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On Friday, Bernstein SocGen Group analysts reaffirmed their Outperform rating and $53.00 price target for Brown-Forman stock (NYSE:BF-B). The decision follows the company’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results, which were described as disappointing.
Brown-Forman reported a 3% organic decline in net sales for the quarter, which fell short of analysts’ expectations of a 4% increase. The reported net sales decline was 7%, significantly trailing both Bernstein’s and consensus forecasts. The only positive performance came from the Emerging markets segment, which surpassed expectations with a 4% increase, while other segments such as Travel Retail and Non-Branded and Bulk fell short.
Gross margins for the quarter were reported at 57.4%, missing consensus estimates by approximately 210 basis points. The company cited higher input costs, unfavorable fixed cost absorption, and negative foreign exchange impacts as factors, despite some relief from a favorable price mix.
Operating income was reported at $513 million, which was about 15% below expectations. This figure included $27 million in restructuring charges. Additionally, diluted earnings per share came in at $0.31, missing analyst projections by 6% and consensus estimates by 9%.
The analysts noted that the company’s guidance significantly missed consensus expectations, leading to concerns about the visibility of a return to growth. Despite the challenges, Bernstein SocGen Group continues to see potential for the stock, maintaining their Outperform rating.
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