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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 30, 2012
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number 001-08495
CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
16-0716709
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
207 High Point Drive, Building 100, Victor, New York
14564
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(585) 678-7100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
  
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
        Large accelerated filer x
  
Accelerated filer ¨
 
        Non-accelerated filer ¨
  
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  ¨    No  ý
The number of shares outstanding with respect to each of the classes of common stock of Constellation Brands, Inc., as of December 31, 2012, is set forth below:

Class
Number of Shares Outstanding
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
160,135,703
Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
23,511,235
Class 1 Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
37


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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
EX-10.5
 
EX-31.1
 
EX-31.2
 
EX-32.1
 
EX-32.2
 
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 


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This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. For further information regarding such forward-looking statements, risks and uncertainties, please see “Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” under Part I – Item 2 “Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”


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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements.

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
 
November 30, 2012
 
February 29, 2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash investments
$
200.5

 
$
85.8

Accounts receivable, net
539.1

 
437.6

Inventories
1,596.3

 
1,374.5

Prepaid expenses and other
144.7

 
136.4

Total current assets
2,480.6

 
2,034.3

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
1,236.7

 
1,255.8

GOODWILL
2,738.4

 
2,632.9

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
876.6

 
866.4

RESTRICTED CASH
650.3

 

OTHER ASSETS, net
340.1

 
320.5

Total assets
$
8,322.7

 
$
7,109.9

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Notes payable to banks
$
16.6

 
$
377.9

Current maturities of long-term debt
49.9

 
330.2

Accounts payable
300.4

 
130.5

Accrued excise taxes
18.1

 
24.8

Other accrued expenses and liabilities
402.8

 
336.2

Total current liabilities
787.8

 
1,199.6

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities
3,928.9

 
2,421.4

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
618.4

 
608.7

OTHER LIABILITIES
212.3

 
204.2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 12)

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value- Authorized, 322,000,000 shares; Issued, 240,938,228 shares at November 30, 2012, and 233,751,797 shares at February 29, 2012
2.4

 
2.3

Class B Convertible Common Stock, $.01 par value- Authorized, 30,000,000 shares; Issued, 28,526,035 shares at November 30, 2012, and 28,583,916 shares at February 29, 2012
0.3

 
0.3

Additional paid-in capital
1,872.9

 
1,691.4

Retained earnings
2,413.4

 
2,107.3

Accumulated other comprehensive income
165.3

 
173.7

 
4,454.3

 
3,975.0

Less: Treasury stock –
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock, 80,890,718 shares at November 30, 2012, and 63,015,441 shares at February 29, 2012, at cost
(1,676.8
)
 
(1,296.8
)
Class B Convertible Common Stock, 5,005,800 shares at November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, at cost
(2.2
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(1,679.0
)
 
(1,299.0
)
Total stockholders’ equity
2,775.3

 
2,676.0

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
8,322.7

 
$
7,109.9

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited)

 
For the Nine Months
Ended November 30,
 
For the Three Months
Ended November 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
SALES
$
2,383.4

 
$
2,270.1

 
$
860.4

 
$
789.0

Less – excise taxes
(283.2
)
 
(243.9
)
 
(93.5
)
 
(88.3
)
Net sales
2,100.2

 
2,026.2

 
766.9

 
700.7

COST OF PRODUCT SOLD
(1,253.7
)
 
(1,209.3
)
 
(456.1
)
 
(417.8
)
Gross profit
846.5

 
816.9

 
310.8

 
282.9

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
(450.0
)
 
(398.2
)
 
(151.7
)
 
(121.8
)
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
(1.0
)
 
(11.6
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.8
)
Operating income
395.5

 
407.1

 
158.8

 
160.3

EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF EQUITY METHOD INVESTEES
183.6

 
179.5

 
52.5

 
53.3

INTEREST EXPENSE, net
(166.7
)
 
(133.1
)
 
(61.4
)
 
(46.3
)
LOSS ON WRITE-OFF OF FINANCING COSTS
(2.8
)
 

 

 

Income before income taxes
409.6

 
453.5

 
149.9

 
167.3

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
(103.5
)
 
(111.5
)
 
(40.4
)
 
(62.5
)
NET INCOME
$
306.1

 
$
342.0

 
$
109.5

 
$
104.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
297.7

 
$
281.0

 
$
117.1

 
$
15.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHARE DATA:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic – Class A Common Stock
$
1.70

 
$
1.67

 
$
0.61

 
$
0.53

Basic – Class B Convertible Common Stock
$
1.55

 
$
1.52

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted – Class A Common Stock
$
1.62

 
$
1.62

 
$
0.58

 
$
0.52

Diluted – Class B Convertible Common Stock
$
1.49

 
$
1.49

 
$
0.53

 
$
0.47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic – Class A Common Stock
158.442

 
183.348

 
158.270

 
176.293

Basic – Class B Convertible Common Stock
23.538

 
23.594

 
23.524

 
23.585

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted – Class A Common Stock
188.642

 
210.666

 
189.696

 
202.933

Diluted – Class B Convertible Common Stock
23.538

 
23.594

 
23.524

 
23.585


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
For the Nine Months
Ended November 30,
 
2012
 
2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
306.1

 
$
342.0

 
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
80.0

 
71.6

Deferred tax provision
40.5

 
36.8

Stock-based compensation expense
31.3

 
37.5

Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of distributed earnings
23.5

 
27.1

Amortization of intangible and other assets
8.5

 
9.0

Loss on extinguishment of debt
2.8

 

Gain on disposal of long-lived assets, net
(0.1
)
 

Gain on business sold, net

 
(3.0
)
Gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder

 
(2.5
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of business:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(104.2
)
 
(139.5
)
Inventories
(196.7
)
 
(37.8
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(0.3
)
 
13.6

Accounts payable
170.7

 
135.3

Accrued excise taxes
(6.7
)
 
9.4

Other accrued expenses and liabilities
26.4

 
133.9

Other, net
7.2

 
7.4

Total adjustments
82.9

 
298.8

Net cash provided by operating activities
389.0

 
640.8

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired
(159.3
)
 
(51.5
)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(52.2
)
 
(54.1
)
Payments related to sale of business
(0.5
)
 
(26.9
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
8.0

 
0.6

Proceeds from notes receivable
4.6

 
1.0

Proceeds from redemption of available-for-sale debt securities

 
20.2

Other investing activities
(0.8
)
 
(8.0
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(200.2
)
 
(118.7
)
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Principal payments of long-term debt
(851.6
)
 
(470.5
)
Payment of restricted cash upon issuance of long-term debt
(650.0
)
 

Purchases of treasury stock
(383.0
)
 
(281.3
)
Net (repayment of) proceeds from notes payable
(356.0
)
 
223.2

Payment of financing costs of long-term debt
(35.2
)
 

Payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock-based payment awards
(0.5
)
 
(2.2
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
2,050.0

 

Proceeds from exercises of employee stock options
135.0

 
42.3

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment awards
17.2

 
11.1

Proceeds from employee stock purchases
2.1

 
2.4

Net cash used in financing activities
(72.0
)
 
(475.0
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash investments
(2.1
)
 
(0.5
)
 
 
 
 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH INVESTMENTS
114.7

 
46.6

CASH AND CASH INVESTMENTS, beginning of period
85.8

 
9.2

CASH AND CASH INVESTMENTS, end of period
$
200.5

 
$
55.8

 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Purchase of Business
 
 
 
Fair value of assets acquired, including cash acquired
$
159.3

 
$
155.7

Liabilities assumed

 
(132.2
)
Net assets acquired
159.3

 
23.5

Plus – settlement of contractual obligation from put option of shareholder

 
56.7

Less – fair value of previously owned 49.9% equity interest

 
(11.6
)
Less – cash acquired

 
(17.1
)
Net cash paid for purchase of business
$
159.3

 
$
51.5

 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment acquired under financing arrangements
$
24.0

 
$
23.4

 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 2012
(unaudited)
 
1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Constellation Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to quarterly reporting on Form 10-Q and reflect, in the opinion of the Company, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial information for the Company. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. These consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results.
 
2.
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE:

Fair value measurements –
Effective March 1, 2012, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S.”) and International Financial Reporting Standards. This amended guidance provides clarification about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, and expands certain other disclosure requirements. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2012, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Presentation of comprehensive income –
Effective March 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB amended guidance requiring an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This amended guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity. In addition, this amended guidance requires retrospective application. In December 2011, the FASB issued additional guidance deferring the effective date of the June 2011 amended guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments by component in both the statement where net income is presented and the statement where other comprehensive income is presented for further redeliberation. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2012, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Intangibles – goodwill and other –
Effective March 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB amended guidance for goodwill impairment testing. The amended guidance allows an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. If an entity concludes otherwise, the entity would be required to complete the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and then comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. The adoption of this amended guidance on March 1, 2012, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 

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3.
INVENTORIES:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (computed in accordance with the first-in, first-out method) or market. Elements of cost include materials, labor and overhead and consist of the following:

 
November 30, 2012
 
February 29, 2012
(in millions)
 
 
 
Raw materials and supplies
$
45.9

 
$
47.6

In-process inventories
1,230.0

 
1,048.4

Finished case goods
320.4

 
278.5

 
$
1,596.3

 
$
1,374.5



4.    DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:

As a multinational company, the Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, diesel fuel prices and interest rates that could affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The amount of volatility realized will vary based upon the effectiveness and level of derivative instruments outstanding during a particular period of time, as well as the currency, fuel pricing and interest rate market movements during that same period.

The Company enters into derivative instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, foreign currency forward and option contracts, and diesel fuel swaps, to manage interest rate, foreign currency and diesel fuel pricing risks, respectively. In accordance with the FASB guidance for derivatives and hedging, the Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value (see Note 5). The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments change with fluctuations in interest rates, currency rates and/or fuel prices and are expected to offset changes in the values of the underlying exposures. The Company’s derivative instruments are held solely to hedge economic exposures. The Company follows strict policies to manage interest rate, foreign currency and diesel fuel pricing risks, including prohibitions on derivative market-making or other speculative activities.

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the FASB guidance for derivatives and hedging, the details of the hedging relationship must be formally documented at inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged item, specific risk that is being hedged, the derivative instrument, how effectiveness is being assessed and how ineffectiveness will be measured. The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting either changes in the fair value or cash flows, as appropriate, of the risk being hedged. Effectiveness is evaluated on a retrospective and prospective basis based on quantitative measures.

Certain of the Company’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the FASB guidance for derivatives and hedging; for others, the Company chooses not to maintain the required documentation to apply hedge accounting treatment. These undesignated instruments are primarily used to economically hedge the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency denominated receivables and payables; foreign currency investments, primarily consisting of loans to subsidiaries; and cash flows related primarily to repatriation of those loans or investments. Foreign currency contracts, generally less than 12 months in duration, are used to hedge some of these risks. The Company’s derivative policy permits the use of undesignated derivatives when the derivative instrument is settled within the fiscal quarter or offsets a recognized balance sheet exposure. In these circumstances, the mark to fair value is reported currently through earnings in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. As of November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, the Company had undesignated foreign currency contracts outstanding with a notional value of $274.0 million and $148.6 million, respectively. In addition, the Company had offsetting undesignated interest rate swap agreements with an absolute notional amount of $1.0 billion outstanding

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as of November 30, 2012 (see Note 10). The Company had no undesignated interest rate swap agreements outstanding as of February 29, 2012.

Furthermore, when the Company determines that a derivative instrument which qualified for hedge accounting treatment has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. The Company also discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i)  a derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (ii)  it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iii)  management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.

Cash flow hedges:
The Company is exposed to foreign denominated cash flow fluctuations in connection with third party and intercompany sales and purchases and, historically, third party financing arrangements. The Company primarily uses foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge certain of these risks. In addition, the Company utilizes interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates and diesel fuel swaps to manage its exposure to changes in diesel fuel prices. Derivatives managing the Company’s cash flow exposures generally mature within three years or less, with a maximum maturity of five years. Throughout the term of the designated cash flow hedge relationship on at least a quarterly basis, a retrospective evaluation and prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness is performed. All components of the Company’s derivative instruments’ gains or losses are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. In the event the relationship is no longer effective, the Company recognizes the change in the fair value of the hedging derivative instrument from the date the hedging derivative instrument became no longer effective immediately on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. In conjunction with its effectiveness testing, the Company also evaluates ineffectiveness associated with the hedge relationship. Resulting ineffectiveness, if any, is recognized immediately on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The Company records the fair value of its foreign currency contracts, interest rate swap contracts and diesel fuel swap contracts qualifying for cash flow hedge accounting treatment on its Consolidated Balance Sheets with the effective portion of the related gain or loss on those contracts deferred in stockholders’ equity (as a component of AOCI (as defined in Note 15)). These deferred gains or losses are recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in the same period in which the underlying hedged items are recognized and on the same line item as the underlying hedged items. However, to the extent that any derivative instrument is not considered to be highly effective in offsetting the change in the value of the hedged item, the hedging relationship is terminated and the amount related to the ineffective portion of such derivative instrument is immediately recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in selling, general and administrative expenses.

As of November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, the Company had cash flow designated foreign currency contracts outstanding with a notional value of $213.5 million and $353.7 million, respectively. In addition, as of November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, the Company had cash flow designated interest rate swap agreements outstanding with a notional value of $500.0 million (see Note 10). Lastly, as of November 30, 2012, the Company had cash flow designated diesel fuel swap contracts outstanding with a notional value of $18.3 million. The Company had no cash flow designated diesel fuel swap contracts outstanding as of February 29, 2012. The Company expects $5.9 million of net losses, net of income tax effect, to be reclassified from AOCI to earnings within the next 12 months.

Fair value hedges:
Fair value hedges are hedges that offset the risk of changes in the fair values of recorded assets and liabilities, and firm commitments. The Company records changes in fair value of derivative instruments, which are designated and deemed effective as fair value hedges, in earnings offset by the corresponding changes in the fair value of the hedged items. The Company did not designate any derivative instruments as fair value hedges for the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011.


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Net investment hedges:
Net investment hedges are hedges that use derivative instruments or non-derivative instruments to hedge the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Historically, the Company has managed currency exposures resulting from certain of its net investments in foreign subsidiaries principally with debt denominated in the related foreign currency. Accordingly, gains and losses on these instruments were recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments in AOCI. The Company did not designate any derivative or non-derivative instruments as net investment hedges for the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011.

Fair values of derivative instruments:
The fair value and location of the Company’s derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:

Balance Sheet Location
 
November 30, 2012
 
February 29, 2012
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts:
 
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$
3.8

 
$
7.9

Other accrued expenses and liabilities
 
$
0.6

 
$
2.7

Other assets, net
 
$
2.2

 
$
3.6

Other liabilities
 
$
0.2

 
$
2.2

 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts:
 
 
 
 
Other accrued expenses and liabilities
 
$
3.4

 
$
15.0

Other liabilities
 
$
4.7

 
$
30.7

 
 
 
 
 
Diesel fuel swap contracts:
 
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$
0.8

 
$

Other assets, net
 
$
0.2

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts:
 
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$
0.9

 
$
1.4

Other accrued expenses and liabilities
 
$
1.8

 
$
1.1

Other assets, net
 
$

 
$
0.3

Other liabilities
 
$

 
$
0.4

 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts:
 
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$
3.8

 
$

Other accrued expenses and liabilities
 
$
16.1

 
$

Other assets, net
 
$
5.0

 
$

Other liabilities
 
$
31.7

 
$



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The effect of the Company’s derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedging relationships on its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, as well as its Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), net of income tax effect, is as follows:

Derivative Instruments in
Designated Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
 
Net
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in OCI
(Effective
portion)
 
Location of Net Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI to
Income (Effective portion)
 
Net
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from AOCI to
Income
(Effective
portion)
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
$
0.3

 
Sales
 
$
1.9

Foreign currency contracts
 
(0.3
)
 
Cost of product sold
 
1.7

Diesel fuel swap contracts
 
0.8

 
Cost of product sold
 
0.3

Interest rate swap contracts
 
(6.8
)
 
Interest expense, net
 
(6.1
)
Total
 
$
(6.0
)
 
Total
 
$
(2.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
$
5.5

 
Sales
 
$
4.4

Foreign currency contracts
 
2.1

 
Cost of product sold
 
1.6

Interest rate swap contracts
 
(23.4
)
 
Interest expense, net
 
(2.0
)
Total
 
$
(15.8
)
 
Total
 
$
4.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
$
1.3

 
Sales
 
$
0.2

Foreign currency contracts
 
1.5

 
Cost of product sold
 
0.3

Diesel fuel swap contracts
 
(0.1
)
 
Cost of product sold
 
0.3

Interest rate swap contracts
 
(0.6
)
 
Interest expense, net
 
(2.0
)
Total
 
$
2.1

 
Total
 
$
(1.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
$
(1.5
)
 
Sales
 
$
1.7

Foreign currency contracts
 
(4.1
)
 
Cost of product sold
 
1.0

Interest rate swap contracts
 
(0.8
)
 
Interest expense, net
 
(2.0
)
Total
 
$
(6.4
)
 
Total
 
$
0.7



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Derivative Instruments in
Designated Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships
 
Location of Net Gain
Recognized in Income
(Ineffective portion)
 
Net Gain
Recognized
in Income
(Ineffective
portion)
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
$
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
$
1.4

 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
$
0.6


The effect of the Company’s undesignated derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income is as follows:

Derivative Instruments Not
Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Net Loss
Recognized in Income
 
Net
Loss
Recognized
in Income
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
$
(3.1
)
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Interest expense, net
 
(0.5
)
 
 
 
 
$
(3.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
$
(2.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
$
(0.9
)
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Interest expense, net
 
(0.1
)
 
 
 
 
$
(1.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
$
(7.6
)

Credit risk:
The Company enters into master agreements with its bank derivative trading counterparties that allow netting of certain derivative positions in order to manage credit risk. The Company’s derivative instruments are not subject to credit rating contingencies or collateral requirements. As of November 30, 2012, the fair value of derivative instruments in a net liability position due to counterparties was $49.2 million. If the Company were required to settle the net liability position under these derivative instruments on November 30, 2012, the Company would have had sufficient availability under its revolving credit facility to satisfy this obligation.


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Counterparty credit risk:
Counterparty credit risk relates to losses the Company could incur if a counterparty defaults on a derivative contract. The Company manages exposure to counterparty credit risk by requiring specified minimum credit standards and diversification of counterparties. The Company enters into master agreements with its bank derivative trading counterparties that allow netting of certain derivative positions in order to manage counterparty credit risk. As of November 30, 2012, all of the Company’s counterparty exposures are with financial institutions which have investment grade ratings. The Company has procedures to monitor counterparty credit risk for both current and future potential credit exposures. As of November 30, 2012, the fair value of derivative instruments in a net receivable position due from counterparties was $7.4 million.
 
5.    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

The Company calculates the fair value of financial instruments using quoted market prices whenever available. When quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses standard pricing models for various types of financial instruments (such as forwards, options, swaps, etc.) which take into account the present value of estimated future cash flows.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are summarized as follows:

 
November 30, 2012
 
February 29, 2012
  
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash investments
$
200.5

 
$
200.5

 
$
85.8

 
$
85.8

Accounts receivable, net
$
539.1

 
$
539.1

 
$
436.0

 
$
436.0

Restricted cash
$
650.3

 
$
650.3

 
$

 
$

Available-for-sale debt securities
$
33.3

 
$
33.3

 
$
28.5

 
$
28.5

Foreign currency contracts
$
6.9

 
$
6.9

 
$
13.2

 
$
13.2

Interest rate swap contracts
$
8.8

 
$
8.8

 
$

 
$

Diesel fuel swap contracts
$
1.0

 
$
1.0

 
$

 
$

Notes receivable
$

 
$

 
$
1.6

 
$
1.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to banks
$
16.6

 
$
16.6

 
$
377.9

 
$
377.6

Accounts payable
$
300.4

 
$
300.4

 
$
130.5

 
$
130.5

Long-term debt, including current portion
$
3,978.8

 
$
4,358.9

 
$
2,751.6

 
$
3,007.9

Foreign currency contracts
$
2.6

 
$
2.6

 
$
6.4

 
$
6.4

Interest rate swap contracts
$
55.9

 
$
55.9

 
$
45.7

 
$
45.7


The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

Cash and cash investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and restricted cash: The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments (Level 1 fair value measurement).
Available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities: The fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows using market-based inputs (see “Fair value measurements” below) (Level 3 fair value measurement).

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Foreign currency contracts: The fair value is estimated using market-based inputs, obtained from independent pricing services, into valuation models (see “Fair value measurements” below) (Level 2 fair value measurement).
Interest rate swap contracts: The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices from respective counterparties (see “Fair value measurements” below) (Level 2 fair value measurement).
Diesel fuel swap contracts: The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices from respective counterparties (see “Fair value measurements” below) (Level 2 fair value measurement).
Notes receivable: These instruments are fixed interest rate bearing notes. The fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows using market-based inputs, including counterparty credit risk (Level 3 fair value measurement).
Notes payable to banks: The revolving credit facility under the Company’s senior credit facility is a variable interest rate bearing note which includes a fixed margin which is adjustable based upon the Company’s debt ratio (as defined in the Company’s senior credit facility). The fair value of the revolving credit facility is estimated by discounting cash flows using LIBOR plus a margin reflecting current market conditions obtained from participating member financial institutions. The remaining instruments are variable interest rate bearing notes for which the carrying value approximates the fair value (Level 2 fair value measurement).
Long-term debt: The term loans under the Company’s senior credit facility are variable interest rate bearing notes which include a fixed margin which is adjustable based upon the Company’s debt ratio. The fair value of the term loans is estimated by discounting cash flows using LIBOR plus a margin reflecting current market conditions obtained from participating member financial institutions. The fair value of the remaining long-term debt, which is all fixed interest rate, is estimated by discounting cash flows using interest rates currently available for debt with similar terms and maturities (Level 2 fair value measurement).

Fair value measurements –
The FASB guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles, and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and states that a fair value measurement should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value measurement guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs include data points that are observable such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable for the asset and liability, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.


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The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS debt securities
$

 
$

 
$
33.3

 
$
33.3

Foreign currency contracts
$

 
$
6.9

 
$

 
$
6.9

Interest rate swap contracts
$

 
$
8.8

 
$

 
$
8.8

Diesel fuel swap contracts
$

 
$
1.0

 
$

 
$
1.0

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$

 
$
2.6

 
$

 
$
2.6

Interest rate swap contracts
$

 
$
55.9

 
$

 
$
55.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 29, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFS debt securities
$

 
$

 
$
28.5

 
$
28.5

Foreign currency contracts
$

 
$
13.2

 
$

 
$
13.2

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$

 
$
6.4

 
$

 
$
6.4

Interest rate swap contracts
$

 
$
45.7

 
$

 
$
45.7


The Company’s foreign currency contracts consist of foreign currency forward and option contracts which are valued using market-based inputs, obtained from independent pricing services, into valuation models. These valuation models require various inputs, including contractual terms, market foreign exchange prices, interest-rate yield curves and currency volatilities. Interest rate swap fair values are based on quotes from respective counterparties. Quotes are corroborated by the Company using discounted cash flow calculations based upon forward interest-rate yield curves, which are obtained from independent pricing services. Diesel fuel swap fair values are based on quotes from respective counterparties. Quotes are corroborated by the Company using market data. AFS debt securities are valued using market-based inputs into discounted cash flow models.


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The following table represents a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 
November 30, 2012
 
November 30, 2011
(in millions)
 
 
 
AFS Debt Securities
 
 
 
Balance as of March 1
$
28.5

 
$
40.8

Total net gains:
 
 
 
Included in earnings (interest expense, net)
3.7

 
4.5

Included in other comprehensive income (net unrealized gains on AFS debt securities)
1.1

 
1.5

Total net gains
4.8

 
6.0

Settlements

 
(21.7
)
Balance as of the end of the period
$
33.3

 
$
25.1


The fair value of the Level 3 AFS debt securities is based upon market-based inputs into discounted cash flow models that use both observable and unobservable inputs. The significant observable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the AFS debt securities are the Australian risk-free interest rate and the global high yield “B” rated option adjusted spread. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the AFS debt securities is the internally reported results of operations of the underlying investment. A significant change in this unobservable input could result in a change in the fair value measurement of the AFS debt securities.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company received cash proceeds of $21.7 million, consisting of proceeds for principal of $20.2 million and proceeds for interest of $1.5 million, in connection with the early redemption of certain of the AFS debt securities. In addition, the Company reclassified net gains of $3.2 million, net of income tax effect, from AOCI to selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2011.


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6.    GOODWILL:

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

 
Constellation
Wines
and Spirits
 
Crown
Imports
 
Consolidations
and
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, February 28, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
$
2,619.8

 
$
13.0

 
$
(13.0
)
 
$
2,619.8

Accumulated impairment losses

 

 

 

 
2,619.8

 
13.0

 
(13.0
)
 
2,619.8

Purchase accounting allocations
9.3

 

 

 
9.3

Foreign currency translation adjustments
3.8

 

 

 
3.8

Balance, February 29, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
2,632.9

 
13.0

 
(13.0
)
 
2,632.9

Accumulated impairment losses

 

 

 

 
2,632.9

 
13.0

 
(13.0
)
 
2,632.9

Purchase accounting allocations
110.0

 

 

 
110.0

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(4.5
)
 

 

 
(4.5
)
Balance, November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
2,738.4

 
13.0

 
(13.0
)
 
2,738.4

Accumulated impairment losses

 

 

 

 
$
2,738.4

 
$
13.0

 
$
(13.0
)
 
$
2,738.4


Ruffino –
For the year ended February 29, 2012, purchase accounting allocations of $9.3 million in the Constellation Wines and Spirits segment (formerly known as the Constellation Wines North America segment) consist of purchase accounting allocations associated with the acquisition of Ruffino S.r.l. (“Ruffino”) (see Note 9).

Mark West –
For the nine months ended November 30, 2012, purchase accounting allocations of $110.0 million in the Constellation Wines and Spirits segment consist primarily of purchase accounting allocations associated with the acquisition of Mark West (as defined below). In July 2012, the Company acquired Mark West for $159.3 million. The transaction primarily includes the acquisition of the Mark West trademark, related inventories and certain grape supply contracts (“Mark West”). The purchase price was financed with revolver borrowings under the May 2012 Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 10). In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed have been measured at their acquisition-date fair values. The acquisition of Mark West was not material for purposes of supplemental disclosure pursuant to the FASB guidance on business combinations. The results of operations of Mark West are reported in the Constellation Wines and Spirits segment and are included in the consolidated results of operations of the Company from the date of acquisition.



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7.    INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

The major components of intangible assets are as follows:

 
November 30, 2012
 
February 29, 2012
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
83.5

 
$
56.3

 
$
82.8

 
$
59.1

Other
8.0

 
2.6

 
7.0

 
3.7

Total
$
91.5

 
58.9

 
$
89.8

 
62.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonamortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks
 
 
812.1

 
 
 
798.0

Other
 
 
5.6

 
 
 
5.6

Total
 
 
817.7

 
 
 
803.6

Total intangible assets, net
 
 
$
876.6

 
 
 
$
866.4


The Company did not incur costs to renew or extend the term of acquired intangible assets during the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011. The difference between the gross carrying amount and net carrying amount for each item presented is attributable to accumulated amortization. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $5.5 million and $3.8 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively, and $1.9 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the remaining three months of fiscal 2013 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

(in millions)
 
2013
$
1.6

2014
$
6.0

2015
$
5.1

2016
$
5.1

2017
$
4.8

2018
$
4.7

Thereafter
$
31.6

 

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8.    RESTRICTED CASH:

In connection with the issuance of the August 2012 Senior Notes (as defined in Note 10), on August 14, 2012, the Company and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee, escrow agent, and securities intermediary, entered into an agreement (the “Escrow Agreement”), pursuant to which an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the August 2012 Senior Notes (collectively, with any other property from time to time held by the escrow agent, the “Escrowed Property”) was placed into an escrow account and will be released to the Company upon the closing of the Crown Acquisition (as defined below). The restricted cash consists of highly liquid investments with an original maturity when purchased of 30 days or less. Income from these investments is paid into the escrow account and is subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement. As of November 30, 2012, the Company had $650.3 million of restricted cash – noncurrent on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. In the event the Crown Acquisition is not consummated, this cash would be used to redeem the August 2012 Senior Notes (see Note 10). The Company had no restricted cash as of February 29, 2012.

Pending acquisition of Crown Imports –
In June 2012, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 50% equity interest in Crown Imports (as defined in Note 9) for approximately $1.85 billion (the “Crown Acquisition”). In August 2012, the Company entered into financing arrangements to fund the Crown Acquisition consisting of a $575.0 million delayed draw term loan facility under the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 10) and the August 2012 Senior Notes. The Company expects the remaining financing for the Crown Acquisition to consist of a combination of available cash, borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization facility (as discussed in Note 10) and revolver borrowings under the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement. The Company also has a fully committed bridge facility through December 30, 2013, upon which it could draw to fund all or a portion of the Crown Acquisition if any of its expected financing is unavailable. The Company currently expects to complete the Crown Acquisition in the first quarter of calendar 2013, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and the consummation of certain transactions between Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and Modelo (as defined in Note 9) and certain of its affiliates. The Company cannot guarantee that the Crown Acquisition will be completed upon the agreed upon terms, or at all. The results of operations of Crown Imports will be reported in the Crown Imports segment and will be included in the consolidated results of operations of the Company from the date of acquisition. The Crown Acquisition is expected to be significant and the Company expects it to have a material impact on the Company’s future results of operations, financial position and cash flows.


9.    INVESTMENTS:

Investments in equity method investees
Crown Imports:
Constellation Beers Ltd. (“Constellation Beers”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Diblo, S.A. de C.V. (“Diblo”), an entity owned 76.75% by Grupo Modelo, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Modelo”) and 23.25% by Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., each have, directly or indirectly, equal interests in a joint venture, Crown Imports LLC (“Crown Imports”). Crown Imports has the exclusive right to import, market and sell primarily Modelo’s Mexican beer portfolio (the “Modelo Brands”) in the U.S. and Guam.

The Company accounts for its investment in Crown Imports under the equity method. Accordingly, the results of operations of Crown Imports are included in equity in earnings of equity method investees on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. As of November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, the Company’s investment in Crown Imports was $145.9 million and $176.4 million, respectively. As of November 30, 2012, the carrying amount of the investment is greater than the Company’s equity in the underlying assets of Crown Imports by $13.6 million due to the difference in the carrying amounts of the indefinite lived intangible assets contributed to Crown Imports by each party. As of February 29, 2012, the carrying amount of the investment is greater than the Company’s equity in the underlying assets of Crown Imports by $26.4 million due to the difference in the carrying amounts of the indefinite lived intangible assets contributed to Crown Imports by each party and timing of receipt of certain cash distributions from Crown Imports. The Company received $202.7

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Table of Contents                                    

million and $202.0 million of cash distributions from Crown Imports for the nine months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively, all of which represent distributions of earnings.

The following table presents summarized financial information for the Company’s Crown Imports equity method investment. The amounts shown represent 100% of this equity method investment’s results of operations.

 
For the Nine Months
Ended November 30,
 
For the Three Months
Ended November 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
2,059.9

 
$
1,945.0

 
$
547.4

 
$
540.5

Gross profit
$
596.8

 
$
567.5

 
$
160.0

 
$
157.6

Income from continuing operations
$
344.6

 
$
331.5

 
$
78.6

 
$
86.5

Net income
$
344.6

 
$
331.5

 
$
78.6

 
$
86.5


Ruffino:
Prior to the acquisition of Ruffino, the well-known Italian fine wine company, on October 5, 2011 (as further discussed below), the Company had a 49.9% interest in Ruffino. The Company did not have a controlling interest in Ruffino or exert any managerial control and the Company accounted for its investment in Ruffino under the equity method. Accordingly, the results of operations of Ruffino were included in equity in earnings of equity method investees on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income through October 5, 2011. In addition, prior to October 5, 2011, the Company’s Constellation Wines and Spirits segment distributed Ruffino’s products primarily in the U.S. Amounts purchased from Ruffino under this arrangement for the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2011, were not material.

On October 5, 2011, the Company acquired the entire remaining 50.1% interest in Ruffino for €50.3 million ($68.6 million). As a result of this acquisition, the Company assumed indebtedness of Ruffino, net of cash acquired, of €54.2 million ($73.1 million). The purchase price was financed with revolver borrowings under the Company’s then existing senior credit facility. In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed have been measured at their acquisition-date fair values. The acquisition of Ruffino was not material for purposes of supplemental disclosure per the FASB guidance on business combinations. The results of operations of the Ruffino business are reported in the Company’s Constellation Wines and Spirits segment and are included in the consolidated results of operations of the Company from the date of acquisition.

Investment in Accolade –
The Company retained a less than 20% interest in Accolade, its previously owned Australian and U.K. business divested in January 2011, which consists of equity securities and AFS debt securities. The investment in the equity securities is accounted for under the cost method. Accordingly, the Company recognizes earnings only upon the receipt of a dividend from Accolade. Dividends received in excess of net accumulated earnings since the date of investment are considered a return of investment and are recorded as a reduction of the cost of the investment. No dividends were received for the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011. The AFS debt securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis with unrealized holding gains and losses, including foreign currency gains and losses, reported in AOCI until realized (see Note 15). Interest income is recognized based on the interest rate implicit in the AFS debt securities’ fair value and is reported in interest expense, net, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Interest income of $3.7 million and $4.5 million was recognized in connection with the AFS debt securities for the nine months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively. Interest income of $1.3 million and $1.4 million was recognized in connection with the AFS debt securities for the three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively. As discussed previously, in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company received cash proceeds of $21.7 million, consisting of proceeds for principal of $20.2 million and proceeds for interest of $1.5 million, in connection with the early redemption of certain of the AFS debt securities. Accordingly,

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the Company reclassified net gains of $3.2 million, net of income tax effect, from AOCI to selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The AFS debt securities contractually mature in January 2023 and can be settled, at the option of the issuer, in cash, equity shares of the issuer, or a combination thereof.

The Company is party to several agreements with Accolade, including distribution agreements under which the Company’s Constellation Wines and Spirits segment distributes Accolade’s products primarily in the U.S. and Canada, and Accolade distributes Constellation Wines and Spirits’ products primarily in Australia, the U.K., and Mainland Europe; certain bulk wine supply agreements; and certain bottling agreements. The following table presents a summary of amounts recognized under these arrangements. As of November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, amounts receivable from or payable to Accolade under these arrangements were not material. Effective October 1, 2012, the Company no longer distributes Accolade’s products in the U.S.

 
For the Nine Months
Ended November 30,
 
For the Three Months
Ended November 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts sold to or related to services performed for Accolade
$
70.3

 
$
70.5

 
$
21.8

 
$
18.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts purchased from or related to services performed by Accolade
$
11.5

 
$
20.8

 
$
3.7

 
$
8.3

 
10.    BORROWINGS:

Borrowings consist of the following:

 
November 30, 2012
 
February 29, 2012
 
Current
 
Long-term
 
Total
 
Total
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes Payable to Banks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Credit Facility –
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Loans
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
298.0

Other
16.6

 

 
16.6

 
79.9

 
$
16.6

 
$

 
$
16.6

 
$
377.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Credit Facility – Term Loans
$
30.0

 
$
762.5

 
$
792.5

 
$
826.6

Senior Notes

 
3,145.7

 
3,145.7

 
1,894.8

Other Long-term Debt
19.9

 
20.7

 
40.6

 
30.2

 
$
49.9

 
$
3,928.9

 
$
3,978.8

 
$
2,751.6


Senior credit facility –
On May 3, 2012 (the “Closing Date”), the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other lenders (all such parties other than the Company are collectively referred to as the “Lenders”) entered into a new Credit Agreement (the “May 2012 Credit Agreement”). On August 8, 2012, the May 2012 Credit Agreement was amended and restated (the “August 2012 Restatement”). The May 2012 Credit Agreement together with the August 2012 Restatement is referred to as the “2012 Credit Agreement.” The 2012 Credit Agreement provides for aggregate credit facilities of $2,225.0 million, consisting of a $550.0 million term loan facility

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maturing on May 3, 2017 (the “Term A Facility”), a $250.0 million term loan facility maturing on May 3, 2019 (the “Term A-1 Facility”), a $575.0 million delayed draw term loan facility maturing on August 8, 2017 (the “Term A-2 Facility”), and an $850.0 million revolving credit facility (including a sub-facility for letters of credit of up to $200.0 million) which terminates on May 3, 2017 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The obligation of the relevant Lenders to make loans pursuant to the Term A-2 Facility (the “Term A-2 Loans”) terminates no later than December 30, 2013, and is subject to limited conditions, including, but not limited to, the Crown Acquisition having closed (or closing concurrently with the making of the Term A-2 Loans, the “Term A-2 Closing Date”). The 2012 Credit Agreement also permits the Company from time to time after the Closing Date to elect to increase the Lenders’ revolving credit commitments or add one or more tranches of additional term loans, subject to the willingness of existing or new lenders to fund such increase or term loans and other customary conditions. The minimum aggregate principal amount of such incremental revolving credit commitment increases or additional term loans may be no less than $25.0 million and the maximum aggregate principal amount of all such incremental revolving credit commitment increases and additional term loans (the “Incremental Facilities Cap”), other than term loans the proceeds of which are applied to repay existing term loans, may be no more than $500.0 million until the Term A-2 Closing Date (see additional discussion below). A portion of the proceeds of the May 2012 Credit Agreement were used to repay the outstanding obligations under the Company’s then existing senior credit facility. The Company uses its revolving credit facility under the 2012 Credit Agreement for general corporate purposes.

The rate of interest on borrowings under the 2012 Credit Agreement is a function of LIBOR plus a margin, the federal funds rate plus a margin, or the prime rate plus a margin. The margin is adjustable based upon the Company’s debt ratio (as defined in the 2012 Credit Agreement). As of November 30, 2012, the LIBOR margin for the Term A Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility was 1.75%; and the LIBOR margin for the Term A-1 Facility was 2.0%.

The changes to the May 2012 Credit Agreement effected by the August 2012 Restatement, among other things, (i)  arranged a portion of the debt to finance the Crown Acquisition (the Term A-2 Facility), (ii)  facilitated the issuance of the August 2012 Senior Notes and the arrangements under the Escrow Agreement, (iii)  modified certain defined terms and covenant requirements, and (iv)  adjusted the Incremental Facilities Cap from $750.0 million to $500.0 million until the Term A-2 Closing Date. Subsequent to the Term A-2 Closing Date, the Incremental Facilities Cap will be $750.0 million minus the amount by which the aggregate initial principal amount of the Term A-2 Loans exceeds $325.0 million, if any. If the Term A-2 Loans are never borrowed and the commitments for the Term A-2 Facility are terminated, the Incremental Facilities Cap will revert to $750.0 million.

The obligations under the 2012 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries. These obligations are also secured by a pledge of (i)  100% of the ownership interests in certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries and (ii)  55-65% of certain interests of certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to covenants that are contained in the 2012 Credit Agreement, including those restricting the incurrence of additional indebtedness (including guarantees of indebtedness), additional liens, mergers and consolidations, the payment of dividends, the making of certain investments, prepayments of certain debt, transactions with affiliates, agreements that restrict the Company’s non-guarantor subsidiaries from paying dividends, and dispositions of property, 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 debt coverage ratio.

As of November 30, 2012, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Term A Facility of $543.1 million bearing an interest rate of 2.0%, Term A-1 Facility of $249.4 million bearing an interest rate of 2.2%, outstanding letters of credit of $14.4 million, and $835.6 million in revolving loans available to be drawn.


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As of November 30, 2012, the required principal repayments of the Term A Facility and the Term A-1 Facility for the remaining three months of fiscal 2013 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:

 
Term A
Facility
 
Term A-1
Facility
 
Total
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
2013
$
6.9

 
$
0.6

 
$
7.5

2014
27.5

 
2.5

 
30.0

2015
41.2

 
2.5

 
43.7

2016
55.0

 
2.5

 
57.5

2017
55.0

 
2.5

 
57.5

2018
357.5

 
2.5

 
360.0

Thereafter

 
236.3

 
236.3

 
$
543.1

 
$
249.4

 
$
792.5


In April 2012, the Company transitioned its interest rate swap agreements to a one-month LIBOR base rate versus the then existing three-month LIBOR base rate. Accordingly, the Company entered into new interest rate swap agreements which were designated as cash flow hedges of $500.0 million of the Company’s floating LIBOR rate debt. In addition, the then existing interest rate swap agreements were dedesignated by the Company and the Company entered into additional undesignated interest rate swap agreements for $500.0 million to offset the prospective impact of the newly undesignated interest rate swap agreements. The unrealized losses in AOCI related to the dedesignated interest rate swap agreements are being reclassified from AOCI ratably into earnings in the same period in which the original hedged item is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Accordingly, the Company has fixed its interest rates on $500.0 million of the Company’s floating LIBOR rate debt at an average rate of 2.8% (exclusive of borrowing margins) through September 1, 2016. For the nine months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, the Company reclassified net losses of $6.1 million and $2.0 million, net of income tax effect, respectively, from AOCI to interest expense, net, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. For the three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, the Company reclassified net losses of $2.0 million and $2.0 million, net of income tax effect, respectively, from AOCI to interest expense, net, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Senior notes –
On April 17, 2012, the Company issued $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes due May 2022 (the “April 2012 Senior Notes”). The net proceeds of the offering ($591.4 million) were used for general corporate purposes, including, among others, reducing the outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s prior senior credit facility and common stock share repurchases under the 2013 Authorization (as defined in Note 13). Interest on the April 2012 Senior Notes is payable semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 2012. The April 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount plus a make whole payment based on the present value of the future payments at the adjusted Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points. The April 2012 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment to all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company. Certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries guarantee the April 2012 Senior Notes on a senior unsecured basis. As of November 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of April 2012 Senior Notes.

On August 14, 2012, the Company issued $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes due March 2023 (the “August 2012 Senior Notes”). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering ($640.6 million) to fund a portion of the Crown Acquisition. Interest on the August 2012 Senior Notes is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning March 1, 2013. The August 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any time at a redemption price

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equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount plus a make whole payment based on the present value of the future payments at the adjusted Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points. In addition, if the Crown Acquisition is terminated or has not been consummated on or prior to December 30, 2013, all of the August 2012 Senior Notes will be redeemed (the “Special Mandatory Redemption”) at a price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the Special Mandatory Redemption. The August 2012 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations that rank equally with the Company’s other senior unsecured indebtedness except that the Escrowed Property will be held in escrow and has been pledged to secure the August 2012 Senior Notes until it is used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Crown Acquisition. Certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries guarantee the August 2012 Senior Notes on a senior unsecured basis. As of November 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of August 2012 Senior Notes.

As discussed previously, in connection with the issuance of the August 2012 Senior Notes, the Company entered into the Escrow Agreement pursuant to which the Escrowed Property was placed into an escrow account. In accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement, the Escrowed Property will be released to the Company upon closing of the Crown Acquisition. If the Crown Acquisition is terminated or has not been consummated on or prior to December 30, 2013, the Escrowed Property will be released for purposes of effecting the Special Mandatory Redemption.

Debt payments –
Principal payments required under long-term debt obligations (excluding unamortized discount of $4.3 million) for the remaining three months of fiscal 2013 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:

(in millions)
 
2013
$
12.9

2014
47.0

2015
553.8

2016
63.4

2017
759.8

2018
1,060.0

Thereafter
1,486.2

 
$
3,983.1


Accounts receivable securitization facility –
On December 4, 2012, the Company entered into a 364-day revolving trade accounts receivable securitization facility. Under the facility, trade accounts receivable generated by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are sold by the Company to a wholly-owned bankruptcy remote single purpose subsidiary (the “SPV”), which is consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes. Such trade accounts receivable have been pledged by the SPV to secure borrowings under the facility. The Company will continue to service the trade accounts receivable and act as servicer for the facility. The trade accounts receivable balances related to this facility will continue to be reported as accounts receivable on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, but the trade accounts receivable will at all times be owned by the SPV and be included on the financial statements of the Company to comply with generally accepted accounting principles. Any borrowings under the facility will be recorded as secured borrowings and will bear interest at a rate based on a margin of 100 basis points plus the conduit lender's cost of funds or, if such borrowings were not funded by commercial paper issuances by the conduit lender, one-month LIBOR. The facility provides borrowing capacity of $65.0 million up to $250.0 million structured to account for the seasonality of the Company’s business, subject to further limitations based upon various pre-agreed formulas. As of January 9, 2013, the SPV had not effected any borrowings under the facility.



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11.    INCOME TAXES:

The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, was 25.3% and 24.6%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended November 30, 2012, was substantially impacted by the generation of additional foreign tax credits. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended November 30, 2011, was substantially impacted by a decrease in uncertain tax positions in connection with the completion of various income tax examinations during the nine months ended November 30, 2011.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, was 27.0% and 37.4%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended November 30, 2012, was substantially impacted by the benefit from additional foreign tax credits.

12.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Indemnification liabilities
In connection with the Company’s January 2011 divestiture of 80.1% of its Australian and U.K. business (the “CWAE Divestiture”), the Company indemnified respective parties against certain liabilities that may arise related to certain contracts with certain investees of Accolade, a certain facility in the U.K. and certain income tax matters. As of November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, the carrying amount of these indemnification liabilities was $22.3 million and $22.4 million, respectively. If the indemnified party were to incur a liability, pursuant to the terms of the indemnification, the Company would be required to reimburse the indemnified party. As of November 30, 2012, the Company estimates that these indemnifications could require the Company to make potential future payments of up to $303.4 million under these indemnifications with $282.0 million of this amount able to be recovered by the Company from third parties under recourse provisions. The Company does not expect to be required to make material payments under the indemnifications and the Company believes that the likelihood is remote that the indemnifications could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

In addition, prior to January 1, 2012, Constellation Beers provided certain administrative services to Crown Imports. On January 1, 2012, in accordance with the terms of the original joint venture agreement, such administrative services were discontinued. In connection with the discontinuation of the Company’s administrative services agreement with Crown Imports, Crown Imports entered into a contract with a third party for the lease of certain office facilities. The Company is jointly and severally liable with Modelo to indemnify the third party for lease payments over the term of the contract which extends through June 2021. The fair value of the liability recorded at January 1, 2012, was not material. As of November 30, 2012, if the indemnified party were to incur a liability, pursuant to the terms of the indemnification, the Company would be required to reimburse the indemnified party. As of November 30, 2012, this indemnification could require the Company to make potential future payments of up to $39.2 million with none of this amount able to be recovered by the Company from third parties under recourse provisions. The Company does not expect to be required to make material payments under this indemnification and the Company believes that the likelihood is remote that this indemnification could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity. As of November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, the carrying amount of this indemnification liability was not material.

13.    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

In April 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock (the “2012 Authorization”). During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company repurchased 21,234,266 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the 2012 Authorization at an aggregate cost of $413.7 million, or an average cost of $19.48 per share, through open market transactions. During the nine months ended November 30, 2012, the Company utilized the remaining $86.3 million outstanding under the 2012 Authorization to repurchase 3,970,481 shares of Class A Common Stock at an average cost of $21.74 per share, through open market transactions. In total, the Company has repurchased

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25,204,747 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the 2012 Authorization at an aggregate cost of $500.0 million, or an average cost of $19.84 per share. The Company used proceeds from revolver borrowings under its then existing senior credit facility and cash generated from operations to pay the purchase price for the repurchased shares. The repurchased shares have become treasury shares.

In April 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock (the “2013 Authorization”). The Board of Directors did not specify a date upon which the 2013 Authorization would expire. Share repurchases under the 2013 Authorization may be accomplished at management’s discretion from time to time based on market conditions, the Company’s cash and debt position, and other factors as determined by management. Shares may be repurchased through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The Company may fund future share repurchases with cash generated from operations, proceeds from borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization facility or proceeds from revolver borrowings under its senior credit facility. Any repurchased shares will become treasury shares.

During the nine months ended November 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 14,023,985 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the 2013 Authorization at an aggregate cost of $296.7 million, or an average cost of $21.15 per share, through open market transactions. The Company used proceeds from the April 2012 Senior Notes, revolver borrowings under both the May 2012 Credit Agreement and its prior senior credit facility, and cash generated from operations to pay the purchase price for the repurchased shares. The repurchased shares have become treasury shares.


14.    EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

Earnings per common share – basic excludes the effect of common stock equivalents and is computed using the two-class computation method. Earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock reflects the potential dilution that could result if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock has been computed using the more dilutive of the if-converted or two-class computation method. Using the if-converted method, earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock assumes the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method and the conversion of Class B Convertible Common Stock. Using the two-class computation method, earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock assumes the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method and no conversion of Class B Convertible Common Stock. For the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock has been calculated using the if-converted method. For the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, earnings per common share – diluted for Class B Convertible Common Stock is presented without assuming conversion into Class A Common Stock and is computed using the two-class computation method.


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The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows:

 
For the Nine Months
Ended November 30,
 
For the Three Months
Ended November 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
(in millions, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income available to common stockholders
$
306.1

 
$
342.0

 
$
109.5

 
$
104.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock
158.442

 
183.348

 
158.270

 
176.293

Class B Convertible Common Stock
23.538

 
23.594

 
23.524

 
23.585

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock
158.442

 
183.348

 
158.270

 
176.293

Class B Convertible Common Stock
23.538

 
23.594

 
23.524

 
23.585

Stock-based awards, primarily stock options
6.662

 
3.724

 
7.902

 
3.055

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
188.642

 
210.666

 
189.696

 
202.933

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share – basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock
$
1.70

 
$
1.67

 
$
0.61

 
$
0.53

Class B Convertible Common Stock
$
1.55

 
$
1.52

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.48

Earnings per common share – diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock
$
1.62

 
$
1.62

 
$
0.58

 
$
0.52

Class B Convertible Common Stock
$
1.49

 
$
1.49

 
$
0.53

 
$
0.47


For the nine months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, stock-based awards, primarily stock options, which could result in the issuance of 2.2 million and 9.2 million shares, respectively, of Class A Common Stock were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock because the effect of including such awards would have been antidilutive. Stock-based awards outstanding whose impact would have been antidilutive in the computation of earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock for the three months ended November 30, 2012, were not material. For the three months ended November 30, 2011, stock-based awards, primarily stock options, which could result in the issuance of 9.6 million shares of Class A Common Stock were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of earnings per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock because the effect of including such awards would have been antidilutive.


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Table of Contents                                    


15.    COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, net unrealized (losses) gains on derivative instruments, net unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt securities and pension/postretirement adjustments. The reconciliation of net income to comprehensive income is as follows:

 
Before Tax
Amount
 
Tax Benefit
(Expense)
 
Net of Tax
Amount
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
$
306.1

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses
$
(11.0
)
 
$
5.4

 
(5.6
)
Reclassification adjustments

 

 

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
(11.0
)
 
5.4

 
(5.6
)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Net derivative losses
(10.0
)
 
4.0

 
(6.0
)
Reclassification adjustments
4.5

 
(2.5
)
 
2.0

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
(5.5
)
 
1.5

 
(4.0
)
Unrealized gain on AFS debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net AFS debt securities gains
1.1

 
(0.4
)
 
0.7

Reclassification adjustments

 

 

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive loss
1.1

 
(0.4
)
 
0.7

Pension/postretirement adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial gains
0.1

 

 
0.1

Reclassification adjustments
0.6

 
(0.2
)
 
0.4

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive loss
0.7

 
(0.2
)
 
0.5

Other comprehensive loss
$
(14.7
)
 
$
6.3

 
(8.4
)
Total comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
297.7

 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents                                    

 
Before Tax
Amount
 
Tax Benefit
(Expense)
 
Net of Tax
Amount
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
$
342.0

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses
$
(46.1
)
 
$
1.0

 
(45.1
)
Reclassification adjustments
6.3

 

 
6.3

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
(39.8
)
 
1.0

 
(38.8
)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Net derivative losses
(28.4
)
 
12.6

 
(15.8
)
Reclassification adjustments
(6.2
)
 
0.8

 
(5.4
)
Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
(34.6
)
 
13.4

 
(21.2
)
Unrealized loss on AFS debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net AFS debt securities gains
1.5

 

 
1.5

Reclassification adjustments
(3.2
)
 

 
(3.2
)
Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
(1.7
)
 

 
(1.7
)
Pension/postretirement adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial gains
0.6

 
(0.2
)
 
0.4

Reclassification adjustments
0.3

 

 
0.3

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive loss
0.9

 
(0.2
)
 
0.7

Other comprehensive loss
$
(75.2
)
 
$
14.2

 
(61.0
)
Total comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
281.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
$
109.5

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net gains
$
1.4

 
$
1.9

 
3.3

Reclassification adjustments

 

 

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income
1.4

 
1.9

 
3.3

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Net derivative gains
2.8

 
(0.7
)
 
2.1

Reclassification adjustments
2.2

 
(1.0
)
 
1.2

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income
5.0

 
(1.7
)
 
3.3

Unrealized gain on AFS debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net AFS debt securities gains
1.1

 
(0.3
)
 
0.8

Reclassification adjustments

 

 

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income
1.1

 
(0.3
)
 
0.8

Pension/postretirement adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial gains
0.2

 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

Reclassification adjustments
0.2

 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income
0.4

 
(0.2
)
 
0.2

Other comprehensive income
$
7.9

 
$
(0.3
)
 
7.6

Total comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
117.1

 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents                                    

 
Before Tax
Amount
 
Tax Benefit
(Expense)
 
Net of Tax
Amount
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
$
104.8

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses
$
(88.1
)
 
$
1.5

 
(86.6
)
Reclassification adjustments
6.3

 

 
6.3

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
(81.8
)
 
1.5

 
(80.3
)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Net derivative losses
(8.8
)
 
2.4

 
(6.4
)
Reclassification adjustments
(1.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(1.3
)
Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
(9.9
)
 
2.2

 
(7.7
)
Unrealized loss on AFS debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net AFS debt securities gains
1.7

 

 
1.7

Reclassification adjustments
(3.2
)
 

 
(3.2
)
Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
(1.5
)
 

 
(1.5
)
Pension/postretirement adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial gains
0.6

 
(0.2
)
 
0.4

Reclassification adjustments
0.1

 

 
0.1

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive loss
0.7

 
(0.2
)
 
0.5

Other comprehensive loss
$
(92.5
)
 
$
3.5

 
(89.0
)
Total comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
15.8


Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), net of income tax effect, includes the following components:

 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Net
Unrealized
Losses on
Derivatives
 
Net
Unrealized
Gains
on AFS Debt
Securities
 
Pension/
Postretirement
Adjustments
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, February 29, 2012
$
207.8

 
$
(20.5
)
 
$
1.0

 
$
(14.6
)
 
$
173.7

Current period change
(5.6
)
 
(4.0
)
 
0.7

 
0.5

 
(8.4
)
Balance, November 30, 2012
$
202.2

 
$
(24.5
)
 
$
1.7

 
$
(14.1
)
 
$
165.3


16.    RESTRUCTURING CHARGES:

Restructuring charges consist of employee termination benefit costs, contract termination costs and other associated costs. Employee termination benefit costs are accounted for under the FASB guidance for compensation – nonretirement postemployment benefits, as the Company has had several restructuring programs which have provided employee termination benefits in the past. The Company includes employee severance, related payroll benefit costs (such as costs to provide continuing health insurance) and outplacement services as employee termination benefit costs. Contract termination costs, and other associated costs including, but not limited to, facility consolidation and relocation costs, are accounted for under the FASB guidance for exit or disposal cost obligations. Contract termination costs are costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease, including costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term or costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the Company. The Company includes costs to terminate certain operating leases for buildings, computer and IT equipment, and costs to terminate contracts, including distributor contracts and contracts for long-term purchase commitments, as contract termination costs. Other associated costs

28

Table of Contents                                    

include, but are not limited to, costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate employees. The Company includes employee relocation costs and equipment relocation costs as other associated costs.

The Company’s significant restructuring plan with current activity is as follows:

Fiscal 2012 Initiative –
In May 2011, the Company committed to a plan (announced in June 2011) to streamline operations, gain efficiencies and reduce its cost structure following the CWAE Divestiture (the “Fiscal 2012 Initiative”). The Fiscal 2012 Initiative includes an approximate two to three percent reduction in the Company’s then existing global workforce. This initiative is part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to maximize asset utilization, reduce costs and improve long-term return on invested capital throughout the Company’s operations. The Company expects all costs and related cash expenditures associated with the Fiscal 2012 Initiative to be substantially complete by February 28, 2013.

Details of this plan for which the Company expects to incur additional costs are presented separately in the following table. Plans for which exit activities were substantially complete prior to March 1, 2012, and other immaterial restructuring activities are reported below under “Other Plans.”
 
Fiscal
2012
Initiative
 
Other
Plans
 
Total
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring liability, February 29, 2012
$
8.0

 
$
6.8

 
$
14.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination benefit costs
0.4

 

 
0.4

Contract termination costs

 

 

Facility consolidation/relocation costs

 
0.1

 
0.1

Restructuring charges, May 31, 2012
0.4

 
0.1

 
0.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination benefit costs
0.2

 

 
0.2

Contract termination costs

 

 

Facility consolidation/relocation costs

 

 

Restructuring charges, August 31, 2012
0.2

 

 
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee termination benefit costs
(0.2
)
 
0.5

 
0.3

Contract termination costs

 

 

Facility consolidation/relocation costs

 

 

Restructuring charges, November 30, 2012
(0.2
)
 
0.5

 
0.3

Total restructuring charges
0.4

 
0.6

 
1.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash expenditures
(5.5
)
 
(2.9
)
 
(8.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation and other noncash adjustments

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Restructuring liability, November 30, 2012
$
2.9

 
$
4.4

 
$
7.3


For the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, employee termination benefit costs include the reversal of prior accruals of $0.5 million associated with the Fiscal 2012 Initiative.


29

Table of Contents                                    

The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges and other costs incurred, including a summary of amounts incurred by each of the Company’s reportable segments, in connection with the Company’s restructuring plans noted above.
 
Fiscal
2012
Initiative
 
Other
Plans
 
Total
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
0.4

 
$
0.6

 
$
1.0

Other costs:
 
 
 
 
 
Accelerated depreciation (cost of product sold)

 

 

Other costs (selling, general and administrative expenses)
6.9

 

 
6.9

Total other costs
6.9

 

 
6.9

Total costs
$
7.3

 
$
0.6

 
$
7.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Costs by Reportable Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
1.5

 
$
0.6

 
$
2.1

Other costs
3.3

 

 
3.3

Total Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
4.8

 
$
0.6

 
$
5.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Operations and Other
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
(1.1
)
 
$

 
$
(1.1
)
Other costs
3.6

 

 
3.6

Total Corporate Operations and Other
$
2.5

 
$

 
$
2.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
10.2

 
$
1.4

 
$
11.6

Other costs:
 
 
 
 
 
Accelerated depreciation (cost of product sold)

 
0.3

 
0.3

Other costs (selling, general and administrative expenses)
5.5

 
0.8

 
6.3

Total other costs
5.5

 
1.1

 
6.6

Total costs
$
15.7

 
$
2.5

 
$
18.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Costs by Reportable Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
5.9

 
$
1.4

 
$
7.3

Other costs
4.3

 
1.1

 
5.4

Total Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
10.2

 
$
2.5

 
$
12.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Operations and Other
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
4.3

 
$

 
$
4.3

Other costs
1.2

 

 
1.2

Total Corporate Operations and Other
$
5.5

 
$

 
$
5.5

 
 
 
 
 
 

30

Table of Contents                                    

 
Fiscal
2012
Initiative
 
Other
Plans
 
Total
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
(0.2
)
 
$
0.5

 
$
0.3

Other costs:
 
 
 
 
 
Accelerated depreciation (cost of product sold)

 

 

Other costs (selling, general and administrative expenses)
1.5

 

 
1.5

Total other costs
1.5

 

 
1.5

Total costs
$
1.3

 
$
0.5

 
$
1.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Costs by Reportable Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$

 
$
0.5

 
$
0.5

Other costs
0.8

 

 
0.8

Total Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
0.8

 
$
0.5

 
$
1.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Operations and Other
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
(0.2
)
 
$

 
$
(0.2
)
Other costs
0.7

 

 
0.7

Total Corporate Operations and Other
$
0.5

 
$

 
$
0.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
(0.6
)
 
$
1.4

 
$
0.8

Other costs:
 
 
 
 
 
Accelerated depreciation (cost of product sold)

 

 

Other costs (selling, general and administrative expenses)
2.0

 
0.1

 
2.1

Total other costs
2.0

 
0.1

 
2.1

Total costs
$
1.4

 
$
1.5

 
$
2.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Costs by Reportable Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
0.6

 
$
1.4

 
$
2.0

Other costs
1.8

 
0.1

 
1.9

Total Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
2.4

 
$
1.5

 
$
3.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Operations and Other
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
$
(1.2
)
 
$

 
$
(1.2
)
Other costs
0.2

 

 
0.2

Total Corporate Operations and Other
$
(1.0
)
 
$

 
$
(1.0
)


31

Table of Contents                                    

A summary of restructuring charges and other costs incurred since inception for the Company’s significant restructuring plan with current activity, as well as total expected costs for such plan, is presented in the following table.
 
Fiscal
2012
Initiative
(in millions)
 
Costs Incurred to Date
 
Restructuring charges:
 
Employee termination benefit costs
$
12.6

Contract termination costs

Facility consolidation/relocation costs

Total restructuring charges
12.6

Other costs:
 
Accelerated depreciation (cost of product sold)

Other costs (selling, general and administrative expenses)
14.2

Total other costs
14.2

Total costs incurred to date
$
26.8

 
 
Total Costs Incurred to Date by Reportable Segment:
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
 
Restructuring charges
$
9.4

Other costs
8.5

Total Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
17.9

 
 
Corporate Operations and Other
 
Restructuring charges
$
3.2

Other costs
5.7

Total Corporate Operations and Other
$
8.9

 
 
Total Expected Costs
 
Restructuring charges:
 
Employee termination benefit costs
$
12.7

Contract termination costs
0.2

Facility consolidation/relocation costs

Total restructuring charges
12.9

Other costs:
 
Accelerated depreciation (cost of product sold)

Other costs (selling, general and administrative expenses)
16.4

Total other costs
16.4

Total expected costs
$
29.3

 
 

32

Table of Contents                                    

 
Fiscal
2012
Initiative
(in millions)
 
Total Expected Costs by Reportable Segment:
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
 
Restructuring charges
$
9.7

Other costs
10.3

Total Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
20.0

 
 
Corporate Operations and Other
 
Restructuring charges
$
3.2

Other costs
6.1

Total Corporate Operations and Other
$
9.3



17.    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

The following information sets forth the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of November 30, 2012, and February 29, 2012, the condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, for the Company, the parent company, the combined subsidiaries of the Company which guarantee the Company’s senior notes (“Subsidiary Guarantors”) and the combined subsidiaries of the Company which are not Subsidiary Guarantors (primarily foreign subsidiaries) (“Subsidiary Nonguarantors”). The Subsidiary Guarantors are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the parent company and the guarantees are joint and several obligations of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors. The guarantees are full and unconditional, as those terms are used in Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, except that a Subsidiary Guarantor can be automatically released and relieved of its obligations under certain customary circumstances contained in the indentures governing the Company’s senior notes. These customary circumstances include, so long as other applicable provisions of the indentures are adhered to, the termination or release of a Subsidiary Guarantor’s guarantee of other indebtedness or upon the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the Company’s senior notes. Separate financial statements for the Subsidiary Guarantors of the Company are not presented because the Company has determined that such financial statements would not be material to investors. The accounting policies of the parent company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Subsidiary Nonguarantors are the same as those described for the Company in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and include the recently adopted accounting guidance described in Note 2 herein. There are no restrictions on the ability of the Subsidiary Guarantors to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.

 
Parent
Company
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Subsidiary
Nonguarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at November 30, 2012
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash investments
$
89.3

 
$
2.2

 
$
109.0

 
$

 
$
200.5

Accounts receivable, net
373.7

 
77.5

 
87.9

 

 
539.1

Inventories
157.1

 
1,102.8

 
342.8

 
(6.4
)
 
1,596.3

Prepaid expenses and other
20.0

 
122.5

 
430.1

 
(427.9
)
 
144.7

Intercompany (payable) receivable
(1,194.0
)
 
1,107.8

 
86.2

 

 

Total current assets
(553.9
)
 
2,412.8

 
1,056.0

 
(434.3
)
 
2,480.6


33

Table of Contents                                    

 
Parent
Company
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Subsidiary
Nonguarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
50.1

 
824.7

 
361.9

 

 
1,236.7

Investments in subsidiaries
7,117.4

 
174.0

 

 
(7,291.4
)
 

Goodwill

 
2,098.0

 
640.4

 

 
2,738.4

Intangible assets, net

 
687.2

 
189.4

 

 
876.6

Restricted cash
650.3

 

 

 

 
650.3

Other assets, net
58.6

 
241.1

 
59.4

 
(19.0
)
 
340.1

Total assets
$
7,322.5

 
$
6,437.8

 
$
2,307.1

 
$
(7,744.7
)
 
$
8,322.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to banks
$

 
$

 
$
16.6

 
$

 
$
16.6

Current maturities of long-term debt
34.3

 
15.5

 
0.1

 

 
49.9

Accounts payable
21.4

 
233.5

 
45.5

 

 
300.4

Accrued excise taxes
9.0

 
4.1

 
5.0

 

 
18.1

Other accrued expenses and liabilities
537.5

 
210.8

 
84.0

 
(429.5
)
 
402.8

Total current liabilities
602.2

 
463.9

 
151.2

 
(429.5
)
 
787.8

Long-term debt, less current maturities
3,908.2

 
20.7

 

 

 
3,928.9

Deferred income taxes
10.3

 
545.1

 
81.9

 
(18.9
)
 
618.4

Other liabilities
26.5

 
60.1

 
125.7

 

 
212.3

Stockholders’ equity
2,775.3

 
5,348.0

 
1,948.3

 
(7,296.3
)
 
2,775.3

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
7,322.5

 
$
6,437.8

 
$
2,307.1

 
$
(7,744.7
)
 
$
8,322.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at February 29, 2012
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash investments
$
0.5

 
$
0.6

 
$
84.7

 
$

 
$
85.8

Accounts receivable, net
293.2

 
71.6

 
72.8

 

 
437.6

Inventories
143.0

 
916.8

 
322.0

 
(7.3
)
 
1,374.5

Prepaid expenses and other
22.5

 
116.5

 
398.6

 
(401.2
)
 
136.4

Intercompany (payable) receivable
(945.6
)
 
849.7

 
95.9

 

 

Total current assets
(486.4
)
 
1,955.2

 
974.0

 
(408.5
)
 
2,034.3

Property, plant and equipment, net
56.9

 
819.3

 
379.6

 

 
1,255.8

Investments in subsidiaries
6,704.7

 
166.6

 

 
(6,871.3
)
 

Goodwill

 
1,987.4

 
645.5

 

 
2,632.9

Intangible assets, net

 
673.4

 
193.0

 

 
866.4

Restricted cash

 

 

 

 

Other assets, net
20.7

 
263.3

 
60.2

 
(23.7
)
 
320.5

Total assets
$
6,295.9

 
$
5,865.2

 
$
2,252.3

 
$
(7,303.5
)
 
$
7,109.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to banks
$
297.9

 
$

 
$
80.0

 
$

 
$
377.9

Current maturities of long-term debt
324.3

 
5.7

 
0.2

 

 
330.2

Accounts payable
23.8

 
75.7

 
31.0

 

 
130.5

Accrued excise taxes
14.4

 
6.3

 
4.1

 

 
24.8

Other accrued expenses and liabilities
518.2

 
138.5

 
82.5

 
(403.0
)
 
336.2

Total current liabilities
1,178.6

 
226.2

 
197.8

 
(403.0
)
 
1,199.6


34

Table of Contents                                    

 
Parent
Company
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Subsidiary
Nonguarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
2,407.3

 
14.1

 

 

 
2,421.4

Deferred income taxes
2.7

 
534.5

 
95.1

 
(23.6
)
 
608.7

Other liabilities
31.3

 
53.5

 
119.4

 

 
204.2

Stockholders’ equity
2,676.0

 
5,036.9

 
1,840.0

 
(6,876.9
)
 
2,676.0

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
6,295.9

 
$
5,865.2

 
$
2,252.3

 
$
(7,303.5
)
 
$
7,109.9


 
Parent
Company
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Subsidiary
Nonguarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2012
Sales
$
1,536.7

 
$
1,283.5

 
$
623.7

 
$
(1,060.5
)
 
$
2,383.4

Less – excise taxes
(158.8
)
 
(74.8
)
 
(49.6
)
 

 
(283.2
)
Net sales
1,377.9

 
1,208.7

 
574.1

 
(1,060.5
)
 
2,100.2

Cost of product sold
(1,105.0
)
 
(857.5
)
 
(344.1
)
 
1,052.9

 
(1,253.7
)
Gross profit
272.9

 
351.2

 
230.0

 
(7.6
)
 
846.5

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(250.3
)
 
(80.5
)
 
(129.0
)
 
9.8

 
(450.0
)
Restructuring charges
1.1

 
(0.5
)
 
(1.7
)
 
0.1

 
(1.0
)
Operating income
23.7

 
270.2

 
99.3

 
2.3

 
395.5

Equity in earnings of equity method investees and subsidiaries
430.0

 
183.5

 
0.4

 
(430.3
)
 
183.6

Interest (expense) income, net
(256.5
)
 
86.2

 
3.6

 

 
(166.7
)
Loss on write-off of financing costs
(2.8
)
 

 

 

 
(2.8
)
Income before income taxes
194.4

 
539.9

 
103.3

 
(428.0
)
 
409.6

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes
111.7

 
(227.1
)
 
12.4

 
(0.5
)
 
(103.5
)
Net income
$
306.1

 
$
312.8

 
$
115.7

 
$
(428.5
)
 
$
306.1

Comprehensive income
$
297.7

 
$
311.7

 
$
108.6

 
$
(420.3
)
 
$
297.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2011
Sales
$
850.3

 
$
1,345.8

 
$
528.0

 
$
(454.0
)
 
$
2,270.1

Less – excise taxes
(120.4
)
 
(75.1
)
 
(48.4
)
 

 
(243.9
)
Net sales
729.9

 
1,270.7

 
479.6

 
(454.0
)
 
2,026.2

Cost of product sold
(516.9
)
 
(809.1
)
 
(287.4
)
 
404.1

 
(1,209.3
)
Gross profit
213.0

 
461.6

 
192.2

 
(49.9
)
 
816.9

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(209.2
)
 
(153.2
)
 
(86.3
)
 
50.5

 
(398.2
)
Restructuring charges
(4.3
)
 
(4.2
)
 
(3.1
)
 

 
(11.6
)
Operating (loss) income
(0.5
)
 
304.2

 
102.8

 
0.6

 
407.1

Equity in earnings of equity method investees and subsidiaries
530.7

 
181.2

 
4.2

 
(536.6
)
 
179.5

Interest (expense) income, net
(187.9
)
 
50.0

 
4.8

 

 
(133.1
)
Loss on write-off of financing costs

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes
342.3

 
535.4

 
111.8

 
(536.0
)
 
453.5

Provision for income taxes
(0.3
)
 
(98.3
)
 
(13.0
)
 
0.1

 
(111.5
)
Net income
$
342.0

 
$
437.1

 
$
98.8

 
$
(535.9
)
 
$
342.0

Comprehensive income
$
281.0

 
$
409.8

 
$
57.8

 
$
(467.6
)
 
$
281.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

35

Table of Contents                                    

 
Parent
Company
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Subsidiary
Nonguarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended November 30, 2012
Sales
$
570.1

 
$
483.1

 
$
223.5

 
$
(416.3
)
 
$
860.4

Less – excise taxes
(55.4
)
 
(20.2
)
 
(17.9
)
 

 
(93.5
)
Net sales
514.7

 
462.9

 
205.6

 
(416.3
)
 
766.9

Cost of product sold
(424.3
)
 
(320.0
)
 
(124.8
)
 
413.0

 
(456.1
)
Gross profit
90.4

 
142.9

 
80.8

 
(3.3
)
 
310.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(82.8
)
 
(28.6
)
 
(44.3
)
 
4.0

 
(151.7
)
Restructuring charges
0.2

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.5
)
 
0.1

 
(0.3
)
Operating income
7.8

 
114.2

 
36.0

 
0.8

 
158.8

Equity in earnings of equity method investees and subsidiaries
141.4

 
53.9

 
0.2

 
(143.0
)
 
52.5

Interest (expense) income, net
(91.6
)
 
28.6

 
1.6

 

 
(61.4
)
Loss on write-off of financing costs

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes
57.6

 
196.7

 
37.8

 
(142.2
)
 
149.9

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes
51.9

 
(96.1
)
 
4.0

 
(0.2
)
 
(40.4
)
Net income
$
109.5

 
$
100.6

 
$
41.8

 
$
(142.4
)
 
$
109.5

Comprehensive income
$
117.1

 
$
101.0

 
$
47.3

 
$
(148.3
)
 
$
117.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended November 30, 2011
Sales
$
513.6

 
$
426.5

 
$
182.0

 
$
(333.1
)
 
$
789.0

Less – excise taxes
(59.0
)
 
(12.5
)
 
(16.8
)
 

 
(88.3
)
Net sales
454.6

 
414.0

 
165.2

 
(333.1
)
 
700.7

Cost of product sold
(374.7
)
 
(279.2
)
 
(96.3
)
 
332.4

 
(417.8
)
Gross profit
79.9

 
134.8

 
68.9

 
(0.7
)
 
282.9

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(73.0
)
 
(32.7
)
 
(16.1
)
 

 
(121.8
)
Restructuring charges
1.2

 
(0.8
)
 
(1.2
)
 

 
(0.8
)
Operating income
8.1

 
101.3

 
51.6

 
(0.7
)
 
160.3

Equity in earnings of equity method investees and subsidiaries
248.9

 
54.5

 
1.6

 
(251.7
)
 
53.3

Interest (expense) income, net
(69.7
)
 
21.8

 
1.6

 

 
(46.3
)
Loss on write-off of financing costs

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes
187.3

 
177.6

 
54.8

 
(252.4
)
 
167.3

(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
(82.5
)
 
26.2

 
(6.3
)
 
0.1

 
(62.5
)
Net income
$
104.8

 
$
203.8

 
$
48.5

 
$
(252.3
)
 
$
104.8

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
15.8

 
$
199.6

 
$
(42.2
)
 
$
(157.4
)
 
$
15.8


36

Table of Contents                                    


 
Parent
Company
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Subsidiary
Nonguarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2012
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
885.3

 
$
(546.2
)
 
$
49.9

 
$

 
$
389.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired

 
(159.3
)
 

 

 
(159.3
)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
4.4

 
(45.7
)
 
(10.9
)
 

 
(52.2
)
Payments related to sale of business
(0.5
)
 

 

 

 
(0.5
)
Proceeds from sales of assets

 
4.9

 
3.1

 

 
8.0

Proceeds from notes receivable
1.2

 
3.4

 

 

 
4.6

Proceeds from redemption of available-for-sale debt securities

 

 

 

 

Other investing activities

 
0.2

 
(1.0
)
 

 
(0.8
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
5.1

 
(196.5
)
 
(8.8
)
 

 
(200.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany financings, net
(793.3
)
 
749.5

 
43.8

 

 

Principal payments of long-term debt
(846.4
)
 
(5.2
)
 

 

 
(851.6
)
Payment of restricted cash upon issuance of long-term debt
(650.0
)
 

 

 

 
(650.0
)
Purchases of treasury stock
(383.0
)
 

 

 

 
(383.0
)
Net repayment of notes payable
(298.0
)
 

 
(58.0
)
 

 
(356.0
)
Payment of financing costs of long-term debt
(35.2
)
 

 

 

 
(35.2
)
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock-based payment awards

 

 
(0.5
)
 

 
(0.5
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
2,050.0

 

 

 

 
2,050.0

Proceeds from exercises of employee stock options
135.0

 

 

 

 
135.0

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment awards
17.2

 

 

 

 
17.2

Proceeds from employee stock purchases
2.1

 

 

 

 
2.1

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(801.6
)
 
744.3

 
(14.7
)
 

 
(72.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash investments

 

 
(2.1
)
 

 
(2.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash investments
88.8

 
1.6

 
24.3

 

 
114.7

Cash and cash investments, beginning of period
0.5

 
0.6

 
84.7

 

 
85.8

Cash and cash investments, end of period
$
89.3

 
$
2.2

 
$
109.0

 
$

 
$
200.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

37

Table of Contents                                    

 
Parent
Company
 
Subsidiary
Guarantors
 
Subsidiary
Nonguarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2011
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
10.6

 
$
473.6

 
$
156.6

 
$

 
$
640.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired

 

 
(51.5
)
 

 
(51.5
)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(18.7
)
 
(26.0
)
 
(9.4
)
 

 
(54.1
)
Payments related to sale of business
(9.1
)
 

 
(17.8
)
 

 
(26.9
)
Proceeds from sales of assets

 
0.3

 
0.3

 

 
0.6

Proceeds from notes receivable
1.0

 

 

 

 
1.0

Proceeds from redemption of available-for-sale debt securities

 

 
20.2

 

 
20.2

Other investing activities

 
(6.1
)
 
(1.9
)
 

 
(8.0
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(26.8
)
 
(31.8
)

(60.1
)



(118.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany financings, net
479.8

 
(423.7
)
 
(56.1
)
 

 

Principal payments of long-term debt
(410.2
)
 
(15.6
)
 
(44.7
)
 

 
(470.5
)
Payment of restricted cash upon issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

Purchases of treasury stock
(281.3
)
 

 

 

 
(281.3
)
Net proceeds from notes payable
172.1

 

 
51.1

 

 
223.2

Payment of financing costs of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

Payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock-based payment awards

 
(1.7
)
 
(0.5
)
 

 
(2.2
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercises of employee stock options
42.3

 

 

 

 
42.3

Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment awards
11.1

 

 

 

 
11.1

Proceeds from employee stock purchases
2.4

 

 

 

 
2.4

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
16.2

 
(441.0
)
 
(50.2
)
 

 
(475.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash investments

 

 
(0.5
)
 

 
(0.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash investments

 
0.8

 
45.8

 

 
46.6

Cash and cash investments, beginning
of period
0.7

 
0.9

 
7.6

 

 
9.2

Cash and cash investments, end of
period
$
0.7

 
$
1.7

 
$
53.4

 
$

 
$
55.8



38

Table of Contents                                    

18.    BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company’s internal management financial reporting consists of two business divisions: Constellation Wines and Spirits and Crown Imports. Accordingly, the Company reports its operating results in three segments:  Constellation Wines and Spirits (wine and spirits) (formerly known as Constellation Wines North America), Corporate Operations and Other, and Crown Imports (imported beer). The business segments reflect how the Company’s operations are managed, how operating performance within the Company is evaluated by senior management and the structure of its internal financial reporting. Amounts included in the Corporate Operations and Other segment consist of costs of executive management, corporate development, corporate finance, human resources, internal audit, investor relations, legal, public relations and global information technology. Any costs incurred at the corporate office that are applicable to the segments are allocated to the appropriate segment. The amounts 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 the chief operating decision maker’s evaluation of the operating income performance of the other reportable segments.

In addition, the Company excludes restructuring charges and unusual items that affect comparability from its definition of operating income for segment purposes as these items are not reflective of normal continuing operations of the segments. The Company excludes these items as segment operating performance and segment management compensation is evaluated based upon a normalized segment operating income. As such, the performance measures for incentive compensation purposes for segment management do not include the impact of these items.


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Table of Contents                                    

For the nine months and three months ended November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, restructuring charges and unusual items included in operating income consist of:

 
For the Nine Months
Ended November 30,
 
For the Three Months
Ended November 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of Product Sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flow through of inventory step-up
$
5.7

 
$
0.8

 
$
3.4

 
$
0.8

Accelerated depreciation

 
0.3

 

 

Cost of Product Sold
5.7

 
1.1

 
3.4

 
0.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction and related costs associated with pending and completed acquisitions
17.6

 

 
8.5

 

Gain on settlement of receivable associated with a prior divestiture
(4.0
)
 

 

 

Net gains on acquisition of Ruffino (excluding gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder) and related activities

 
(4.5
)
 

 
(6.6
)
Gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder

 
(2.5
)
 

 
(2.5
)
Net gains on CWAE Divestiture and related activities

 
(2.2
)
 

 
(2.1
)
Other costs
7.3

 
6.3

 
1.9

 
2.1

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
20.9


(2.9
)
 
10.4

 
(9.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges
1.0

 
11.6

 
0.3

 
0.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges and Unusual Items
$
27.6

 
$
9.8

 
$
14.1

 
$
(7.5
)

The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of the respective business units. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described for the Company in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and include the recently adopted accounting guidance described in Note 2 herein.


40

Table of Contents                                    

Segment information is as follows:

 
For the Nine Months
Ended November 30,
 
For the Three Months
Ended November 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
2,100.2

 
$
2,026.2

 
$
766.9

 
$
700.7

Segment operating income
$
490.8

 
$
476.0

 
$
196.5

 
$
172.1

Equity in earnings of equity method investees
$
13.1

 
$
13.8

 
$
14.2

 
$
10.1

Long-lived tangible assets
$
1,107.9

 
$
1,117.9

 
$
1,107.9

 
$
1,117.9

Investment in equity method investees
$
80.6

 
$
76.2

 
$
80.6

 
$
76.2

Total assets
$
7,141.6

 
$
6,864.1

 
$
7,141.6

 
$
6,864.1

Capital expenditures
$
45.3

 
$
36.0

 
$
14.6

 
$
10.1

Depreciation and amortization
$
67.8

 
$
63.9

 
$
23.5

 
$
21.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Operations and Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Segment operating loss
$
(67.7
)
 
$
(59.1
)
 
$
(23.6
)
 
$
(19.3
)
Long-lived tangible assets
$
128.8

 
$
133.8

 
$
128.8

 
$
133.8

Total assets
$
1,035.2

 
$
214.1

 
$
1,035.2

 
$
214.1

Capital expenditures
$
6.9

 
$
18.1

 
$
2.0

 
$
4.8

Depreciation and amortization
$
20.7

 
$
16.7

 
$
7.8

 
$
6.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crown Imports:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
2,059.9

 
$
1,945.0

 
$
547.4

 
$
540.5

Segment operating income
$
345.4

 
$
332.1

 
$
79.0

 
$
86.7

Long-lived tangible assets
$
8.8

 
$
6.1

 
$
8.8

 
$
6.1

Total assets
$
350.8

 
$
338.5

 
$
350.8

 
$
338.5

Capital expenditures
$
0.8

 
$
2.8

 
$
0.4

 
$
0.4

Depreciation and amortization
$
2.0

 
$
1.6

 
$
0.5

 
$
0.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges and Unusual Items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating loss
$
(27.6
)
 
$
(9.8
)
 
$
(14.1
)
 
$
7.5

Equity in losses of equity method investees
$
(0.2
)
 
$

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidation and Eliminations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
(2,059.9
)
 
$
(1,945.0
)
 
$
(547.4
)
 
$
(540.5
)
Operating income
$
(345.4
)
 
$
(332.1
)
 
$
(79.0
)
 
$
(86.7
)
Equity in earnings of Crown Imports
$
170.7

 
$
165.7

 
$
38.5

 
$
43.2

Long-lived tangible assets
$
(8.8
)
 
$
(6.1
)
 
$
(8.8
)
 
$
(6.1
)
Investment in equity method investees
$
145.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
145.9

 
$
147.0

Total assets
$
(204.9
)
 
$
(191.5
)
 
$
(204.9
)
 
$
(191.5
)
Capital expenditures
$
(0.8
)
 
$
(2.8
)
 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
(0.4
)
Depreciation and amortization
$
(2.0
)
 
$
(1.6
)
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(0.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

41

Table of Contents                                    

 
For the Nine Months
Ended November 30,
 
For the Three Months
Ended November 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
2,100.2

 
$
2,026.2

 
$
766.9

 
$
700.7

Operating income
$
395.5

 
$
407.1

 
$
158.8

 
$
160.3

Equity in earnings of equity method investees
$
183.6

 
$
179.5

 
$
52.5

 
$
53.3

Long-lived tangible assets
$
1,236.7

 
$
1,251.7

 
$
1,236.7

 
$
1,251.7

Investment in equity method investees
$
226.5

 
$
223.2

 
$
226.5

 
$
223.2

Total assets
$
8,322.7

 
$
7,225.2

 
$
8,322.7

 
$
7,225.2

Capital expenditures
$
52.2

 
$
54.1

 
$
16.6

 
$
14.9

Depreciation and amortization
$
88.5

 
$
80.6

 
$
31.3

 
$
28.3


19.    ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE NOT YET ADOPTED:

Disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities –
In December 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance creating new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The Company is required to adopt this amended guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2013. In addition, this amended guidance requires retrospective application. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Intangibles – goodwill and other –
In July 2012, the FASB issued amended guidance for indefinite lived intangible asset impairment testing. The amended guidance allows an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired, the entity is not required to take further action. If an entity concludes otherwise, then the entity would be required to determine the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible asset and compare the fair value with the carrying amount of the indefinite lived intangible asset. The Company is required to adopt this amended guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



42

Table of Contents                                    


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


Overview

The Company is the world’s leading premium wine company with a broad portfolio of consumer-preferred premium wine brands complemented by premium spirits, imported beer and other select beverage alcohol products. The Company continues to supply imported beer in the United States (“U.S.”) through its investment in a joint venture with Grupo Modelo, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Modelo”) (see additional discussion below under “Recent Developments – Crown Imports”). This imported beers joint venture operates as Crown Imports LLC and is referred to hereinafter as “Crown Imports.” The Company is a leading premium wine company in the U.S., the leading producer and marketer of wine in Canada, and a leading producer and exporter of wine from New Zealand and Italy.

The Company’s internal management financial reporting consists of two business divisions:  Constellation Wines and Spirits and Crown Imports. Accordingly, the Company reports its operating results in three segments:  Constellation Wines and Spirits (wine and spirits) (formerly known as Constellation Wines North America), Corporate Operations and Other, and Crown Imports (imported beer). The business segments reflect how the Company’s operations are managed, how operating performance within the Company is evaluated by senior management and the structure of its internal financial reporting. Amounts included in the Corporate Operations and Other segment consist of costs of executive management, corporate development, corporate finance, human resources, internal audit, investor relations, legal, public relations and global information technology. Any costs incurred at the corporate office that are applicable to the segments are allocated to the appropriate segment. The amounts 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 the chief operating decision maker’s evaluation of the operating income performance of the other reportable segments.

In addition, the Company excludes restructuring charges and unusual items that affect comparability from its definition of operating income for segment purposes as these items are not reflective of normal continuing operations of the segments. The Company excludes these items as segment operating performance and segment management compensation is evaluated based upon a normalized segment operating income. As such, the performance measures for incentive compensation purposes for segment management do not include the impact of these items.

The Company’s business strategy in the Constellation Wines and Spirits segment is to remain focused on consumer-preferred premium wine brands, complemented by premium spirits. In this segment, the Company continues to focus on growing premium product categories and expects to profitably grow the business. During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company effectively completed its efforts to further consolidate its U.S. distributor network in markets where it was feasible in order to obtain dedicated selling resources which focus on the Company’s U.S. wine and spirits portfolio to drive profitable, organic growth. In connection with these efforts, since the second half of fiscal 2010, the Company has negotiated long-term contracts with distributors who currently represent about 70% of the Company’s branded wine and spirits volume in the U.S. Throughout the remainder of the terms of these contracts, the majority of which continue through the end of fiscal 2015, the Company expects shipments on an annual basis to these distributors to essentially equal the distributors’ shipments to retailers.

Although the calendar 2012 U.S. grape harvest came in larger than the calendar 2011 U.S. grape harvest, the Company continues to believe the current overall supply of wine is generally in balance with demand within the U.S. The Company expects that the larger calendar 2012 U.S. grape harvest may provide some relief from the recent tightening of supply within certain U.S. varietals due to relatively smaller U.S. grape harvests in the prior two calendar years.

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Table of Contents                                    


The Company remains committed to its long-term financial model of growing sales, including international expansion of its Constellation Wines and Spirits segment’s branded portfolio, expanding margins and increasing cash flow in order to achieve earnings per share growth and improve return on invested capital.

Marketing, sales and distribution of the Company’s products are managed on a geographic basis in order to fully leverage leading market positions. In addition, market dynamics and consumer trends vary across each of the Company’s markets. Within its primary markets (U.S. and Canada), the Company offers a range of beverage alcohol products across the branded wine and spirits and, through Crown Imports, imported beer categories in the U.S. The environment for the Company’s products is competitive in each of the Company’s markets.

For the three months ended November 30, 2012 (“Third Quarter 2013”), the Company’s net sales increased 9% compared to the three months ended November 30, 2011 (“Third Quarter 2012”), primarily due to (i)  base branded (as defined below) wine volume growth, (ii)  net sales of branded wine acquired in the acquisitions of Mark West and Ruffino (both as defined below), and (iii)  favorable product mix shift, partially offset by higher promotional spend. Operating income decreased 1% over the comparable prior year period primarily due to the items discussed above offset by higher restructuring charges and unusual items. Net income increased 4% over the comparable prior year period primarily due to the items discussed above combined with a decrease in the provision for income taxes, partially offset by an increase in interest expense, net.

For the nine months ended November 30, 2012 (“Nine Months 2013”), the Company’s net sales increased 4% compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2011 (“Nine Months 2012”), primarily due to (i)  base branded wine and spirits volume growth, (ii)  net sales of branded wine acquired in the acquisitions of Ruffino and Mark West, and (iii)  favorable product mix shift, partially offset by higher promotional spend. Operating income decreased 3% over the comparable prior period primarily due to the items discussed above offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and higher restructuring charges and unusual items. Net income decreased 10% over the comparable prior year period primarily due to the items discussed above combined with an increase in interest expense, net.

The following discussion and analysis summarizes the significant factors affecting (i)  consolidated results of operations of the Company for Third Quarter 2013 compared to Third Quarter 2012 and Nine Months 2013 compared to Nine Months 2012, and (ii)  financial liquidity and capital resources for Nine Months 2013. This discussion and analysis also identifies certain restructuring charges and unusual items expected to affect consolidated results of operations of the Company for the year ending February 28, 2013 (“Fiscal 2013”). References to base branded exclude the impact of branded wine acquired in the acquisitions of Ruffino and Mark West. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012 (“Fiscal 2012”).

Recent Development

Crown Imports

In June 2012, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 50% equity interest in Crown Imports for approximately $1.85 billion (the “Crown Acquisition”). Crown Imports has the exclusive right to import, market and sell primarily Modelo’s Mexican beer portfolio (the “Modelo Brands”) in the U.S. and Guam. Crown Imports’ portfolio of brands includes Corona Extra, the best-selling imported beer and the sixth best-selling beer overall in the U.S.; Corona Light, the leading imported light beer; and Modelo Especial, the third largest and one of the fastest growing major imported beer brands. The pending acquisition of Crown Imports will position the Company as the largest multi-category supplier of beverage alcohol in the U.S.

In August 2012, the Company entered into financing arrangements to fund the Crown Acquisition consisting of a $575.0 million delayed draw term loan facility under the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement and the

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August 2012 Senior Notes (both as defined below). The Company expects the remaining financing for the Crown Acquisition to consist of a combination of available cash, borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization facility (as discussed under the caption “Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources – Debt – Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility”) and revolver borrowings under the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement. The Company also has a fully committed bridge facility through December 30, 2013, upon which it could draw to fund all or a portion of the Crown Acquisition if any of its expected financing is unavailable. The Company currently expects to complete the Crown Acquisition in the first quarter of calendar 2013, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and the consummation of certain transactions between Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and Modelo and certain of its affiliates. The Company cannot guarantee that the Crown Acquisition will be completed upon the agreed upon terms, or at all. The results of operations of Crown Imports will be reported in the Crown Imports segment and will be included in the consolidated results of operations of the Company from the date of acquisition. The Crown Acquisition is expected to be significant and the Company expects it to have a material impact on the Company’s future results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Acquisitions in Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012

Mark West

In July 2012, the Company acquired Mark West for $159.3 million. The transaction primarily includes the acquisition of the Mark West trademark, related inventories and certain grape supply contracts (“Mark West”). The purchase price was financed with revolver borrowings under the May 2012 Credit Agreement (as defined below). The results of operations of Mark West are reported in the Constellation Wines and Spirits segment and are included in the consolidated results of operations of the Company from the date of acquisition.

Ruffino

Prior to October 5, 2011, the Company had a 49.9% interest in Ruffino S.r.l. (“Ruffino”), the well-known Italian fine wine company. On October 5, 2011, the Company acquired the entire remaining 50.1% interest in Ruffino for €50.3 million ($68.6 million). As a result of this acquisition, the Company assumed indebtedness of Ruffino, net of cash acquired, of €54.2 million ($73.1 million). The purchase price was financed with revolver borrowings under the Company’s then existing senior credit facility. The results of operations of the Ruffino business are reported in the Company’s Constellation Wines and Spirits segment and are included in the consolidated results of operations of the Company from the date of acquisition.




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Results of Operations
Third Quarter 2013 Compared to Third Quarter 2012

Net Sales

The following table sets forth the net sales by reportable segment of the Company for Third Quarter 2013 and Third Quarter 2012.

 
Third
Quarter
2013
 
Third
Quarter
2012
 
% Increase
(Decrease)
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
766.9

 
$
700.7

 
9
 %
Crown Imports
547.4

 
540.5

 
1
 %
Consolidations and eliminations
(547.4
)
 
(540.5
)
 
(1
%)
Consolidated Net Sales
$
766.9

 
$
700.7

 
9
 %

Constellation Wines and Spirits

Net sales for Constellation Wines and Spirits increased to $766.9 million for Third Quarter 2013 from $700.7 million for Third Quarter 2012, an increase of $66.2 million, or 9%. This increase resulted primarily from (i)  base branded wine volume growth (predominantly in the U.S.), (ii)  $20.6 million of net sales of branded wine acquired in the acquisitions of Mark West and Ruffino, and (iii)  favorable product mix shift (predominantly in the U.S. base branded wine and spirits portfolio), partially offset by higher promotional spend (predominantly within U.S. base branded wine).

Crown Imports

As this segment is eliminated in consolidation, see “Equity in Earnings of Equity Method Investees” below for a discussion of Crown Imports’ net sales, gross profit, selling, general and administrative expenses, and operating income.

Gross Profit

The Company’s gross profit increased to $310.8 million for Third Quarter 2013 from $282.9 million for Third Quarter 2012, an increase of $27.9 million, or 10%. This increase is primarily due to (i)  favorable product mix shift predominantly in the U.S. base branded wine and spirits portfolio, (ii)  base branded wine volume growth (predominantly in the U.S.), and (iii)  gross profit of $9.6 million from the acquisitions of Mark West and Ruffino, partially offset by the higher promotional spend. Unusual items, which consist of certain amounts that are excluded by management in their evaluation of each operating segment, were higher by $2.6 million in Third Quarter 2013 versus Third Quarter 2012. Gross profit as a percent of net sales increased slightly to 40.5% for Third Quarter 2013 compared to 40.4% for Third Quarter 2012 primarily due to the factors discussed above.


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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $151.7 million for Third Quarter 2013 from $121.8 million for Third Quarter 2012, an increase of $29.9 million, or 25%. This increase is due to increases in (i)  unusual items, which consist of certain amounts that are excluded by management in their evaluation of each operating segment, of $19.5 million, (ii)  the Constellation Wines and Spirits segment of $6.1 million, and (iii)  the Corporate Operations and Other segment of $4.3 million. The increase in unusual items consists of the following:
 
Third
Quarter
2013
 
Third
Quarter
2012
 
Increase
(Decrease)
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction and related costs associated with pending and completed acquisitions
$
8.5

 
$

 
$
8.5

Net gains on acquisition of Ruffino (excluding gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder) and related activities

 
(6.6
)
 
6.6

Gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder

 
(2.5
)
 
2.5

Net gains on CWAE Divestiture (as defined below) and related activities

 
(2.1
)
 
2.1

Other costs
1.9

 
2.1

 
(0.2
)
 
$
10.4

 
$
(9.1
)
 
$
19.5

The increase in Constellation Wines and Spirits’ selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily due to an increase (on a constant currency basis) in general and administrative expenses of $5.1 million. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to an overlap of a prior year favorable legal settlement in the U.S. related to the use of a certain intangible asset. The increase in Corporate Operations and Other’s selling, general and administrative expenses is due to an increase in general and administrative expenses primarily attributable to an overlap of prior year net gains recognized in connection with the early redemption of certain available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities from Accolade, the Company’s previously owned Australian and U.K. business divested in January 2011. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 19.8% for Third Quarter 2013 as compared to 17.4% for Third Quarter 2012 primarily due to the factors discussed above, combined with the higher promotional spend.

Restructuring Charges

The Company recorded $0.3 million of restructuring charges for Third Quarter 2013 consisting primarily of employee termination benefit costs associated with certain immaterial restructuring activities. The Company recorded $0.8 million of restructuring charges for Third Quarter 2012 associated primarily with the Company’s plan (committed to in May 2011, announced in June 2011) to streamline operations, gain efficiencies and reduce its cost structure following the January 2011 divestiture of 80.1% of its Australian and U.K. business (the “CWAE Divestiture”) (the “Fiscal 2012 Initiative”).


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Table of Contents                                    

In addition, the Company incurred additional costs for Third Quarter 2013 and Third Quarter 2012 in connection with the Company’s restructuring plans. Total costs incurred in connection with all plans for Third Quarter 2013 and Third Quarter 2012 are as follows:

 
Third
Quarter
2013
 
Third
Quarter
2012
(in millions)
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
 
 
Other costs
$
1.5

 
$
2.1

 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges
$
0.3

 
$
0.8


For a discussion of costs expected to be incurred for Fiscal 2013 in connection with the Company’s restructuring plans, see “Nine Months 2013 Compared to Nine Months 2012 – Restructuring Charges” below.

Operating Income

The following table sets forth the operating income (loss) by reportable segment of the Company for Third Quarter 2013 and Third Quarter 2012.

 
Third
Quarter
2013
 
Third
Quarter
2012
 
% Increase
(Decrease)
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
196.5

 
$
172.1

 
14%
Corporate Operations and Other
(23.6
)
 
(19.3
)
 
(22%)
Crown Imports
79.0

 
86.7

 
(9%)
Consolidations and eliminations
(79.0
)
 
(86.7
)
 
9%
Total Reportable Segments
172.9

 
152.8

 
13%
Restructuring Charges and Unusual Items
(14.1
)
 
7.5

 
NM
Consolidated Operating Income
$
158.8

 
$
160.3

 
(1%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 NM = Not Meaningful
 
 
 
 
 


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As a result of the factors discussed above, consolidated operating income decreased to $158.8 million for Third Quarter 2013 from $160.3 million for Third Quarter 2012, a decrease of $1.5 million, or (1%). Restructuring charges and unusual items of $14.1 million and ($7.5) million for Third Quarter 2013 and Third Quarter 2012, respectively, consist of certain amounts that are excluded by management in their evaluation of the results of each operating segment. These amounts include:

 
Third
Quarter
2013
 
Third
Quarter
2012
(in millions)
 
 
 
Cost of Product Sold
 
 
 
Flow through of inventory step-up
$
3.4

 
$
0.8

Cost of Product Sold
3.4

 
0.8

 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
 
 
Transaction and related costs associated with pending and completed acquisitions
8.5

 

Net gains on acquisition of Ruffino (excluding gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder) and related activities

 
(6.6
)
Gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder

 
(2.5
)
Net gains on CWAE Divestiture and related activities

 
(2.1
)
Other costs
1.9

 
2.1

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
10.4

 
(9.1
)
 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges
0.3

 
0.8

 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges and Unusual Items
$
14.1

 
$
(7.5
)

Equity in Earnings of Equity Method Investees

The Company’s equity in earnings of equity method investees decreased to $52.5 million in Third Quarter 2013 from $53.3 million in Third Quarter 2012, a decrease of $0.8 million, or (2%). This decrease is primarily due to lower equity in earnings of Crown Imports, partially offset by higher equity in earnings from the Company’s Opus One equity method investment.

Net sales for Crown Imports increased to $547.4 million for Third Quarter 2013 from $540.5 million for Third Quarter 2012, an increase of $6.9 million, or 1%. This increase resulted primarily from volume growth within the Crown Imports’ Mexican beer portfolio which benefited from continued consumer demand and increased advertising spend, combined with a favorable impact from Crown Imports’ October 2012 price increase in select markets, partially offset by a decrease in volume from the June 2012 termination of Crown Imports’ right to distribute the St. Pauli Girl beer brand. Crown Imports’ gross profit increased $2.4 million, or 2%, primarily due to these factors. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $10.1 million, or 14%, primarily due to the planned increase in advertising spend, coupled with higher compensation and benefit costs. Operating income decreased $7.7 million, or (9%), primarily due to these factors.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net of interest income of $1.8 million and $1.5 million, for Third Quarter 2013 and Third Quarter 2012, respectively, increased to $61.4 million for Third Quarter 2013 from $46.3 million for Third Quarter 2012, an increase of $15.1 million, or 33%. The increase was driven largely by higher average borrowings resulting primarily from the issuance of the April 2012 Senior Notes (as defined below) and the August 2012 Senior Notes.


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Provision for Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for Third Quarter 2013 and Third Quarter 2012 was 27.0% and 37.4%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for Third Quarter 2013 was substantially impacted by the benefit from additional foreign tax credits.

Net Income

As a result of the above factors, net income increased to $109.5 million for Third Quarter 2013 from $104.8 million for Third Quarter 2012, an increase of $4.7 million, or 4%.

Nine Months 2013 Compared to Nine Months 2012

Net Sales

The following table sets forth the net sales by reportable segment of the Company for Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012.

 
Nine
Months
2013
 
Nine
Months
2012
 
% Increase
(Decrease)
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
2,100.2

 
$
2,026.2

 
4
 %
Crown Imports
2,059.9

 
1,945.0

 
6
 %
Consolidations and eliminations
(2,059.9
)
 
(1,945.0
)
 
(6
%)
Consolidated Net Sales
$
2,100.2

 
$
2,026.2

 
4
 %

Constellation Wines and Spirits

Net sales for Constellation Wines and Spirits increased to $2,100.2 million for Nine Months 2013 from $2,026.2 million for Nine Months 2012, an increase of $74.0 million, or 4%. This increase resulted primarily from (i)  base branded wine and spirits volume growth (predominantly in the U.S.), (ii)  $40.7 million of net sales of branded wine acquired in the acquisitions of Ruffino and Mark West, and (iii)  favorable product mix shift in the base branded wine and spirits portfolio (predominantly in the U.S.), partially offset by higher promotional spend (predominantly within U.S. base branded wine).

Crown Imports

As this segment is eliminated in consolidation, see “Equity in Earnings of Equity Method Investees” below for a discussion of Crown Imports’ net sales, gross profit, selling, general and administrative expenses, and operating income.


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Table of Contents                                    

Gross Profit

The Company’s gross profit increased to $846.5 million for Nine Months 2013 from $816.9 million for Nine Months 2012, an increase of $29.6 million, or 4%. This increase is primarily due to (i)  gross profit of $27.9 million from the acquisitions of Ruffino and Mark West, (ii)  favorable product mix shift in the base branded wine and spirits portfolio, and (iii)  higher volumes predominantly in the U.S. base branded wine and spirits portfolio, partially offset by the higher promotional spend. Unusual items, which consist of certain amounts that are excluded by management in their evaluation of each operating segment, were higher by $4.6 million in Nine Months 2013 versus Nine Months 2012. Gross profit as a percent of net sales remained flat at 40.3% for Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012 primarily due to the factors discussed above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $450.0 million for Nine Months 2013 from $398.2 million for Nine Months 2012, an increase of $51.8 million, or 13%. This increase is primarily due to increases in (i) unusual items, which consist of certain amounts that are excluded by management in their evaluation of each operating segment, of $23.8 million, (ii) the Constellation Wines and Spirits segment of $19.4 million, and (iii) the Corporate Operations and Other segment of $8.6 million. The increase in unusual items consists of the following:
 
Nine
Months
2013
 
Nine
Months
2012
 
Increase
(Decrease)
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction and related costs associated with pending and completed acquisitions
$
17.6

 
$

 
$
17.6

Gain on settlement of receivable associated with a prior divestiture
(4.0
)
 

 
(4.0
)
Net gains on acquisition of Ruffino (excluding gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder) and related activities

 
(4.5
)
 
4.5

Gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder

 
(2.5
)
 
2.5

Net gains on CWAE Divestiture and related activities

 
(2.2
)
 
2.2

Other costs
7.3

 
6.3

 
1.0

 
$
20.9

 
$
(2.9
)
 
$
23.8

The increase in Constellation Wines and Spirits’ selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily due to increases (on a constant currency basis) in general and administrative expenses of $9.0 million, selling expenses of $6.3 million, and advertising expenses of $5.4 million. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to an overlap of a prior year favorable legal settlement in the U.S. related to the use of a certain intangible asset, combined with an increase in general and administrative expenses associated with the Ruffino acquisition. The increase in advertising and selling expenses is primarily due to a planned increase in marketing, advertising and selling spend behind the segment’s branded wine and spirits portfolio. The increase in Corporate Operations and Other’s selling, general and administrative expenses is due to an increase in general and administrative expenses driven largely by an increase in (i)  depreciation expense primarily related to Project Fusion, the Company’s initiative to implement a comprehensive multi-year program to strengthen and enhance the Company’s global business capabilities and processes through the creation of an integrated technology platform, (ii)  an overlap of prior year net gains recognized in connection with the early redemption of certain AFS debt securities from Accolade, and (iii)  higher compensation and benefit costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 21.4% for Nine Months 2013 as compared to 19.7% for Nine Months 2012 primarily due to the factors discussed above, combined with the higher promotional spend.


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Restructuring Charges

The Company recorded $1.0 million of restructuring charges for Nine Months 2013 associated primarily with certain immaterial restructuring activities and the Fiscal 2012 Initiative. Restructuring charges consisted of $0.9 million of employee termination benefit costs and $0.1 million of facility consolidation/relocation costs. The Company recorded $11.6 million of restructuring charges for Nine Months 2012 associated primarily with the Fiscal 2012 Initiative.

In addition, the Company incurred additional costs for Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012 in connection with the Company’s restructuring plans. Total costs incurred in connection with all plans for Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012 are as follows:

 
Nine
Months
2013
 
Nine
Months
2012
(in millions)
 
 
 
Cost of Product Sold
 
 
 
Accelerated depreciation
$

 
$
0.3

 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
 
 
Other costs
$
6.9

 
$
6.3

 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges
$
1.0

 
$
11.6


The Company expects to incur the following costs in connection with its restructuring plans for Fiscal 2013.

 
Expected
Fiscal
2013
(in millions)
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Other costs
$
8.3

 
 
Restructuring Charges
$
0.7



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Table of Contents                                    

Operating Income

The following table sets forth the operating income (loss) by reportable segment of the Company for Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012.

 
Nine
Months
2013
 
Nine
Months
2012
 
% Increase
(Decrease)
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Constellation Wines and Spirits
$
490.8

 
$
476.0

 
3%
Corporate Operations and Other
(67.7
)
 
(59.1
)
 
(15%)
Crown Imports
345.4

 
332.1

 
4%
Consolidations and eliminations
(345.4
)
 
(332.1
)
 
(4%)
Total Reportable Segments
423.1

 
416.9

 
1%
Restructuring Charges and Unusual Items
(27.6
)
 
(9.8
)
 
 NM
Consolidated Operating Income
$
395.5

 
$
407.1

 
(3%)
 
 
 
 
 
 

As a result of the factors discussed above, consolidated operating income decreased to $395.5 million for Nine Months 2013 from $407.1 million for Nine Months 2012, a decrease of $11.6 million, or (3%). Restructuring charges and unusual items of $27.6 million and $9.8 million for Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012, respectively, consist of certain amounts that are excluded by management in their evaluation of the results of each operating segment. These amounts include:

 
Nine
Months
2013
 
Nine
Months
2012
(in millions)
 
 
 
Cost of Product Sold
 
 
 
Flow through of inventory step-up
$
5.7

 
$
0.8

Accelerated depreciation

 
0.3

Cost of Product Sold
5.7

 
1.1

 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
 
 
Transaction and related costs associated with pending and completed acquisitions
17.6

 

Gain on settlement of receivable associated with a prior divestiture
(4.0
)
 

Net gains on acquisition of Ruffino (excluding gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder) and related activities

 
(4.5
)
Gain on obligation from put option of Ruffino shareholder

 
(2.5
)
Net gains on CWAE Divestiture and related activities

 
(2.2
)
Other costs
7.3

 
6.3

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
20.9

 
(2.9
)
 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges
1.0

 
11.6

 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges and Unusual Items
$
27.6

 
$
9.8



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Table of Contents                                    

Equity in Earnings of Equity Method Investees

The Company’s equity in earnings of equity method investees increased to $183.6 million in Nine Months 2013 from $179.5 million in Nine Months 2012, an increase of $4.1 million, or 2%. This increase is primarily due to higher equity in earnings of Crown Imports and the Company’s Opus One equity method investment, partially offset by lower equity in earnings from Ruffino as a result of the October 5, 2011, acquisition of Ruffino and the consolidation of Ruffino’s results of operations since the date of acquisition.

Net sales for Crown Imports increased to $2,059.9 million for Nine Months 2013 from $1,945.0 million for Nine Months 2012, an increase of $114.9 million, or 6%. This increase resulted primarily from volume growth within the Crown Imports’ Mexican beer portfolio which benefited from continued consumer demand and increased advertising spend. Crown Imports’ gross profit increased $29.3 million, or 5%, primarily due to the volume growth in the Crown Imports’ Mexican beer portfolio. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $16.0 million, or 7%, primarily due to the planned increase in advertising spend, coupled with higher compensation and benefit costs, partially offset by a gain recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 in connection with the receipt of a payment terminating Crown Imports’ right to distribute the St. Pauli Girl beer brand. Operating income increased $13.3 million, or 4%, primarily due to these factors.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net of interest income of $4.7 million and $4.9 million, for Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012, respectively, increased to $166.7 million for Nine Months 2013 from $133.1 million for Nine Months 2012, an increase of $33.6 million, or 25%. The increase was driven largely by higher average borrowings combined with a higher weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings resulting primarily from the issuance of the April 2012 Senior Notes and the August 2012 Senior Notes.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012 was 25.3% and 24.6%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for Nine Months 2013 was substantially impacted by the generation of additional foreign tax credits. The Company’s effective tax rate for Nine Months 2012 was substantially impacted by a decrease in uncertain tax positions in connection with the completion of various income tax examinations during Nine Months 2012.

Net Income

As a result of the above factors, net income decreased to $306.1 million for Nine Months 2013 from $342.0 million for Nine Months 2012, a decrease of $35.9 million, or (10%).


Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

The Company’s principal use of cash in its operating activities is for purchasing and carrying inventories and carrying seasonal accounts receivable. The Company’s primary source of liquidity has historically been cash flow from operations, except during annual grape harvests when the Company has relied on short-term borrowings. In the U.S., Canada and Italy, the annual grape crush normally begins in August and runs through October. In New Zealand, the annual grape crush normally begins in February and runs through May. The Company generally begins taking delivery of grapes at the beginning of the crush season with the majority of payments for such grapes coming due within 90 days. The Company’s short-term borrowings to support such purchases generally reach their highest levels one to two months after the crush season has ended. Historically, the Company has used cash flow

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Table of Contents                                    

from operating activities to repay its short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures. The Company will continue to use its short-term borrowings to support its working capital requirements.

The Company has maintained adequate liquidity to meet current working capital requirements, fund capital expenditures and repay scheduled principal and interest payments on debt. Absent deterioration of market conditions, the Company believes that cash flows from operating activities and its financing activities, primarily short-term borrowings, will provide adequate resources to satisfy its working capital, scheduled principal and interest payments on debt, and anticipated capital expenditure requirements for both its short-term and long-term capital needs.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $835.7 million in revolving loans available to be drawn under its 2012 Credit Agreement. The Company currently intends to use up to $650.0 million of borrowings under the revolving credit facility to fund a portion of the Crown Acquisition. The member financial institutions participating in the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement have complied with prior funding requests and the Company believes the member financial institutions will comply with ongoing funding requests. However, there can be no assurances that any particular financial institution will continue to do so in the future.

As previously discussed in the Overview section above, the Company has entered into certain agreements with respect to the Crown Acquisition. The consummation of the Crown Acquisition will require the incurrence by the Company of debt of approximately $1.875 billion, less any available cash used to fund the Crown Acquisition. In August 2012, the Company entered into financing arrangements to fund the Crown Acquisition consisting of a $575.0 million delayed draw term loan facility available until December 30, 2013, under the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement, and the August 2012 Senior Notes. The Company expects the remaining financing for the Crown Acquisition to consist of a combination of available cash, borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization facility and revolver borrowings under the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement. The Company also has a fully committed bridge facility through December 30, 2013, upon which it could draw to fund all or a portion of the Crown Acquisition if any of its expected financing is unavailable. See further information above under the caption “Recent Development – Crown Imports.”

Nine Months 2013 Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for Nine Months 2013 was $389.0 million, which resulted primarily from net income of $306.1 million, plus net noncash items charged to the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income of $186.5 million, partially offset by net cash used in the net change in the Company’s operating assets and liabilities of $110.8 million.

The net noncash items consisted primarily of depreciation expense, deferred tax provision, stock-based compensation expense and equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of distributed earnings. The net cash used in the net change in the Company’s operating assets and liabilities resulted primarily from increases in inventories of $196.7 million and accounts receivable, net, of $104.2 million, partially offset by increases in accounts payable of $170.7 million and other accrued expenses and liabilities of $26.4 million. The increases in inventories and accounts payable are both primarily due to seasonality of the calendar 2012 U.S. grape harvest. The increase in accounts receivable, net, is due largely to seasonality as well, as January and February are typically the Company’s lowest selling months. The increase in other accrued expenses and liabilities is largely due to increases in accrued promotions and advertising and accrued interest, partially offset by a decrease in current income taxes payable. The increase in accrued promotions and advertising is driven primarily by the increased U.S. promotional spend. The increase in accrued interest and decrease in current income taxes payable are both primarily due to timing of payments.


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Table of Contents                                    

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for Nine Months 2013 was $200.2 million, which resulted primarily from the purchase of Mark West of $159.3 million and capital expenditures of $52.2 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for Nine Months 2013 was $72.0 million resulting primarily from principal payments of long-term debt of $851.6 million, payment of restricted cash upon issuance of long-term debt of $650.0 million, purchases of treasury stock of $383.0 million (see “Share Repurchases” below) and net repayment of notes payable of $356.0 million, largely offset by proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $2,050.0 million and proceeds from exercises of employee stock options of $135.0 million.

Share Repurchases

In April 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock (the “2012 Authorization”). During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company repurchased 21,234,266 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the 2012 Authorization at an aggregate cost of $413.7 million, or an average cost of $19.48 per share, through open market transactions. During Nine Months 2013, the Company utilized the remaining $86.3 million outstanding under the 2012 Authorization to repurchase 3,970,481 shares of Class A Common Stock at an average cost of $21.74 per share, through open market transactions. In total, the Company has repurchased 25,204,747 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the 2012 Authorization at an aggregate cost of $500.0 million, or an average cost of $19.84 per share. The Company used proceeds from revolver borrowings under its then existing senior credit facility and cash generated from operations to pay the purchase price for the repurchased shares. The repurchased shares have become treasury shares.

In April 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock (the “2013 Authorization”). The Board of Directors did not specify a date upon which the 2013 Authorization would expire. Share repurchases under the 2013 Authorization may be accomplished at management’s discretion from time to time based on market conditions, the Company’s cash and debt position, and other factors as determined by management. Shares may be repurchased through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The Company may fund future share repurchases with cash generated from operations, proceeds from borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization facility or proceeds from revolver borrowings under its senior credit facility. Any repurchased shares will become treasury shares.

During Nine Months 2013, the Company repurchased 14,023,985 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the 2013 Authorization at an aggregate cost of $296.7 million, or an average cost of $21.15 per share, through open market transactions. The Company used proceeds from the April 2012 Senior Notes, revolver borrowings under both the May 2012 Credit Agreement (as defined below) and its prior senior credit facility, and cash generated from operations to pay the purchase price for the repurchased shares. The repurchased shares have become treasury shares.

No shares were repurchased under the 2013 Authorization during Third Quarter 2013. The balance of the 2013 Authorization remains available and the Company may repurchase shares under this authorization from time to time, including during the remainder of Fiscal 2013, at management’s discretion as described above.


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Debt

Total debt outstanding as of November 30, 2012, amounted to $3,995.4 million, an increase of $865.9 million from February 29, 2012.

Senior Credit Facility

2012 Credit Agreement

On May 3, 2012 (the “Closing Date”), the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other lenders (all such parties other than the Company are collectively referred to as the “Lenders”) entered into a new Credit Agreement (the “May 2012 Credit Agreement”). On August 8, 2012, the May 2012 Credit Agreement was amended and restated (the “August 2012 Restatement”). The May 2012 Credit Agreement together with the August 2012 Restatement is referred to as the “2012 Credit Agreement.” The 2012 Credit Agreement provides for aggregate credit facilities of $2,225.0 million, consisting of a $550.0 million term loan facility maturing on May 3, 2017 (the “Term A Facility”), a $250.0 million term loan facility maturing on May 3, 2019 (the “Term A-1 Facility”), a $575.0 million delayed draw term loan facility maturing on August 8, 2017 (the “Term A-2 Facility”), and an $850.0 million revolving credit facility (including a sub-facility for letters of credit of up to $200.0 million) which terminates on May 3, 2017 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The obligation of the relevant Lenders to make loans pursuant to the Term A-2 Facility (the “Term A-2 Loans”) terminates no later than December 30, 2013, and is subject to limited conditions, including, but not limited to, the Crown Acquisition having closed (or closing concurrently with the making of the Term A-2 Loans, the “Term A-2 Closing Date”). The 2012 Credit Agreement also permits the Company from time to time after the Closing Date to elect to increase the Lenders’ revolving credit commitments or add one or more tranches of additional term loans, subject to the willingness of existing or new lenders to fund such increase or term loans and other customary conditions. The minimum aggregate principal amount of such incremental revolving credit commitment increases or additional term loans may be no less than $25.0 million and the maximum aggregate principal amount of all such incremental revolving credit commitment increases and additional term loans (the “Incremental Facilities Cap”), other than term loans the proceeds of which are applied to repay existing term loans, may be no more than $500.0 million until the Term A-2 Closing Date (see additional discussion below). A portion of the proceeds of the May 2012 Credit Agreement were used to repay the outstanding obligations under the Company’s then existing senior credit facility. The Company uses its revolving credit facility under the 2012 Credit Agreement for general corporate purposes.

The rate of interest on borrowings under the 2012 Credit Agreement is a function of LIBOR plus a margin, the federal funds rate plus a margin, or the prime rate plus a margin. The margin is adjustable based upon the Company’s debt ratio (as defined in the 2012 Credit Agreement). As of November 30, 2012, the LIBOR margin for the Term A Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility was 1.75%; and the LIBOR margin for the Term A-1 Facility was 2.0%.

The changes to the May 2012 Credit Agreement effected by the August 2012 Restatement, among other things, (i)  arranged a portion of the debt to finance the Crown Acquisition (the Term A-2 Facility), (ii)  facilitated the issuance of the August 2012 Senior Notes and the arrangements under the Escrow Agreement, (iii)  modified certain defined terms and covenant requirements, and (iv)  adjusted the Incremental Facilities Cap from $750.0 million to $500.0 million until the Term A-2 Closing Date. Subsequent to the Term A-2 Closing Date, the Incremental Facilities Cap will be $750.0 million minus the amount by which the aggregate initial principal amount of the Term A-2 Loans exceeds $325.0 million, if any. If the Term A-2 Loans are never borrowed and the commitments for the Term A-2 Facility are terminated, the Incremental Facilities Cap will revert to $750.0 million.

The obligations under the 2012 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries. These obligations are also secured by a pledge of (i)  100% of the ownership interests in certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries and (ii)  55-65% of certain interests of certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.


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The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to covenants that are contained in the 2012 Credit Agreement, including those restricting the incurrence of additional indebtedness (including guarantees of indebtedness), additional liens, mergers and consolidations, the payment of dividends, the making of certain investments, prepayments of certain debt, transactions with affiliates, agreements that restrict the Company’s non-guarantor subsidiaries from paying dividends, and dispositions of property, 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 debt coverage ratio.

As of November 30, 2012, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Term A Facility of $543.1 million bearing an interest rate of 2.0%, Term A-1 Facility of $249.4 million bearing an interest rate of 2.2%, outstanding letters of credit of $14.4 million, and $835.6 million in revolving loans available to be drawn.

As of November 30, 2012, the required principal repayments of the Term A Facility and the Term A-1 Facility for the remaining three months of fiscal 2013 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:

 
Term A
Facility
 
Term A-1
Facility
 
Total
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
2013
$
6.9

 
$
0.6

 
$
7.5

2014
27.5

 
2.5

 
30.0

2015
41.2

 
2.5

 
43.7

2016
55.0

 
2.5

 
57.5

2017
55.0

 
2.5

 
57.5

2018
357.5

 
2.5

 
360.0

Thereafter

 
236.3

 
236.3

 
$
543.1

 
$
249.4

 
$
792.5


As of December 31, 2012, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Term A Facility of $536.3 million bearing an interest rate of 2.0%, Term A-1 Facility of $248.8 million bearing an interest rate of 2.2%, outstanding letters of credit of $14.3 million, and $835.7 million in revolving loans available to be drawn.

In April 2012, the Company transitioned its interest rate swap agreements to a one-month LIBOR base rate versus the then existing three-month LIBOR base rate. Accordingly, the Company entered into new interest rate swap agreements which were designated as cash flow hedges of $500.0 million of the Company’s floating LIBOR rate debt. In addition, the then existing interest rate swap agreements were dedesignated by the Company and the Company entered into additional undesignated interest rate swap agreements for $500.0 million to offset the prospective impact of the newly undesignated interest rate swap agreements. The unrealized losses in AOCI related to the dedesignated interest rate swap agreements are being reclassified from AOCI ratably into earnings in the same period in which the original hedged item is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Accordingly, the Company has fixed its interest rates on $500.0 million of the Company’s floating LIBOR rate debt at an average rate of 2.8% (exclusive of borrowing margins) through September 1, 2016. For Nine Months 2013 and Nine Months 2012, the Company reclassified net losses of $6.1 million and $2.0 million, net of income tax effect, respectively, from AOCI to interest expense, net, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. For Third Quarter 2013 and Third Quarter 2012, the Company reclassified net losses of $2.0 million and $2.0 million, net of income tax effect, respectively, from AOCI to interest expense, net, on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.


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Senior Notes

On April 17, 2012, the Company issued $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes due May 2022 (the “April 2012 Senior Notes”). The net proceeds of the offering ($591.4 million) were used for general corporate purposes, including, among others, reducing the outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s prior senior credit facility and common stock share repurchases under the 2013 Authorization. Interest on the April 2012 Senior Notes is payable semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 2012. The April 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount plus a make whole payment based on the present value of the future payments at the adjusted Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points. The April 2012 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment to all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company. Certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries guarantee the April 2012 Senior Notes on a senior unsecured basis. As of November 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of April 2012 Senior Notes.

On August 14, 2012, the Company issued $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes due March 2023 (the “August 2012 Senior Notes”). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering ($640.6 million) to fund a portion of the Crown Acquisition. Interest on the August 2012 Senior Notes is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning March 1, 2013. The August 2012 Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount plus a make whole payment based on the present value of the future payments at the adjusted Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points. In addition, if the Crown Acquisition is terminated or has not been consummated on or prior to December 30, 2013, all of the August 2012 Senior Notes will be redeemed (the “Special Mandatory Redemption”) at a price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the Special Mandatory Redemption. The August 2012 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations that rank equally with the Company’s other senior unsecured indebtedness except that the Escrowed Property will be held in escrow and has been pledged to secure the August 2012 Senior Notes until it is used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Crown Acquisition. Certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries guarantee the August 2012 Senior Notes on a senior unsecured basis. As of November 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of August 2012 Senior Notes.

As discussed previously, in connection with the issuance of the August 2012 Senior Notes, the Company entered into the Escrow Agreement pursuant to which the Escrowed Property was placed into an escrow account. In accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement, the Escrowed Property will be released to the Company upon closing of the Crown Acquisition. If the Crown Acquisition is terminated or has not been consummated on or prior to December 30, 2013, the Escrowed Property will be released for purposes of effecting the Special Mandatory Redemption.


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Debt Payments

Principal payments required under long-term debt obligations (excluding unamortized discount of $4.3 million) for the remaining three months of fiscal 2013 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:

(in millions)
 
2013
$
12.9

2014
47.0

2015
553.8

2016
63.4

2017
759.8

2018
1,060.0

Thereafter
1,486.2

 
$
3,983.1


Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility

On December 4, 2012, the Company entered into a 364-day revolving trade accounts receivable securitization facility. Under the facility, trade accounts receivable generated by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are sold by the Company to a wholly-owned bankruptcy remote single purpose subsidiary (the “SPV”), which is consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes. Such trade accounts receivable have been pledged by the SPV to secure borrowings under the facility. The Company will continue to service the trade accounts receivable and act as servicer for the facility. The trade accounts receivable balances related to this facility will continue to be reported as accounts receivable on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, but the trade accounts receivable will at all times be owned by the SPV and be included on the financial statements of the Company to comply with generally accepted accounting principles. Any borrowings under the facility will be recorded as secured borrowings and will bear interest at a rate based on a margin of 100 basis points plus the conduit lender's cost of funds or, if such borrowings were not funded by commercial paper issuances by the conduit lender, one-month LIBOR. The facility provides borrowing capacity of $65.0 million up to $250.0 million structured to account for the seasonality of the Company’s business, subject to further limitations based upon various pre-agreed formulas. As of January 9, 2013, the SPV had not effected any borrowings under the facility.


Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

In December 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance creating new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The Company is required to adopt this amended guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2013. In addition, this amended guidance requires retrospective application. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Intangibles – Goodwill and Other

In July 2012, the FASB issued amended guidance for indefinite lived intangible asset impairment testing. The amended guidance allows an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired, the entity is not required to take further action. If an entity concludes otherwise, then the entity would be required to determine the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible asset and compare the fair value with the carrying amount of the

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indefinite lived intangible asset. The Company is required to adopt this amended guidance for its annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amended guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including without limitation (I)  the statements under Part I – Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” regarding (i)  the Company’s business strategy, future financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management, (ii)  the Company’s expected restructuring charges, accelerated depreciation and other costs, (iii)  information concerning expected or potential actions of third parties, (iv)  information concerning the future expected balance of supply and demand for wine, (v) the expected impact upon results of operations resulting from the Company’s decision to consolidate its U.S. distributor network, and (vi)  the duration of the share repurchase implementation and (II)  the statements regarding the acquisition of the remaining portion of Crown Imports LLC (the “Crown Acquisition”) and associated financing are forward-looking statements. When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the words “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it 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 the Company competes, the forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are also subject to the risk and uncertainty that (i)  the actual balance of supply and demand for wine products will vary from current expectations due to, among other reasons, actual shipments to distributors and actual consumer demand, (ii)  the Company’s restructuring charges, accelerated depreciation and other costs may vary materially from current expectations due to, among other reasons, variations in anticipated headcount reductions, contract terminations or modifications, equipment relocation and/or other costs of implementation, (iii)  the amount and timing of any additional share repurchases may vary due to market conditions, the Company’s cash and debt position, the impact of the Crown Acquisition and other factors as determined by management from time to time, (iv)  any consummation of the Crown Acquisition and any actual date of consummation of the Crown Acquisition may vary from the Company’s current expectations, and (v)  the exact components, availability and terms of the financing for the Crown Acquisition may vary due to market conditions, the Company’s cash and debt position, and other factors as determined by management. The Crown Acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and the consummation of certain transactions between Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and Grupo Modelo, S.A.B. de C.V., and certain of its affiliates. For additional information about risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect the Company’s forward-looking statements, please refer to Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, as supplemented by Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2012.

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Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company, as a result of its global operating, acquisition and financing activities, is exposed to market risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, diesel fuel prices and interest rates. To manage the volatility relating to these risks, the Company periodically purchases and/or sells derivative instruments including foreign currency forward and option contracts, diesel fuel swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements. The Company uses derivative instruments solely to reduce the financial impact of these risks and does not use derivative instruments for trading purposes.

Foreign currency derivative instruments are or may be used to hedge existing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, forecasted foreign currency denominated sales/purchases to/from third parties as well as intercompany sales/purchases, intercompany principal and interest payments, and in connection with acquisitions or joint venture investments outside the U.S. As of November 30, 2012, the Company had exposures to foreign currency risk primarily related to the euro, New Zealand dollar and Canadian dollar.

As of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding foreign currency derivative instruments with a notional value of $487.5 million and $510.0 million, respectively. As of November 30, 2012, approximately 75.2% of the Company’s balance sheet exposures and forecasted transactional exposures for the remaining three months of fiscal 2013 were hedged. The estimated fair value of the Company’s foreign currency derivative instruments was a net asset of $4.3 million and $7.2 million as of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively. Using a sensitivity analysis based on estimated fair value of open contracts using forward rates, if the contract base currency had been 10% weaker as of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, the fair value of open foreign currency contracts would have been decreased by $11.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Losses or gains from the revaluation or settlement of the related underlying positions would substantially offset such gains or losses on the derivative instruments.

As of November 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding diesel fuel swap agreements with a notional value of $18.3 million. The Company had no diesel fuel swap agreements outstanding as of November 30, 2011. The estimated fair value of the Company’s diesel fuel swap agreements was a net asset of $1.0 million as of November 30, 2012. Using a sensitivity analysis based on estimated fair value of open contracts using forward rates, if the contract base price had been 10% weaker as of November 30, 2012, the fair value of open diesel fuel contracts would have been decreased by $1.7 million.

The fair value of fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and foreign currency risk. The estimated fair value of the Company’s total fixed interest rate debt, including current maturities, was $3,610.3 million and $2,131.1 million as of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively. A hypothetical 1% increase from prevailing interest rates as of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of the fixed interest rate long-term debt by $174.1 million and $82.6 million, respectively.

As of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, the Company had outstanding cash flow designated interest rate swap agreements to minimize interest rate volatility. As of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, the swap agreements fix LIBOR interest rates on $500.0 million of the Company’s floating LIBOR rate debt at an average rate of 2.8% and 2.9% (exclusive of borrowing margins), respectively, through September 1, 2016. In addition, the Company has offsetting undesignated interest rate swap agreements with an absolute notional value of $1.0 billion outstanding as of November 30, 2012. The estimated fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements was a net liability of $47.1 million and $42.8 million as of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively. A hypothetical 1% increase from prevailing interest rates as of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, would have favorably increased the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements by $18.4 million and $24.2 million, respectively.


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In addition to the $3,610.3 million and $2,131.1 million estimated fair value of fixed interest rate debt outstanding as of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, respectively, the Company also had variable interest rate debt outstanding (primarily LIBOR-based), certain of which includes a fixed margin. As of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, the estimated fair value of the Company’s total variable interest rate debt, including current maturities, was $765.2 million and $1,151.8 million, respectively. A hypothetical 1% increase from prevailing interest rates as of November 30, 2012, and November 30, 2011, would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of the variable interest rate long-term debt by $31.2 million and $16.7 million, respectively.


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i)  is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii)  is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In connection with the foregoing evaluation by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, no changes were identified in the Company’s “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.


Item 6.
Exhibits.

Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

For the exhibits that are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference, see the Index to Exhibits located on page 66 of this report. The Index to Exhibits is incorporated herein by reference.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.
 
 
 
 
Dated:
January 9, 2013
By:
/s/ David M. Thomas
 
 
 
David M. Thomas, Senior Vice President,
Finance and Controller
 
 
 
 
Dated:
January 9, 2013
By:
/s/ Robert Ryder
 
 
 
Robert Ryder, Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (principal financial
officer and principal accounting officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit No.
 
 
2.1
 
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2012, among Constellation Beers Ltd., Constellation Brands Beach Holdings, Inc., Constellation Brands, Inc. and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 2012, filed July 2, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.) +
 
 
 
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
3.3
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 2007, filed December 12, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 
4.1
 
Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2006, by and among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 15, 2006, filed August 18, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 
4.2
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 1, with respect to 7.25% Senior Notes due 2016, dated as of August 15, 2006, among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 15, 2006, filed August 18, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 
4.3
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of November 30, 2006, by and among the Company, Vincor International Partnership, Vincor International II, LLC, Vincor Holdings, Inc., R.H. Phillips, Inc., The Hogue Cellars, Ltd., Vincor Finance, LLC, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.28 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 
4.4
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of May 4, 2007, by and among the Company, Barton SMO Holdings LLC, ALCOFI INC., and Spirits Marque One LLC, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.32 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 
4.5
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 4, with respect to 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2014, dated as of December 5, 2007, by and among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., (as successor to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2007, filed December 11, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 
4.6
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of January 22, 2008, by and among the Company, BWE, Inc., Atlas Peak Vineyards, Inc., Buena Vista Winery, Inc., Clos du Bois Wines, Inc., Gary Farrell Wines, Inc., Peak Wines International, Inc., and Planet 10 Spirits, LLC, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (successor trustee to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 
4.7
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated as of February 27, 2009, by and among the Company, Constellation Services LLC, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company National Association (successor trustee to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
4.8
 
Indenture, with respect to 7.25% Senior Notes due May 2017, dated May 14, 2007, by and among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 9, 2007, filed May 14, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 
4.9
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of January 22, 2008, by and among the Company, BWE, Inc., Atlas Peak Vineyards, Inc., Buena Vista Winery, Inc., Clos du Bois Wines, Inc., Gary Farrell Wines, Inc., Peak Wines International, Inc., and Planet 10 Spirits, LLC, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (successor trustee to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.) #
 
 
 

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4.10
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of February 27, 2009, by and among the Company, Constellation Services LLC, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company National Association (successor trustee to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
4.11
 
Indenture, dated as of April 17, 2012, by and among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 17, 2012, filed April 23, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
4.12
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 1, with respect to 6.0% Senior Notes due May 2022, dated as of April 17, 2012, among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 17, 2012, filed April 23, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
4.13
 
Supplemental Indenture No. 2, with respect to 4.625% Senior Notes due March 2023, dated as of August 14, 2012, among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 14, 2012, filed August 17, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
4.14
 
Restatement Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2012, among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto, including Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 8, 2012, among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 6, 2012, filed August 10, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
4.15
 
Amended and Restated Interim Loan Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2012, among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 6, 2012, filed August 10, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
10.1
 
Guarantee Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2012, made by the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party thereto in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2012, among Constellation, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders and other parties party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 3, 2012, filed May 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
10.2
 
Guarantor Consent and Reaffirmation dated as of August 8, 2012, made by the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party thereto in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, for the ratable benefit of the lenders party to the Restatement Agreement dated as of August 8, 2012 among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 6, 2012, filed August 10, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
10.3
 
Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2012, made by the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party thereto in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders under the Interim Loan Agreement dated as of June 28, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 28, 2012, filed July 2, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
10.4
 
Escrow Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2012, among Constellation Brands, Inc., Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, in its capacity as Trustee, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as escrow agent and securities intermediary (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 14, 2012, filed August 17, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
10.5
 
New Product Amendment to Exhibit B to the January 2, 2007 Crown Imports LLC Importer Agreement, effective on and after November 1, 2012, by and between Extrade II, S.A. de C.V. and Crown Imports LLC (filed herewith.) ++
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith.)
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith.)
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith.)
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith.)
 
 
 

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Table of Contents                                    

101.1
 
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2012 and February 29, 2012, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months and the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
#
Company’s Commission File No. 001-08495.
 

 
 
+
Portions of this exhibit were redacted pursuant to a confidential treatment request filed with and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
 
 
 
++
This Exhibit has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment. The confidential portions of this Exhibit have been omitted and are marked by an asterisk.
 
 
 
The Company agrees, upon request of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to furnish copies of each instrument that defines the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company or its subsidiaries that is not filed herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) because the total amount of long-term debt authorized under such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

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