What to Expect from Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ  ) is expected to report Q4 earnings around April 5. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Constellation Brands's revenues will grow 6.3% and EPS will decrease -36.2%.

The average estimate for revenue is $667.5 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.44.

Revenue details
Last quarter, Constellation Brands reported revenue of $767.0 million. GAAP reported sales were 9.4% higher than the prior-year quarter's $700.7 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Last quarter, non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.63. GAAP EPS of $0.60 for Q3 were 15% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.52 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 41.0%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 22.5%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 14.3%, 70 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $2.77 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.17.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 328 members out of 362 rating the stock outperform, and 34 members rating it underperform. Among 109 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 108 give Constellation Brands a green thumbs-up, and one give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Constellation Brands is outperform, with an average price target of $40.00.

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