Brown-Forman (BF.B) Up 46.6% YTD, Will The Upsurge Continue?

Brown-Forman Corporation BF.B has been riding on its strategic initiatives, solid brand strength, sturdy second-quarter fiscal 2018 results and raised outlook for the full fiscal. Moreover, the company remains confident of continuing its growth in the second half of fiscal 2018. These factors have also boosted analysts’ view as apparent from the uptrend in the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

This world leading producer and distributor of premium alcoholic beverages has returned 46.6% year to date. Meanwhile, the industry and the broader Consumer Staples sector have witnessed growth of 20.6% and 11.7%, respectively.

Let’s Delve Deep

Robust FY18 Outlook & Estimate Revisions

While the global economic environment has improved modestly, management anticipates continued volatility in the emerging markets. Further, the company notes that competition has intensified in the developed economies, which can hinder results. Nevertheless, Brown-Forman raised its earnings guidance on solid first-half results and current trends. Earnings per share are now envisioned in the range of $1.90-$1.98 for fiscal 2018 compared with the previous guidance of $1.85-$1.95. Further, underlying sales are projected to grow in the band of 6-7%. Earlier, the company had forecast underlying sales growth of 4-5%. (Read more: Brown-Forman Jumps on Q2 Earnings Beat & Raised View)

Consequently, the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.95 and $2.10 for fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2019, respectively, has moved up 3 cents and 5 cents in the past 30 days.

Brand Strength & Expansion – Key Growth Drivers

Armed with a sturdy portfolio of globally recognized brands, Brown-Forman currently owns and produces a multitude of popular spirit brands, including Jack Daniels. Moreover, management plans to expand Jack Daniel's market share in the developed markets as well as emerging markets, where the whiskey category is in the early stages of development. Further, the company has entered the fastest-growing spirit category, the Irish Whiskey, with the purchase of all shares of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey Limited in Ireland.

We believe the company’s continued focus on pricing, product innovation and expanding operations in emerging markets will boost its operational performance and fortify its market position.

Other Initiatives

Brown-Forman is confident of growth at its premium American whiskey and tequila brands. Also, it expects to gain from new product launches including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye and Slane Irish Whiskey.

Additionally, the company’s shareholder-friendly moves are noteworthy. Apparently, on Nov 16, 2017, management declared a regular quarterly dividend of 19.75 cents per share on Class A and Class B shares, reflecting an 8.2% increase from the previous dividend rate. This results in an annualized dividend rate of 79 cents per share.

Bottom Line

A robust outlook, impressive growth strategies along with a solid run on the bourses make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock suitable for investors now. Also, a Momentum Score of B raises confidence in the stock.

Looking For More? Check These Trending Picks

Two other top-ranked stocks from the same industry are The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) and Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:BREW) . From the broader Consumer Staples sector, Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE:TUP) is worth considering.

Boston Beer, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 5%, delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 63.4% in the last four quarters. Also, the stock sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Craft Brew Alliance is a Zacks Rank #2 stock and pulled off an average positive earnings surprise of 250.2% in the trailing four quarters.

Tupperware Brands has a long-term earnings growth rate of 12% and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 5.9% in the last four quarters

Investor Alert: Breakthroughs Pending

A medical advance is now at the flashpoint between theory and realization. Billions of dollars in research have poured into it. Companies are already generating substantial revenue, and even more wondrous products are in the pipeline.

Cures for a variety of deadly diseases are in sight, and so are big potential profits for early investors. Zacks names 5 stocks to buy now.

Click here to see them >>