UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of
earliest event reported): December 5, 2008 (December 4, 2008)
Brown-Forman Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 002-26821 61-0143150
(State or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.)
incorporation)
850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40210
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (502) 585-1100
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Brown-Forman Corporation issued a press release today, December 5, 2008,
reporting results of its operations for the fiscal quarter and six-month period
ended October 31, 2008. A copy of this Brown-Forman Corporation press release is
attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure
On December 4, 2008, the Company issued a press release announcing that its
Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of the
Company's outstanding Class A and Class B common stock, subject to market
conditions. Under this plan, the Company can repurchase shares from time to time
for cash in open market purchases, block transactions, and privately negotiated
transactions, in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. This share
repurchase program may be modified, suspended, terminated or extended by the
Company at any time without prior notice. A copy of the press release announcing
the share repurchase program is attached as Exhibit 99.2 hereto.
The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K is being furnished
and shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Exhibits
99.1 Brown-Forman Corporation Press Release dated December 5, 2008.
99.2 Brown-Forman Corporation Press Release dated December 4, 2008.
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 hereunto duly authorized.
Brown-Forman Corporation
(Registrant)
Date: December 5, 2008 By: /s/ Nelea A. Absher
Nelea A. Absher
Vice President, Associate
General Counsel and Assistant
Corporate Secretary
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number Description
99.1 Press Release, dated December 5, 2008, issued by Brown-Forman
Corporation, reporting results of operations for the fiscal quarter
and six-month period ended October 31, 2008.
99.2 Press Release, dated December 4, 2008, issued by Brown-Forman
Corporation, announcing share repurchase program.
Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BROWN-FORMAN REPORTS 4% SECOND QUARTER OPERATING INCOME GROWTH IN CHALLENGING
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT; EPS GROWTH OF 13%
Louisville, KY, December 5, 2008 - Brown-Forman Corporation reported that
diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(1) increased 13% to $0.94
and operating income increased 4% to $222 million for its fiscal 2009 second
quarter. For the first six months of the fiscal year, diluted earnings per share
increased 5% to $1.52, while operating income decreased 2% to $362 million.
Adjusting for items in Schedule A of this press release, underlying(2) operating
income grew 5% for the second quarter and 4% for the first half of fiscal 2009.
Commenting on the first half, Paul Varga, chief executive officer said, "We are
pleased with our results, particularly in the second quarter where we saw
improvement during a challenging economic environment. We believe our first half
performance is a testimony to the stability of our company, the strength and
resiliency of our brands and people, and the quality of our cash flows and
balance sheet."
Reported net sales for the six months ended October 31, 2008 were $1.7 billion,
an increase of 6% when compared with the first half of last year. Adjusting for
estimated changes in global trade inventories, the Australian ready-to-drink
excise tax increase, discontinued agency relationships, and changes in foreign
exchange rates, underlying net sales grew 5% versus the same prior year period.
For the second quarter, reported net sales grew 5% and underlying net sales grew
6%.
--------
(1) All per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the October 27, 2008
Class B common stock distribution. For every four shares of Class A or
Class B common stock, one Class B share was issued. All financial and
statistical information contained in this press release relates to the
continuing operations of the company unless otherwise stated.
(2) Underlying growth represents the percentage growth in reported financial
results in accordance with GAAP, adjusted for certain items.
A reconciliation from reported to underlying net sales, gross profit,
advertising expense, SG&A, and operating income (non-GAAP measures) growth
for the quarter and the first six months of the fiscal year, and the reasons
why management believes these adjustments to be useful to the reader, are
included in Schedule A and the notes to this press release.
- The Jack Daniel's Family of Whiskey Brands, excluding the ready-to-drink
products, increased both reported and constant currency(3) net sales in the
mid-single digits for the first half of the fiscal year, primarily reflecting
shipment growth. Global depletions(4) increased in the mid-single digits for
the first six months of fiscal 2009 as gains in the U.S., Eastern Europe,
Australia, and Latin America were partially offset by declines in some
Western European markets, including Germany, the U.K., and Spain. Jack
Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey reported net sales increased at mid-single digit
rates and constant currency net sales grew at low single digit rates for the
first half of fiscal 2009. Gentleman Jack's net sales grew at a strong
double-digit rate on both a reported and a constant currency basis for the
six month period.
- Jack Daniel's & Cola reported and constant currency global net sales grew in
the mid-single digits through October. While depletions increased slightly
in the second quarter, they were down for the first half due to a substantial
increase in ready-to-drink excise taxes in Australia that became effective in
April 2008. Double-digit depletion gains in Germany partially offset losses
in Australia.
- Finlandia net sales increased by double digits on both a reported and a
constant currency basis for the six month period, reflecting higher shipments
and pricing gains. Global depletions grew in the high single digits, led by
continued double-digit growth in Eastern Europe.
- Southern Comfort net sales declined in the low single digits on a reported
basis and in the mid-single digits on a constant currency basis during the
first half of fiscal 2009. Depletion trends showed modest improvement during
the second quarter, particularly in the U.S., where they increased in the low
single digits.
- Second quarter growth rates for the company's faster growing, super-premium
brands remained strong but their growth rates slowed somewhat since the first
quarter and last fiscal year. Reported and constant currency net sales for
Sonoma-Cutrer, Bonterra, Woodford Reserve, and the Casa Herradura portfolio
grew at double-digit rates for the six month period; reported and constant
currency net sales grew in the high single digits for Chambord and in the
mid-single digits for Tuaca.
--------
(3) Constant currency represents reported net sales with the cost/benefit of
currency movements removed. Management uses the measure to understand the
growth of the business on a constant dollar basis, as fluctuations in
exchange rates can distort the underlying growth of the business both
positively and negatively.
(4) Depletions are shipments from wholesaler distributors to retail customers,
and are commonly regarded in the industry as an approximate measure of
consumer demand.
For the first six months of the year, reported gross profit declined 2%, while
underlying gross profit increased 2% after adjusting for the non-cash agave
inventory charge and foreign exchange rate movements. Underlying gross profit
growth lagged underlying net sales trends, due in part to increased value-added
packaging costs and higher grain and fuel costs when compared to the same period
last year. For the second quarter, reported gross profit declined 1% and
underlying gross profit increased 3%.
Reported advertising investments were flat for the first half of the year
compared to the same period last year. Adjusting for spending behind
discontinued agency brands last year and foreign exchange movements, underlying
advertising investments increased 1% for the first six months of fiscal 2009.
The company continued to reallocate spending to those brands, markets, and
channels where it believes the consumer and trade are most responsive to the
investments, which included increased spending for value-added packaging that is
reflected in cost of goods. Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses
decreased 2% when compared with the first half of last year as the company
continued to benefit from cost savings initiatives. Adjusting for transition
costs related to the fiscal 2007 Casa Herradura acquisition, SG&A decreased 1%.
Brown-Forman's balance sheet remained strong and the company continued to
operate during the six month period with an "A2" rating from Moody's and an "A"
rating from Standard & Poor's.
Share Repurchase Program
As announced yesterday, the company's Board of Directors has authorized the
repurchase of up to $250 million of its outstanding Class A and Class B common
shares over the next 12 months, subject to market conditions. Under this plan,
the company can repurchase shares from time to time for cash in open market
purchases, block transactions, and privately negotiated transactions in
accordance with applicable federal securities laws.
Full-Year Outlook
Due to an estimated $0.12 per share net gain on the expected sale of Bolla and
Fontana Candida, the company is increasing its fiscal 2009 full year earnings
per share guidance to a range of $3.00 to $3.20, representing growth of 6% to
13% over prior-year earnings per share of $2.84. The guidance also includes the
expectation of maintaining year-to-date trends for Jack Daniel's, Southern
Comfort, and Finlandia. A weaker than anticipated consumer and trade
environment, due to the current global economic conditions, could have a
significant impact on the company's ability to maintain these trends. This
outlook also incorporates expectations for continued tight management of
discretionary operating expenses, a lower effective tax rate in the second half
of the year as compared to the first half, and the assumption that today's
stronger dollar relative to the company's major foreign currencies will continue
for the balance of the year.
Brown-Forman will host a conference call to discuss the results at 9:30 a.m.
(EST) this morning. All interested parties in the U.S. are invited to join the
conference call by dialing 888-624-9285 and asking for the Brown-Forman call.
International callers should dial 706-679-3410 and ask for the Brown-Forman
call. No password is required. The company suggests that participants dial in
approximately ten minutes in advance of the 9:30 a.m. start of the conference
call.
A live audio broadcast of the conference call will also be available via
Brown-Forman's Internet Web site, www.brown-forman.com, through a link to
"Investor Relations." For those unable to participate in the live call, a replay
will be available by calling 800-642-1687 (U.S.) or 706-645-9291
(international). The identification code is 73923858. A digital audio recording
of the conference call will also be available on the Web site approximately one
hour after the conclusion of the conference call. The replay will be available
for at least 30 days following the conference call.
In addition to the earnings release and conference call, Brown-Forman will also
hold an analyst meeting starting at 1:00 p.m. on December 5 and a live audio Web
cast of the company presentations and question and answer session with analysts
will be available via www.brown-forman.com, through a link to Investor
Relations/Events and Presentations. Copies of the slides presented at the
analyst meeting will also be available via the Web site.
Brown-Forman Corporation is a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage
alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian
Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura,
Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, Woodford Reserve, and Bonterra.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This release contains statements, estimates, or projections that constitute
"forward-looking statements" as defined under U.S. federal securities laws.
Generally, the words "expect," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "will,"
"anticipate," and "project," and similar expressions identify a forward-looking
statement, which speaks only as of the date the statement is made. Except as
required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
We believe that the expectations and assumptions with respect to our
forward-looking statements are reasonable. But by their nature, forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
in some cases are out of our control. These factors could cause our actual
results to differ materially from Brown-Forman's historical experience or our
present expectations or projections. Here is a non-exclusive list of such risks
and uncertainties:
- continuation of the U.S. or global economic downturn or ongoing turmoil in
world financial markets (and related credit and capital market instability
and illiquidity; decreased consumer and trade spending; higher unemployment;
supplier, customer and consumer credit problems, etc.);
- pricing, marketing and other competitive activity focused against our major
brands;
- continued or further decline in consumer confidence or spending, whether
related to U.S. and global economic conditions, war, natural disasters,
terrorist attacks or other factors;
- tax increases, changes in tax rules (e.g., LIFO treatment for inventory),
tariff barriers and/or other restrictions affecting beverage alcohol, whether
at the U.S. federal or state level or in other major markets around the
world, and the unpredictability or suddenness with which they can occur;
- limitations and restrictions on distribution of products and alcohol
marketing, including advertising and promotion, as a result of stricter
governmental policies adopted either in the United States or in our other
major markets;
- fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies, especially the
British Pound, Euro, Australian Dollar, Polish Zloty and the South African
Rand;
- reduced bar, restaurant, hotel and other on-premise business, including
consumer shifts to discount stores and other price sensitive purchases and
venues;
- longer-term, a change in consumer preferences, societal attitudes or cultural
trends that results in the reduced consumption of our premium spirits brands
or our ready-to-drink products;
- distribution arrangement changes in major markets that limit our ability to
market or sell our products;
- adverse impacts as a consequence of our acquisitions, acquisition strategies,
integration of acquired businesses, or conforming them to the company's trade
practice standards, financial controls environment and U.S. public company
requirements;
- price increases in energy or raw materials, such as grapes, grain, agave,
wood, glass, and plastic;
- changes in climate conditions, agricultural uncertainties, our suppliers'
financial hardships or other supply limitations that adversely affect supply,
price, availability, quality, or health of grapes, agave, grain, glass,
closures or wood;
- negative public media related to our company, brands, personnel, operations,
business performance or prospects;
- counterfeit production, tampering, or contamination of our products and any
resulting negative effect on our sales, intellectual property rights, or
brand equity;
- adverse developments stemming from state or federal investigations of
beverage alcohol industry marketing or trade practices of suppliers,
distributors or retailers; and
- impairment in the recorded value of inventory, fixed assets, goodwill or
other acquired intangibles.
Brown-Forman Corporation
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
October 31,
2007 2008 Change
------ ------ ------
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Net sales $893.4 $934.7 5%
Excise taxes 177.8 196.8 11%
Cost of sales 245.6 271.2 10%
------ ------
Gross profit 470.0 466.7 (1%)
Advertising expenses 112.6 110.0 (2%)
Selling, general, and
administrative expenses 146.7 139.9 (5%)
Amortization expense 1.3 1.3
Other (income), net (3.2) (6.2)
------ ------
Operating income 212.6 221.7 4%
Interest expense, net 12.2 7.9
------ ------
Income before income taxes 200.4 213.8 7%
Income taxes 70.9 70.6
------ ------
Net income $129.5 $143.2 11%
====== ======
Earnings per share:
Basic 0.84 0.95 13%
Diluted 0.83 0.94 13%
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Net loss $(0.1) $ --
Loss per share:
Basic -- --
Diluted -- --
TOTAL COMPANY
Net income $129.4 $143.2 11%
Earnings per share:
Basic 0.84 0.95 13%
Diluted 0.83 0.94 13%
(more)
Brown-Forman Corporation
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Six Months Ended
October 31,
2007 2008 Change
------ ------ ------
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Net sales $1,632.5 $1,724.7 6%
Excise taxes 329.8 373.0 13%
Cost of sales 441.7 504.2 14%
------ ------
Gross profit 861.0 847.5 (2%)
Advertising expenses 206.5 207.0 0%
Selling, general, and
administrative expenses 289.7 284.2 (2%)
Amortization expense 2.6 2.6
Other (income), net (5.9) (8.6)
------ ------
Operating income 368.1 362.3 (2%)
Interest expense, net 23.4 15.4
------ ------
Income before income taxes 344.7 346.9 1%
Income taxes 119.9 115.5
------ ------
Net income $224.8 $231.4 3%
====== ======
Earnings per share:
Basic 1.46 1.54 5%
Diluted 1.44 1.52 5%
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Net loss $(0.2) $ --
Loss per share:
Basic -- --
Diluted -- --
TOTAL COMPANY
Net income $224.6 $231.4 3%
Earnings per share:
Basic 1.46 1.54 5%
Diluted 1.44 1.52 6%
(more)
Brown-Forman Corporation
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in millions)
April 30, October 31,
2008 2008
------- -------
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $118.9 $326.8
Accounts receivable, net 453.2 534.4
Inventories 684.5 683.0
Other current assets 199.4 228.8
------- -------
Total current assets 1,456.0 1,773.0
Property, plant, and equipment, net 501.4 486.1
Goodwill 688.0 671.7
Other intangible assets 698.8 687.6
Prepaid pension cost 22.8 25.7
Other assets 38.0 36.5
------- -------
Total assets $3,405.0 $3,680.6
======= =======
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $379.7 $370.9
Accrued income taxes 14.7 8.3
Short-term borrowings 585.3 783.9
Current portion of long-term debt 4.3 3.2
------- -------
Total current liabilities 984.0 1,166.3
Long-term debt 417.0 412.3
Deferred income taxes 88.8 105.6
Accrued postretirement benefits 121.2 117.9
Other liabilities 68.8 66.3
------- -------
Total liabilities 1,679.8 1,868.4
Stockholders' equity 1,725.2 1,812.2
------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $3,405.0 $3,680.6
======= =======
(more)
Brown-Forman Corporation
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in millions)
Six Months Ended
October 31,
2007 2008
------ ------
Cash provided by operating activities $198.0 $116.2
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of brand names and trademarks (12.0) --
Sale of short-term investments 85.6 --
Additions to property, plant, and equipment (24.2) (26.3)
Other (1.4) (1.9)
------ ------
Cash provided by (used for)
investing activities 48.0 (28.2)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net (repayment) issuance of debt (61.3) 218.2
Acquisition of treasury stock (22.6) (0.3)
Special distribution to stockholders (203.7) --
Dividends paid (74.7) (82.2)
Other 20.3 (0.8)
------ ------
Cash used for financing activities (342.0) 134.9
Effect of exchange rate changes
on cash and cash equivalents 5.9 (15.0)
------ ------
Net (decrease) increase in
cash and cash equivalents (90.1) 207.9
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 282.8 118.9
------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $192.7 $326.8
====== ======
(more)
Brown-Forman Corporation
Supplemental Information (Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
October 31,
2007 2008
------ ------
Gross margin 52.6% 49.9%
Operating margin 23.8% 23.7%
Effective tax rate 35.4% 33.0%
Cash dividends paid per common share $0.242 $0.272
Shares (in thousands) used in the
calculation of earnings per share
- Basic 154,138 150,661
- Diluted 155,668 151,828
Six Months Ended
October 31,
2007 2008
------ ------
Gross margin 52.7% 49.1%
Operating margin 22.5% 21.0%
Effective tax rate 34.8% 33.3%
Cash dividends paid per common share $0.484 $0.544
Shares (in thousands) used in the
calculation of earnings per share
- Basic 154,068 150,630
- Diluted 155,594 151,880
These figures have been prepared in accordance with the company's customary
accounting practices.
Schedule A
Brown-Forman Corporation
Continuing Operations Only
Supplemental Information (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
October 31, 2008 October 31, 2008
REPORTED NET SALES GROWTH 5% 6%
Estimated net change in trade inventories (2%) (1%)
Australian excise tax (1%) (1%)
Net sales from agency brands 1% 1%
Impact of foreign currencies 3% -
----- -----
UNDERLYING NET SALES GROWTH 6% 5%
===== =====
REPORTED GROSS PROFIT GROWTH (1%) (2%)
Estimated net change in trade inventories (2%) -
Non-cash agave charge - 3%
Gross profit from agency brands 1% -
Impact of foreign currencies 5% 1%
----- -----
UNDERLYING GROSS PROFIT GROWTH 3% 2%
===== =====
REPORTED ADVERTISING GROWTH (2%) -
Advertising from agency brands 1% 2%
Impact of foreign currencies 2% (1%)
----- -----
UNDERLYING ADVERTISING GROWTH 1% 1%
===== =====
REPORTED SG&A GROWTH (5%) (2%)
Impact of foreign currencies 1% -
SG&A from acquisitions 2% 1%
----- -----
UNDERLYING SG&A GROWTH (2%) (1%)
===== =====
REPORTED OPERATING INCOME GROWTH 4% (2%)
Estimated net change in trade inventories (3%) (1%)
Transition expenses from acquisitions (2%) (1%)
Operating income from agency brands 1% 1%
Impact of foreign currencies 5% 1%
Non-cash agave charge - 6%
----- -----
UNDERLYING OPERATING INCOME GROWTH 5% 4%
===== =====
Notes:
Estimated net change in trade inventories - Refers to the estimated financial
impact of changes in wholesale trade inventories for the company's brands. We
compute this effect using our estimated depletion trends and separately identify
trade inventory changes in the variance analysis for our key measures. Based on
the estimated depletions and the fluctuations in trade inventory levels, we then
adjust the percentage variances from prior to current periods for our key
measures. We believe it is important to make this adjustment in order for
management and investors to understand the results of our business without
distortions that can arise from varying levels of wholesale inventories.
Australian excise tax - Refers to the impact of the 70% increase in excise tax
of ready-to-drink products in Australia, implemented on April 27, 2008. Since
net sales are recorded including excise tax, we believe it is important to make
this adjustment to better understand our underlying sales trends.
Agency brands - Refers to the impact of certain agency brands distributed in
various geographies, primarily Appleton, Amarula, Durbanville Hills, and Red
Bull, which exited Brown-Forman's portfolio during fiscal 2008.
Impact of foreign currencies - Refers to net gains and losses incurred by the
company relating to sales and purchases in currencies other than the U.S.
Dollar. We use the measure to understand the growth of the business on a
constant dollar basis as fluctuations in exchange rates can distort the
underlying growth of our business (both positively and negatively). To
neutralize the effect of foreign exchange fluctuations, we have historically
translated current year results at prior year rates. While we recognize that
foreign exchange volatility is a reality for a global company, we routinely
review our company performance on a constant dollar basis. We believe this
allows both management and our investors to understand better our company's
growth trends.
Non-cash agave charge - Refers to an abnormal number of agave plants identified
during the first quarter as dead or dying. Although agricultural uncertainties
are inherent in our tequila or any other business including the growth and
harvesting of raw materials, we believe that the magnitude of this item distorts
the underlying trends of our business. Therefore, we believe that excluding this
non-cash charge allows for a better understanding of operating income growth
trends.
Acquisitions - Refers to transition related expenses from the acquisition of the
Casa Herradura brands in January 2007, thus making comparisons difficult to
understand. We believe that excluding transition expenses related to the
acquisition provides helpful information in forecasting and planning the growth
expectations of the company.
The company cautions that non-GAAP measures may be considered in addition to,
but not as a substitute for, the company's reported GAAP results.
Exhibit 99.2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BROWN-FORMAN ANNOUNCES $250 MILLION SHARE REPURCHASE PLAN
Louisville, KY, December 4, 2008 - Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BFB, BFA)
announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to
$250 million of its outstanding Class A and Class B common shares over the next
12 months, subject to market conditions. Under this plan, the company can
repurchase shares from time to time for cash in open market purchases, block
transactions, and privately negotiated transactions in accordance with
applicable federal securities laws. This share repurchase program may be
modified, suspended, terminated or extended by the company at any time without
prior notice.
The company plans to discuss this and its second quarter results during its
previously announced conference call scheduled for 9:30am (EDT) tomorrow.
Brown-Forman Corporation is a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage
alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia , Canadian
Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura,
Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, Woodford Reserve and Bonterra.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This release contains statements, estimates, or projections that constitute
"forward-looking statements" as defined under U.S. federal securities laws.
Generally, the words "expect," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "will,"
"anticipate," and "project," and similar expressions identify a forward-looking
statement, which speaks only as of the date the statement is made. Except as
required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
We believe that the expectations and assumptions with respect to our
forward-looking statements are reasonable. But by their nature, forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
in some cases are out of our control. These factors could cause our actual
results to differ materially from Brown-Forman's historical experience or our
present expectations or projections. Here is a non-exclusive list of such risks
and uncertainties:
- continuation of the U.S. or global economic downturn or ongoing turmoil in
world financial markets and related credit and capital market instability and
illiquidity; decreased consumer and trade spending; higher unemployment;
supplier, customer and consumer credit problems, etc.;
- pricing, marketing and other competitive activity focused against our major
brands;
- continued or further decline in consumer confidence or spending, whether
related to U.S. and global economic conditions, war, natural disasters,
terrorist attacks or other factors;
- tax increases, changes in tax rules or rates (e.g., LIFO treatment for
inventory), tariff barriers, and/or other restrictions affecting beverage
alcohol, whether at the U.S. federal or state level or in other major markets
around the world, and the unpredictability or suddenness with which they can
occur;
- limitations and restrictions on distribution and marketing of our products,
including advertising and promotion, from stricter governmental policies in
the U.S. or our other major markets;
- fluctuations in the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies, especially the
British Pound, Euro, Australian Dollar, Polish Zloty and the South African
Rand;
- reduced bar, restaurant, hotel and other on-premise business, including
consumer shifts to discount stores and other price sensitive purchases and
venues;
- changes in consumer preferences, societal attitudes or cultural trends that
result in the reduced consumption of our premium spirits brands or our
ready-to-drink products;
- changes in distribution or agency arrangements in major markets that
temporarily disrupt our business, reduce our sales, limit our ability to
market or sell our products, or entail exit costs;
- adverse impacts as a consequence of our acquisitions, acquisition strategies,
integration of acquired businesses, or conforming them to the company's trade
practice standards, financial controls environment and U.S. public company
requirements;
- price increases in energy or raw materials, such as grapes, grain, agave,
wood, glass, and plastic;
- changes in climate conditions, agricultural uncertainties, our suppliers'
financial hardships or other supply limitations that adversely affect supply,
price, availability, quality, or health of grapes, agave, grain, glass,
closures or wood;
- negative media related to our company, brands, personnel, shareholders,
operations, business performance or prospects;
- counterfeit production, tampering, or contamination of our products and any
resulting negative effect on our sales, intellectual property rights, or
brand equity;
- adverse developments stemming from state or federal investigations of
beverage alcohol industry marketing or trade practices of suppliers,
distributors or retailers; and
- impairment in the recorded value of inventory, fixed assets, goodwill or
other acquired intangibles.