to bring future fun to vodka lovers everywhere."

Fiscal 2010 Operating Income, Net Income, Diluted EPS Commentary

Wines segment operating income decreased $37 million versus the prior year. This is primarily due to the divestiture of the value spirits business, the decrease in U.S. branded wine sales and a decrease in operating income from the U.K. and Australian businesses, partially offset by savings from cost reduction initiatives.

Constellation's equity earnings from its 50 percent interest in the Crown Imports joint venture totaled $222 million, a decrease of 12 percent from the prior year.  For fiscal 2010, Crown Imports generated net sales of $2.3 billion, a decrease of six percent, and operating income of $444 million, a decrease of 12 percent. Net sales for Crown were impacted primarily by volume declines. Operating income for Crown decreased primarily due to lower volumes, negative mix and a contractual cost increase.

"While the on-premise and convenience store channels were impacted by a challenging economic environment throughout the year, Crown experienced import category market share gains for the year in the grocery channel as they  executed targeted promotional and media support programs and introduced new packages for consumers to enjoy at a wide variety of venues and price points," said Sands.

For fiscal 2010, pre-tax restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and unusual items totaled $275 million, compared to $658 million for the prior year.  

Interest expense totaled $265 million, a decrease of 18 percent. The decrease was primarily due to lower average borrowings during the year.

"We continue to reduce leverage and improve our credit profile as strong free cash flow generation and proceeds from asset sales drove a $600 million decrease in our debt level for fiscal 2010," said Bob Ryder, chief financial officer, Constellation Brands. "Additionally, in the fourth quarter we successfully amended our senior credit facility, extended a portion of our term loan obligations and prepaid a $250 million 8 1/8 percent senior subordinated note."

Free cash flow for the year totaled $295 million compared to $378 million in the prior year. The decrease was due in part to a $65 million tax payment related to the sale of the value spirits business. For fiscal 2011, the company is targeting free cash flow in the range of $350 - $400 million.

The comparable basis effective tax rate for the year was 30 percent which reflects the favorable outcome of various tax items, and compares to a 36 percent rate for the prior year.




Fourth Quarter 2010 Financial Highlights*

(in millions, except per share data)



                                  Comparable Change   Reported Change

Consolidated net sales            $709       -4%      $709     -4%



Operating income (loss)           $75        -28%     ($49)    NM



Operating margin                  10.5%      -360 bps NM       NM



Equity earnings                   $43        -9%      $43      NM



EBIT                              $118       -22%     -        -



Net income (loss)                 $60        29%      ($51)    NM



Diluted earnings (loss) per share $0.27      29%      ($0.23)  NM












Fourth Quarter 2010 Net Sales Highlights*

(in millions)

             Reported                       Organic

                             Constant                        Constant
             NetSales Change CurrencyChange Net Sales Change CurrencyChange

Consolidated $709     -4%    -10%           $709      5%     -2%

Branded Wine $620     2%     -6%            $620      2%     -6%

Spirits      $48      -49%   -49%           $48       19%    19%

Other        $42      24%    15%            $42       68%    57%







Fourth Quarter 2010 Net Sales Commentary

Reported consolidated net sales decreased four percent due primarily to the impact of the value spirits divestiture, partially offset by the favorable impact of year-over-year currency exchange rate fluctuations. Organic constant currency net sales decreased two percent.

Branded wine organic net sales on a constant currency basis decreased six percent versus last year which included a 12 percent decrease in North America and a 23 percent increase in Europe. Net sales for Australia/New Zealand were even with the prior year quarter.

The fourth quarter net sales decrease in North America primarily reflects the impact of decreasing inventory positions at U.S. distributors. The sales increase in Europe was primarily due to volume growth and a favorable comparison versus fourth quarter fiscal 2009. Total spirits organic net sales increased 19 percent for the quarter.

Fourth Quarter 2010 Operating Income, Net Income, Diluted EPS Commentary

Wines segment operating income decreased $22 million versus the prior year fourth quarter. This is primarily due to the decrease in U.S. branded wine sales.

Constellation's equity earnings from its 50 percent interest in the Crown Imports joint venture totaled $41 million, a decrease of 11 percent from the prior year fourth quarter.  For fourth quarter 2010, Crown Imports generated net sales of $419 million, a decrease of four percent, and operating income of $82 million, a decrease of 12 percent. Net sales for Crown were impacted primarily by volume declines driven by the challenging economic conditions. Operating income for Crown decreased due to lower volume, negative mix and a contractual cost increase.

For fourth quarter 2010, pre-tax restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and unusual items totaled $125 million, compared to $468 million for the prior year fourth quarter.  During the fourth quarter, the company recorded $103 million of non-cash impairment charges related to intangible assets in connection with the company's annual impairment testing, primarily related to its Australian business.

Interest expense totaled $63 million, a decrease of 13 percent. The decrease was primarily due to lower average borrowings during the quarter.

The comparable basis effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was negative 11 percent which reflects the favorable outcome of various tax items, and compares to a 41 percent rate for the prior year quarter.

Common Share Repurchase Authorization

Constellation Brands' Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $300 million of the company's common stock. It is the company's intent to implement an accelerated stock buyback transaction when appropriate. "We believe repurchasing Constellation shares represents good value and is an appropriate investment for us at this time. Due to our continued strong cash flow generation and successful deleveraging and refinancing efforts, we believe we can redeploy a portion of free cash flow to repurchase stock while we continue to reduce debt," said Ryder.

Summary

"We have accomplished a great deal throughout the last year and remain focused on executing a strategy based on achieving profitable, organic growth, generating strong free cash flow and improving return on invested capital.  Our guidance for fiscal 2011 reflects a number of factors including an uncertain economic environment, continuing pressures on the Crown joint venture and the Australian and U.K. operations and incremental investments in marketing and a new technology platform," said Sands. "We believe we are well positioned to execute on our business strategy for fiscal 2011."

Outlook

The table below sets forth management's current diluted EPS expectations for fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010 actual results, both on a reported basis and a comparable basis.  


Constellation Brands Fiscal 2011 Diluted Earnings Per Share Outlook



                           Reported Basis       Comparable Basis

                           FY11          FY10   FY11          FY10
                           Estimate      Actual Estimate      Actual

Fiscal Year Ending Feb. 28 $1.36 - $1.51 $0.45  $1.53 - $1.68 $1.69







Full-year fiscal 2011 guidance includes the following current assumptions but excludes any impact from any repurchases of the company's common stock:

    --  Interest expense: approximately $210 - $220 million
    --  Tax rate: approximately 35 percent
    --  Weighted average diluted shares outstanding: approximately 224 million
    --  Free cash flow: $350 - $400 million


Conference Call

A conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2010 results and fiscal 2011 outlook will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer Rob Sands and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bob Ryder on Fri., April 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. (eastern).  The conference call can be accessed by dialing +973-935-8505 beginning 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.  A live listen-only webcast of the conference call, together with a copy of this news release (including the attachments) and other financial information that may be discussed in the call will be available on the Internet at Constellation's Web site: www.cbrands.com under "Investors," prior to the call.

Explanations

Reported basis ("reported") operating income, net income and diluted EPS are as reported under generally accepted accounting principles.  Operating income, net income and diluted EPS on a comparable basis ("comparable"), exclude restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and unusual items.  The company's measure of segment profitability excludes restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and unusual items, which is consistent with the measure used by management to evaluate results.

The company discusses additional non-GAAP measures in this news release, including constant currency net sales, organic net sales, comparable basis EBIT and free cash flow.

Tables reconciling non-GAAP measures, together with definitions of these measures and the reasons management uses these measures, are included in this news release.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers, storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes and talented employees world-wide. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B; ASX: CBR) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 total brands in our portfolio, sales in about 150 countries and operations in approximately 45 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation Brands and its product portfolio visit the company's web site at www.cbrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements made under the heading Outlook, and all statements other than statements of historical facts set forth in this news release regarding Constellation's business strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties, are forward-looking statements (collectively, the "Projections") that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the Projections.

During the current quarter, Constellation may reiterate the Projections.  Prior to the start of the company's quiet period, which will begin at the close of business on May 28, 2010, the public can continue to rely on the Projections as still being Constellation's current expectations on the matters covered, unless Constellation publishes a notice stating otherwise.  During Constellation's "quiet period," the Projections should not be considered to constitute the company's expectations and should be considered historical, speaking as of prior to the quiet period only and not subject to update by the company.

The Projections are based on management's current expectations and, unless otherwise noted, do not take into account the impact of any future acquisition, merger or any other business combination, divestiture, restructuring or other strategic business realignments, financing or share repurchase that may be completed after the date of this release. The Projections should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur.

In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business operations, the Projections of the company contained in this news release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including:

    --  realization of expected synergies from acquired businesses;
    --  completion of various portfolio actions; implementation of consolidation
        activities and actual U.S. distributor transition experience;
    --  achievement of all expected cost savings from the company's various
        restructuring plans and realization of expected asset sale proceeds from
        the sale of inventory and other assets;
    --  accuracy of the bases for forecasts relating to joint ventures and
        associated costs and capital investment requirements;
    --  restructuring charges, acquisition-related integration costs and other
        one-time costs associated with integration and restructuring plans may
        vary materially from management's current estimates due to variations in
        one or more of anticipated headcount reductions, contract terminations,
        costs or timing of plan implementation;
    --  raw material supply, production or shipment difficulties could adversely
        affect the company's ability to supply its customers;
    --  increased competitive activities in the form of pricing, advertising and
        promotions could adversely impact consumer demand for the company's
        products and/or result in lower than expected sales or higher than
        expected expenses;
    --  general economic, geo-political and regulatory conditions, prolonged
        downturn in the economic markets in the U.S. and in the company's major
        markets outside of the U.S., continuing instability in world financial
        markets, or unanticipated environmental liabilities and costs;
    --  changes to accounting rules and tax laws, and other factors which could
        impact the company's reported financial position or effective tax rate;
    --  changes in interest rates and the inherent unpredictability of currency
        fluctuations, commodity prices and raw material costs; and
    --  other factors and uncertainties disclosed in the company's filings with
        the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on
        Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Feb. 28, 2009, which could cause
        actual future performance to differ from current expectations.



Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions)



                                           February 28,  February 28,
                                           2010          2009

Assets



Current Assets:

Cash and cash investments                  $ 43.5        $ 13.1

Accounts receivable, net                   514.7         524.6

Inventories                                1,879.9       1,828.7

Prepaid expenses and other                 151.0         168.1



Total current assets                       2,589.1       2,534.5



Property, plant and equipment, net         1,567.2       1,547.5

Goodwill                                   2,570.6       2,615.0

Intangible assets, net                     925.0         1,000.6

Other assets, net                          442.4         338.9



Total assets                               $ 8,094.3     $ 8,036.5



Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity



Current Liabilities:

Notes payable to banks                     $ 371.2       $ 227.3

Current maturities of long-term debt       187.2         235.2

Accounts payable                           268.8         288.7

Accrued excise taxes                       43.8          57.6

Other accrued expenses and liabilities     501.6         517.6



Total current liabilities                  1,372.6       1,326.4



Long-term debt, less current maturities    3,277.1       3,971.1

Deferred income taxes                      536.2         543.6

Other liabilities                          332.1         287.1



Total liabilities                          5,518.0       6,128.2



Total stockholders' equity                 2,576.3       1,908.3



Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 8,094.3     $ 8,036.5






Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in millions, except per share data)



                         Three Months Ended          Year Ended

                         February 28,  February 28,  February 28,  February 28,
                         2010          2009          2010          2009



Sales                    $ 893.0       $ 964.9       $ 4,213.0     $ 4,723.0

Excise taxes             (184.3)       (229.8)       (848.2)       (1,068.4)

Net sales                708.7         735.1         3,364.8       3,654.6



Cost of product sold     (486.3)       (543.9)       (2,220.0)     (2,424.6)

Gross profit             222.4         191.2         1,144.8       1,230.0



Selling, general and
administrative expenses  (148.2)       (169.4)       (682.3)       (823.8)

Impairment of intangible
assets and goodwill      (103.2)       (278.6)       (103.2)       (300.4)

Restructuring charges    (20.4)        (27.7)        (47.6)        (68.0)

Acquisition-related
integration costs        -             (0.6)         (0.2)         (8.2)

Operating (loss) income  (49.4)        (285.1)       311.5         29.6



Equity in earnings
(losses) of equity
method investees         43.0          (31.9)        213.6         186.6

Interest expense, net    (63.1)        (72.5)        (265.1)       (323.0)

Loss on write-off of
financing costs          (0.7)         -             (0.7)         -

(Loss) income before
income taxes             (70.2)        (389.5)       259.3         (106.8)



Benefit from (provision
for) income taxes        19.2          (17.3)        (160.0)       (194.6)

Net (loss) income        $ (51.0)      $ (406.8)     $ 99.3        $ (301.4)







(Loss) Earnings Per
Common Share:

Basic - Class A Common
Stock                    $ (0.23)      $ (1.88)      $ 0.46        $ (1.40)

Basic - Class B Common
Stock                    $ (0.21)      $ (1.71)      $ 0.41        $ (1.27)



Diluted - Class A Common
Stock                    $ (0.23)      $ (1.88)      $ 0.45        $ (1.40)

Diluted - Class B Common
Stock                    $ (0.21)      $ (1.71)      $ 0.41        $ (1.27)



Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding:

Basic - Class A Common
Stock                    196.752       194.669       196.095       193.906

Basic - Class B Common
Stock                    23.729        23.744        23.736        23.753



Diluted - Class A Common
Stock                    196.752       194.669       221.210       193.906

Diluted - Class B Common
Stock                    23.729        23.744        23.736        23.753






Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)



                                                     Year Ended

                                                     February 28,  February 28,
                                                     2010          2009

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Net income (loss)                                    $ 99.3        $ (301.4)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment        143.8         143.6

Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill         103.2         300.4

Stock-based compensation expense                     56.3          46.1

Loss on contractual obligation from put option of
Ruffino shareholder                                  34.3          -

Loss on disposal or impairment of long-lived assets,
net                                                  15.7          44.9

Amortization of intangible and other assets          12.1          13.4

Noncash portion of loss on extinguishment of debt    0.7           -

Deferred tax (benefit) provision                     (30.6)        2.3

Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net
of distributed earnings                              (13.1)        90.3

(Gain) loss on business sold or held for sale        (10.4)        31.5

Write-down of Australian inventory                   -             75.5

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of
effects from purchases and sales of businesses:

Accounts receivable, net                             61.9          87.4

Inventories                                          51.0          (86.0)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets            2.6           9.4

Accounts payable                                     (42.7)        (26.9)

Accrued excise taxes                                 (18.1)        12.1

Other accrued expenses and liabilities               (110.6)       (95.0)

Other, net                                           47.1          159.3

Total adjustments                                    303.2         808.3

Net cash provided by operating activities            402.5         506.9



Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Proceeds from sales of businesses                    349.6         204.2

Proceeds from sales of assets                        17.2          25.4

Capital distributions from equity method investees   0.2           20.8

Purchases of property, plant and equipment           (107.7)       (128.6)

Investments in equity method investees               (0.9)         (3.2)

Purchase of business, net of cash acquired           -             0.1

Other investing activities                           (1.8)         9.9

Net cash provided by investing activities            256.6         128.6



Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Principal payments of long-term debt                 (781.3)       (577.6)

Payment of financing costs of long-term debt         (11.5)        -

Net proceeds from (repayment of) notes payable       117.1         (109.7)

Proceeds from maturity of derivative instrument      33.2          -

Exercise of employee stock options                   12.3          27.1

Proceeds from employee stock purchases               4.5           5.6

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment awards  2.7           7.2

Net cash used in financing activities                (623.0)       (647.4)



Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
investments                                          (5.7)         4.5



Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 30.4          (7.4)

Cash and cash investments, beginning of year         13.1          20.5

Cash and cash investments, end of year               $ 43.5        $ 13.1






Constellation
Brands, Inc. and
Subsidiaries

SEGMENT
INFORMATION

(in millions)



                  Three Months Ended            Year Ended

                  February   February           February   February
                  28,        28,       Percent  28,        28,         Percent
                  2010       2009      Change   2010       2009        Change



Segment Net Sales
and Operating
Income

    Constellation
    Wines(1)

    Branded wine
    net sales     $ 619.6    $ 608.9   2%       $ 2,928.0  $ 3,015.3   (3%)

    Spirits net
    sales         47.6       92.6      (49%)    223.9      418.7       (47%)

    Other net
    sales         41.5       33.6      24%      212.9      220.6       (3%)

    Segment net
    sales         $ 708.7    $ 735.1   (4%)     $ 3,364.8  $ 3,654.6   (8%)

    Operating
    income        $ 101.1    $ 123.3   (18%)    $ 654.9    $ 691.4     (5%)

    % Net sales   14.3%      16.8%              19.5%      18.9%

    Equity in
    earnings of
    equity method
    investees     $ 1.8      $ 0.8     NM       $ 17.1     $ 17.6      (3%)



    Crown Imports

    Segment net
    sales         $ 418.5    $ 436.1   (4%)     $ 2,256.2  $ 2,395.4   (6%)

    Operating
    income        $ 82.0     $ 93.2    (12%)    $ 444.1    $ 504.1     (12%)

    % Net sales   19.6%      21.4%              19.7%      21.0%



    Consolidation
    and
    Eliminations

    Segment net                                 $
    sales         $ (418.5)  $ (436.1) (4%)     (2,256.2)  $ (2,395.4) (6%)

    Operating
    income        $ (82.0)   $ (93.2)  (12%)    $ (444.1)  $ (504.1)   (12%)

    Equity in
    earnings of
    Crown Imports $ 41.2     $ 46.5    (11%)    $ 221.9    $ 252.3     (12%)



    Corporate
    Operations
    and Other

    Consolidated
    net sales     $ 708.7    $ 735.1   (4%)     $ 3,364.8  $ 3,654.6   (8%)

    Operating
    loss(2)       $ (26.6)   $ (19.5)  36%      $ (94.7)   $ (86.8)    9%

    % Net sales   3.8%       2.7%               2.8%       2.4%





NM = Not Meaningful



(1) In connection with the company's divestiture of its value spirits business
    and the integration of the retained spirits brands into the Constellation
    Wines business, the company changed its internal management financial
    reporting on May 1, 2009. The company now reports its operating results in
    three segments: Constellation Wines, Crown Imports and Corporate
    Operations and Other. Prior results have been restated to conform with the
    new segment presentation.



(2) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the company changed its policy
    relating to the recording of amortization of deferred financing costs from
    selling, general and administrative expenses to interest expense, net. As
    such, operating loss within the Corporate Operations and Other segment for
    all periods presented have been restated to reflect the impact of this
    policy change.






Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

(in millions)



                                                                    Constant

                        Three Months Ended                          Currency

                        February 28,  February 28, Percent Currency Percent

                        2010          2009         Change  Impact   Change (3)

Geographic Net Sales(1)
(2)

 North America          $ 479.9       $ 553.2      (13%)   2%       (16%)

 Branded wine           $ 404.7       $ 449.1      (10%)   3%       (12%)

 Spirits                $ 47.6        $ 92.6       (49%)   -        (49%)

 Other                  $ 27.6        $ 11.5       NM      NM       NM



 Europe                 $ 136.4       $ 111.8      22%     11%      11%

 Branded wine           $ 123.2       $ 91.4       35%     12%      23%

 Other                  $ 13.2        $ 20.4       (35%)   6%       (41%)



 Australia/New Zealand  $ 92.4        $ 70.1       32%     34%      (2%)

 Branded wine           $ 91.7        $ 68.4       34%     34%      -

 Other                  $ 0.7         $ 1.7        NM      NM       NM








                                                                    Organic

                                                                    Constant

                        Three Months Ended                          Currency

                        February 28,  February 28, Percent Currency Percent

                        2010          2009         Change  Impact   Change (3)

Branded Wine Geographic
Net Sales(1)(2)

 North America          $ 404.7       $ 449.1      (10%)   3%       (12%)

 Europe                 123.2         91.4         35%     12%      23%

 Australia/New Zealand  91.7          68.4         34%     34%      -

 Consolidated branded
 wine net sales         $ 619.6       $ 608.9      2%      8%       (6%)






                                                                    Constant

                        Year Ended                                  Currency

                        February 28,  February 28, Percent Currency Percent

                        2010          2009         Change  Impact   Change (3)

Geographic Net Sales(1)
(2)

 North America          $ 2,382.7     $ 2,651.8    (10%)   -        (10%)

 Branded wine           $ 2,069.8     $ 2,154.7    (4%)    -        (4%)

 Spirits                $ 223.9       $ 418.7      (47%)   -        (47%)

 Other                  $ 89.0        $ 78.4       14%     -        14%



 Europe                 $ 622.0       $ 648.3      (4%)    (11%)    7%

 Branded wine           $ 504.9       $ 521.3      (3%)    (10%)    7%

 Other                  $ 117.1       $ 127.0      (8%)    (14%)    6%



 Australia/New Zealand  $ 360.1       $ 354.5      2%      -        1%

 Branded wine           $ 353.3       $ 339.3      4%      -        4%

 Other                  $ 6.8         $ 15.2       (55%)   -        (55%)








                                                                    Organic

                                                                    Constant

                  Year Ended                                        Currency

                  February   February
                  28,        28,       Percent Divestiture Currency Percent

                  2010       2009      Change  Impact (4)  Impact   Change (3)

Branded Wine
Geographic Net
Sales(1)(2)

    North America $ 2,069.8  $ 2,154.7 (4%)    -           -        (3%)

    Europe        504.9      521.3     (3%)    -           (10%)    7%

    Australia/New
    Zealand       353.3      339.3     4%      -           -        4%

    Consolidated
    branded wine
    net sales     $ 2,928.0  $ 3,015.3 (3%)    -           (2%)     (1%)





(1) Refer to discussion under "Reconciliation of Reported, Organic and
    Constant Currency Net Sales" on following page for definition of constant
    currency net sales and organic constant currency net sales and reasons for
    use.



(2) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the selling
    company.



(3) May not sum due to rounding as each item is computed independently.



(4) Divestiture impact includes the removal of branded wine net sales
    associated with the Pacific Northwest brands for the period March 1, 2008,
    through May 31, 2008, included in the year ended February 28, 2009.







Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED, ORGANIC AND CONSTANT CURRENCY NET
SALES

(in millions)



As the company sold certain Pacific Northwest wine brands on June 5, 2008; exited certain spirits
production contracts in connection with the sale of a Canadian distilling facility on August 31, 2008; sold
certain value spirits brands on March 24, 2009; and sold its European cider business on January 15, 2010,
organic net sales for the respective periods are defined by the company as reported net sales less net
sales of Pacific Northwest wine brands and/or net sales of certain spirits contract production services
and/or net sales of certain spirits value brands and/or net sales of cider, as appropriate. Organic net
sales and percentage increase (decrease) in constant currency net sales (which excludes the impact of year
over year currency exchange rate fluctuations) are provided because management uses this information in
monitoring and evaluating the underlying business trends of the continuing operations of the company. In
addition, the company believes this information provides investors better insight on underlying business
trends and results in order to evaluate year over year financial performance.



                                                     Constant                                      Constant

                 Three Months Ended                  Currency  Year Ended                          Currency

                 February  February                            February  February
                 28,       28,      Percent Currency Percent   28,       28,      Percent Currency Percent

                                                     Change                                        Change
                 2010      2009     Change  Impact   (1)       2010      2009     Change  Impact   (1)

Consolidated Net
Sales

                                                               $         $
    Branded wine $ 619.6   $ 608.9  2%      8%       (6%)      2,928.0   3,015.3  (3%)    (2%)     (1%)

    Spirits      47.6      92.6     (49%)   -        (49%)     223.9     418.7    (47%)   -        (47%)

    Other        41.5      33.6     24%     8%       15%       212.9     220.6    (3%)    (8%)     5%

    Consolidated
    reported net
    sales        708.7     735.1    (4%)    7%       (10%)     3,364.8   3,654.6  (8%)    (2%)     (6%)

    Less:
    Pacific
    Northwest
    branded wine
    net sales
    (2)          -         -                                   -         (7.9)

    Less:
    Spirits net
    sales(3)     -         (52.7)                              -         (230.0)

    Less: Cider
    net sales(4) -         (8.9)                               -         (8.9)

    Consolidated
    organic net                                                $         $
    sales        $ 708.7   $ 673.5  5%      7%       (2%)      3,364.8   3,407.8  (1%)    (2%)     1%





Branded Wine Net
Sales

    Branded wine
    reported net                                               $         $
    sales        $ 619.6   $ 608.9  2%      8%       (6%)      2,928.0   3,015.3  (3%)    (2%)     (1%)

    Less:
    Pacific
    Northwest
    branded wine
    net sales
    (2)          -         -                                   -         (7.9)

    Branded wine
    organic net                                                $         $
    sales        $ 619.6   $ 608.9  2%      8%       (6%)      2,928.0   3,007.4  (3%)    (2%)     (1%)





Spirits Net
Sales

    Spirits
    reported net
    sales        $ 47.6    $ 92.6   (49%)   -        (49%)     $ 223.9   $ 418.7  (47%)   -        (47%)

    Less:
    Spirits net
    sales(3)     -         (52.7)                              -         (230.0)

    Spirits
    organic net
    sales        $ 47.6    $ 39.9   19%     -        19%       $ 223.9   $ 188.7  19%     -        19%





Other Net Sales

    Other
    reported net
    sales        $ 41.5    $ 33.6   24%     8%       15%       $ 212.9   $ 220.6  (3%)    (8%)     5%

    Less: Cider
    net sales(4) -         (8.9)                               -         (8.9)

    Other
    organic net
    sales        $ 41.5    $ 24.7   68%     11%      57%       $ 212.9   $ 211.7  1%      (8%)     9%





(1) May not sum due to rounding as each item is computed independently.



(2) For the period March 1, 2008, through May 31, 2008, included in the year ended February 28, 2009.



(3) Includes certain spirits contract production services net sales and certain value spirits brands net
    sales for the period December 1, 2008, through February 28, 2009, included in the three months ended
    February 28, 2009. Includes certain spirits contract production services net sales for the period March
    1, 2008, through February 28, 2009, and certain value spirits brands net sales for the period March 25,
    2008, through February 28, 2009, included in the year ended February 28, 2009.



(4) For the period January 16, 2009, through February 28, 2009, included in the year ended February 28,
    2009.







Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(1)

(in millions, except per share data)





                    Three Months Ended February 28, 2010             Three Months Ended February 28, 2009



                                                                                                                      Percent   Percent
                                       Strategic                                        Strategic                     Change -  Change -
                    Reported           Business          Comparable  Reported           Business          Comparable  Reported  Comparable
                    Basis    Inventory Realignment Other Basis       Basis    Inventory Realignment Other Basis       Basis     Basis
                    (GAAP)   Step-up   (2)         (3)   (Non-GAAP)  (GAAP)   Step-up   (2)         (3)   (Non-GAAP)  (GAAP)    (Non-GAAP)

Net Sales           $ 708.7                              $ 708.7     $ 735.1                              $ 735.1     (4%)      (4%)

Cost of product
sold                (486.3)  1.2       3.0               (482.1)     (543.9)  5.5       11.8        37.0  (489.6)     (11%)     (2%)

Gross Profit        222.4    1.2       3.0         -     226.6       191.2    5.5       11.8        37.0  245.5       16%       (8%)

Selling, general
and administrative
expenses ("SG&A")
(4)                 (148.2)            (3.9)             (152.1)     (169.4)            27.7              (141.7)     (13%)     7%

Impairment of
intangible assets
and goodwill        (103.2)                        103.2 -           (278.6)            0.4         278.2 -           NM        N/A

Restructuring
charges             (20.4)             20.4              -           (27.7)             27.7              -           (26%)     N/A

Acquisition-related
integration costs   -                                    -           (0.6)              0.6               -           NM        N/A

Operating (Loss)
Income              (49.4)   1.2       19.5        103.2 74.5        (285.1)  5.5       68.2        315.2 103.8       NM        (28%)

Equity in earnings
(losses) of equity
method investees    43.0                                 43.0        (31.9)                         79.2  47.3        NM        (9%)

EBIT                                                     117.5                                            151.1       N/A       (22%)

Interest expense,
net (4)             (63.1)                               (63.1)      (72.5)                               (72.5)      (13%)     (13%)

Loss on write-off
of financing costs  (0.7)                          0.7   -           -                                    -           N/A       N/A

(Loss) Income
Before Income Taxes (70.2)   1.2       19.5        103.9 54.4        (389.5)  5.5       68.2        394.4 78.6        NM        (31%)

Benefit from
(provision for)
income taxes        19.2     (0.5)     (7.3)       (5.6) 5.8         (17.3)   (2.2)     (7.2)       (5.2) (31.9)      NM        (118%)

                                                   $                 $                              $
Net (Loss) Income   $ (51.0) $ 0.7     $ 12.2      98.3  $ 60.2      (406.8)  $ 3.3     $ 61.0      389.2 $ 46.7      NM        29%

Diluted (Loss)
Earnings Per Common
Share               $ (0.23)                             $ 0.27      $ (1.88)                             $ 0.21      NM        29%

Weighted Average
Common Shares
Outstanding -
Diluted(5)          196.752                              222.594     194.669                              219.850



Gross Margin        31.4%                                32.0%       26.0%                                33.4%

SG&A as a percent
of net sales        20.9%                                21.5%       23.0%                                19.3%

Operating Margin    NM                                   10.5%       NM                                   14.1%

Effective Tax Rate  27.4%                                -10.7%      -4.4%                                40.6%







Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES(1)

(in millions, except per share data)





                    Year Ended February 28, 2010                      Year Ended February 28, 2009



                                                                                                                        Percent   Percent
                                        Strategic                                         Strategic                     Change -  Change -
                    Reported            Business          Comparable  Reported            Business          Comparable  Reported  Comparable
                    Basis     Inventory Realignment Other Basis       Basis     Inventory Realignment Other Basis       Basis     Basis
                    (GAAP)    Step-up   (6)         (7)   (Non-GAAP)  (GAAP)    Step-up   (6)         (7)   (Non-GAAP)  (GAAP)    (Non-GAAP)

Net Sales           $ 3,364.8                             $ 3,364.8   $ 3,654.6                             $ 3,654.6   (8%)      (8%)

Cost of product
sold                (2,220.0) 8.4       24.0              (2,187.6)   (2,424.6) 22.2      68.0        37.1  (2,297.3)   (8%)      (5%)

Gross Profit        1,144.8   8.4       24.0        -     1,177.2     1,230.0   22.2      68.0        37.1  1,357.3     (7%)      (13%)

Selling, general
and administrative
expenses ("SG&A")
(4)                 (682.3)             31.0        34.3  (617.0)     (823.8)             71.1              (752.7)     (17%)     (18%)

Impairment of
intangible assets
and goodwill        (103.2)                         103.2 -           (300.4)             22.2        278.2 -           NM        N/A

Restructuring
charges             (47.6)              47.6              -           (68.0)              68.0              -           (30%)     N/A

Acquisition-related
integration costs   (0.2)               0.2               -           (8.2)               8.2               -           NM        N/A

Operating Income    311.5     8.4       102.8       137.5 560.2       29.6      22.2      237.5       315.3 604.6       NM        (7%)

Equity in earnings
of equity method
investees           213.6                           25.4  239.0       186.6                           83.3  269.9       14%       (11%)

EBIT                                                      799.2                                             874.5       N/A       (9%)

Interest expense,
net (4)             (265.1)                               (265.1)     (323.0)                               (323.0)     (18%)     (18%)

Loss on write-off
of financing costs  (0.7)                           0.7   -           -                                     -           N/A       N/A

Income (Loss)
Before Income Taxes 259.3     8.4       102.8       163.6 534.1       (106.8)   22.2      237.5       398.6 551.5       NM        (3%)

(Provision for)
benefit from income
taxes               (160.0)   (3.3)     8.1         (5.6) (160.8)     (194.6)   (8.5)     (24.3)      27.2  (200.2)     NM        (20%)

                                                    $                                                 $
Net Income (Loss)   $ 99.3    $ 5.1     $ 110.9     158.0 $ 373.3     $ (301.4) $ 13.7    $ 213.2     425.8 $ 351.3     NM        6%

Diluted Earnings
(Loss) Per Common
Share               $ 0.45                                $ 1.69      $ (1.40)                              $ 1.60      NM        6%

Weighted Average
Common Shares
Outstanding -
Diluted(5)          221.210                               221.210     193.906                               219.930



Gross Margin        34.0%                                 35.0%       33.7%                                 37.1%

SG&A as a percent
of net sales        20.3%                                 18.3%       22.5%                                 20.6%

Operating Margin    9.3%                                  16.6%       NM                                    16.5%

Effective Tax Rate  61.7%                                 30.1%       -182.2%                               36.3%






Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (continued)

NOTES





(1) The company reports its financial results in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). However, non-GAAP
    financial measures, as defined in the reconciliation tables above, are
    provided because management uses this information in evaluating the results
    of the continuing operations of the company and/or internal goal setting.
    In addition, the company believes this information provides investors
    better insight on underlying business trends and results in order to
    evaluate year over year financial performance. See the tables above for
    supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations of these
    non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures for the three months
    and year ended February 28, 2010, and February 28, 2009. Non-GAAP financial
    measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for,
    the company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Please
    refer to the company's Web site at http://www.cbrands.com/CBI/investors.htm
    for more detailed description and further discussion of these non-GAAP
    financial measures.



(2) For the three months ended February 28, 2010, strategic business
    realignment items consist primarily of (i) costs recognized by the company
    in connection with the Australian Initiative of $13.9 million, net of a tax
    benefit of $0.0 million, and the Global Initiative of $8.5 million, net of
    a tax benefit of $3.9 million, and (ii) a gain recognized by the company in
    connection with the sale of its European cider business of $14.0 million,
    including a tax benefit of $2.8 million. For the three months ended
    February 28, 2009, strategic business realignment items consist primarily
    of (i) costs recognized by the company in connection with the Australian
    Initiative of $29.2 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.0 million, and the
    Fiscal 2007 Wine Plan of $6.5 million, net of a tax benefit of $2.2
    million, and (ii) a loss, primarily on assets held for sale, in connection
    with the March 2009 disposal of the value spirits business of $19.6
    million, net of a tax benefit of $5.6 million.



(3) For the three months ended February 28, 2010, other consists primarily of
    impairment of certain intangible assets of $97.9 million, net of a tax
    benefit of $5.3 million. For the three months ended February 28, 2009,
    other consists primarily of (i) impairment of certain goodwill and
    intangible assets of $271.6 million, net of a tax benefit of $6.6 million,
    (ii) impairment of certain equity method investments of $79.2 million, net
    of a tax benefit of $0.0 million, and a loss on the adjustment of certain
    inventory, primarily Australian, related to prior years of $32.1 million,
    net of a tax benefit of $4.9 million.



(4) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the company changed its policy
    relating to the recording of amortization of deferred financing costs from
    selling, general and administrative expenses to interest expense, net.
    Accordingly, all periods presented have been restated to reflect the impact
    of this policy change.



(5) In accordance with the antidilution provisions of the Financial Accounting
    Standards Board guidance for earnings per share, the dilutive impact of
    potential common shares is excluded from the company's reported diluted
    weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended
    February 28, 2010, and the three months and year ended February 28, 2009.
    As a result of the company having net income on a comparable basis, the
    dilutive impact of potential common shares is included in the company's
    comparable diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for all
    periods presented.



(6) For the year ended February 28, 2010, strategic business realignment items
    consist primarily of (i) costs recognized by the company in connection with
    the Global Initiative of $51.2 million, net of a tax benefit of $24.4
    million, the Australian Initiative of $22.0 million, net of a tax benefit
    of $0.0 million, and the Fiscal 2007 Wine Plan of $11.5 million, net of a
    tax benefit of $2.6 million; (ii) tax expense associated with the March
    2009 divestiture of the value spirits business of $37.5 million; and (iii)
    a gain recognized by the company in connection with the sale of its
    European cider business of $14.0 million, including a tax benefit of $2.8
    million. For the year ended February 28, 2009, strategic business
    realignment items consist primarily of (i) costs recognized by the company
    in connection with the Australian Initiative of $139.3 million, net of a
    tax benefit of $0.6 million, the Fiscal 2007 Wine Plan of $15.7 million,
    net of a tax benefit of $5.8 million, and the Fiscal 2008 Plan of $10.0
    million, net of a tax benefit of $4.1 million; (ii) a loss, primarily on
    assets held for sale, in connection with the March 2009 disposal of the
    value spirits business of $19.6 million, net of a tax benefit of $5.6
    million; and (iii) a loss in connection with the June 2008 disposal of the
    Pacific Northwest wine brands of $17.1 million, net of a tax benefit of
    $6.1 million.



(7) For the year ended February 28, 2010, other consists primarily of (i)
    impairment of certain intangible assets of $97.9 million, net of a tax
    benefit of $5.3 million; (ii) a loss of $34.3 million, net of a tax benefit
    of $0.0 million, on the contractual obligation created by the notification
    by the 9.9% shareholder of Ruffino S.r.l. (“Ruffino”) to exercise the
    option to put its entire equity interest in Ruffino to the Company for a
    specified minimum value; and (iii) $25.4 million, net of a tax benefit of
    $0.0 million, associated with the impairment of the Company’s investment
    in Ruffino. For the year ended February 28, 2009, other consists primarily
    of (i) impairment of certain goodwill and intangible assets of $271.6
    million, net of a tax benefit of $6.6 million; (ii) impairment of certain
    equity method investments of $83.3 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.0
    million; (iii) the recognition of income tax expense in connection with the
    gain on settlement of certain foreign currency economic hedges of $38.7
    million; and (iv) a loss on the adjustment of certain inventory, primarily
    Australian, related to prior years of $32.1 million, net of a tax benefit
    of $4.9 million.





DEFINITIONS

    Global Initiative

    The company's plan announced in April 2009 to simplify its business,
    increase efficiencies and reduce its cost structure on a global basis (the
    "Global Initiative").



    Australian Initiative

    The company's plan announced in August 2008 to sell certain assets and
    implement operational changes designed to improve the efficiencies and
    returns associated with its Australian business (the "Australian
    Initiative").



    Fiscal 2008 Plan

    The company's plan announced in November 2007 to streamline certain of its
    international operations, primarily in Australia; certain other
    restructuring charges incurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 in
    connection with the consolidation of certain spirits production processes
    in the U.S.; and its plan announced in January 2008 to streamline certain
    of its operations in the U.S., primarily in connection with the
    restructuring and integration of the operations of Beam Wine Estates, Inc.
    (collectively, the "Fiscal 2008 Plan").



    Fiscal 2007 Wine Plan

    The company's plan announced in August 2006 to invest in new distribution
    and bottling facilities in the U.K. and to streamline certain Australian
    wine operations (collectively, the "Fiscal 2007 Wine Plan").






Constellation Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(continued)

GUIDANCE - DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE AND FREE CASH FLOW

(in millions, except per share data)







                                                       Range for the Year
Diluted Earnings Per Share Guidance                    Ending February 28, 2011



Forecasted diluted earnings per share - reported basis
(GAAP)                                                 $ 1.36  $ 1.51

    Strategic business realignment (1)                 0.17    0.17

Forecasted diluted earnings per share - comparable
basis (Non-GAAP)(2)                                    $ 1.53  $ 1.68



                                                               Actual for the
                                                               Year Ended
                                                               February 28,
                                                               2010



Diluted earnings per share - reported basis (GAAP)             $ 0.45

    Inventory step-up                                          0.02

    Strategic business realignment (1)                         0.50

    Other (3)                                                  0.71

Diluted earnings per share - comparable basis
(Non-GAAP)(2)                                                  $ 1.69





(1) Includes $0.12, $0.04 and $0.01 diluted earnings per share for the year
    ending February 28, 2011, associated with the Global Initiative; the
    Australian Initiative and the Fiscal 2008 Plan, respectively. Includes
    $0.23, $0.17, $0.10, $0.05, $ 0.01 and ($0.06) diluted earnings per share
    for the year ended February 28, 2010, associated with the Global
    Initiative; tax expense associated with the March 2009 divestiture of the
    value spirits business; the Australian Initiative; the Fiscal 2007 Wine
    Plan; other previously announced restructuring plans; and a gain recognized
    by the company in connection with the sale of its European cider business,
    respectively.(2)



(2) May not sum due to rounding as each item is computed independently.



(3) Includes $0.44, $0.16 and $0.11 diluted earnings per share for the year
    ended February 28, 2010, associated with impairment of certain intangible
    assets; loss on the contractual obligation created by the notification by
    the 9.9% shareholder of Ruffino to exercise the option to put its entire
    equity interest in Ruffino to the Company for a specified minimum value;
    and the impairment of the Company’s investment in Ruffino, respectively.
    (2)






Free Cash Flow Guidance

Free cash flow, as defined in the reconciliation below, is considered a
liquidity measure and is considered to provide useful information to investors
about the amount of cash generated, which can then be used, after required debt
service and dividend payments, for other general corporate purposes. A
limitation of free cash flow is that it does not represent the total increase
or decrease in the cash balance for the period. Free cash flow should be
considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, cash flow
from operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP.



                                           Range for the Year
                                           Ending February 28, 2011



Net cash provided by operating activities
(GAAP)                                     $ 460.0            $ 530.0

 Purchases of property, plant and
 equipment                                 (110.0)            (130.0)

Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)                  $ 350.0            $ 400.0



                                           Actual for the     Actual for the
                                           Year Ended         Year Ended
                                           February 28, 2010  February 28, 2009



Net cash provided by operating activities
(GAAP)                                     $ 402.5            $ 506.9

 Purchases of property, plant and
 equipment                                 (107.7)            (128.6)

Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)                  $ 294.8            $ 378.3





SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.