Brown-Forman to Split Stocks 3-for-2 - Analyst Blog
15 Juni 2012 - 10:15AM
Zacks
Leading global producer and
distributor of premium alcoholic beverages, Brown-Forman
Corporation (BF.B) announced its intention to split its
Class A and Class B common stocks, proposing to distribute one
additional share to shareholders for every two shares held.
Per the announcement, Brown-Forman
proposes to distribute the new shares under the 3-for-2 stock split
in the form of a stock dividend. Presently, the split proposal is
subject to receiving shareholder approval and their vote on the
issue in the regular annual meeting to be held on July 26,
2012.
If approved, the company plans to
complete the proposed split on August 3, 2012, with the
shareholders receiving the additional shares on August 10. This
split will add to the company’s history of stock splits marking the
sixth split in the last 35 years.
Moreover, the company indicated
that the proposed stock split will not hamper the company’s
quarterly cash dividend of 35 cents per share payable on July 2,
2012.
Brown-Forman’s stock split
announcement reflects the company’s commitment to enhance long-term
value for shareholders. It also portrays the company’s confidence
to boost its longer-term prospects for earnings as well as cash
flows.
Brown-Forman reported fiscal year
2012 financial results on June 6, 2012. The company’s adjusted
earnings of $3.56 per share during fiscal 2012 fell short of the
Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.59 as well the previous fiscal
earnings of $3.57. However, net sales during the fiscal increased
6% to $3,614.4 million compared with $3,404.3 million in fiscal
2011, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,453
million.
During fiscal 2012, Brown-Forman
generated $516 million of cash from operations and deployed $192
million for dividend payout, $220 million toward share repurchase,
$58 million on capital expenditures and $248 million toward debt
repayment.
Brown-Forman ended the fiscal with
cash and cash equivalents of $338 million and long-term debt of
$506 million (including the current maturities) compared with $567
million and $759 million, respectively, in fiscal 2011.
Brown-Forman possessing brands such
as Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Southern Comfort and Canadian Mist,
commands a strong portfolio of globally recognized brands. We
believe this provides a competitive edge to the company and
bolsters its well-established position in the market.
Brown-Forman is in direct
competition with Beam Inc.
(BEAM),Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ) and
Diageo plc (DEO). Currently, Brown-Forman has a Zacks #3
Rank, implying a short-term Hold rating. We maintain our long-term
Neutral recommendation on the stock.
BEAM INC (BEAM): Free Stock Analysis Report
BROWN FORMAN B (BF.B): Free Stock Analysis Report
DIAGEO PLC-ADR (DEO): Free Stock Analysis Report
CONSTELLATN BRD (STZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
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