STZ Constellation Brands Inc

• Achieves fiscal 2017 reported basis EPS of $7.52 and record comparable basis EPS of $6.76
• Generates record $1.7 billion of operating cash flow and $789 million of free cash flow for fiscal 2017
• Provides fiscal 2018 outlook; expects reported basis EPS of $7.65 - $7.95 and comparable basis EPS of $7.70 - $8.00
• Projects operating cash flow target of approximately $2.0 billion, total capital expenditure estimate of $1.175 - $1.275 billion and free cash flow of $725 - $825 million for fiscal 2018
• Completes expansion to 25 million hectoliters ahead of schedule at Nava Brewery
• Declares quarterly dividend of $0.52 per share Class A and $0.47 per share Class B common stock, an increase of approximately 30%
• Repurchases approximately 7.4 million shares of common stock for $1.1 billion during fiscal 2017 at an average price of $151.57 per share

*Definitions of reported and comparable, as well as reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures, are contained elsewhere in this news release.
NA=Not Applicable

VICTOR, N.Y., April 6, 2017 - Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a leading beverage alcohol company, reported today its fiscal 2017 results.

"Fiscal 2017 has been a year marked by operational excellence and record financial performance," said Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Brands. "We look forward to building on these results to achieve comparable EPS growth that exceeds our target of at least 10% for fiscal 2018, as we continue to build shareholder value," said Sands.

Fiscal 2017 Net Sales Commentary

For the year, the company generated consolidated net sales growth of 12 percent. This reflects organic net sales growth on a constant currency basis of nine percent.

Net sales for the beer business increased 17 percent. This was due to a 13 percent increase in organic net sales driven primarily by volume growth and favorable pricing, and the acquisition benefit from Ballast Point.

"Our beer business continues to be a powerhouse for growth. We exceeded our profit and margin goals for the year," said Sands. "These excellent results were driven by solid performance for every brand in our portfolio, which resulted in Constellation being the #1 growth contributor to the U.S. beer industry for the year. In addition, our portfolio posted industry-leading depletion growth in the 9 to 10 percent range for the first calendar quarter of 2017 after a challenging December for the U.S. beer industry," said Sands.

Wine and spirits net sales increased six percent. This reflects a four percent increase in organic net sales on a constant currency basis driven primarily by volume growth and favorable mix, and the acquisition benefit primarily from Meiomi and Prisoner. These benefits were partially offset by the divestiture of the Canadian wine business.

"Our wine and spirits business achieved strong earnings growth and margin expansion driven by our fast-growing, high-margin Focus Brands, which collectively delivered depletion growth of nine percent for the year. We continue to gain distribution for our newly acquired High West whiskey brands, as well as the Prisoner and Charles Smith wine brands, all of which posted strong, double-digit depletion growth for the year," said Sands.

Fiscal 2017 Operating Income and Net Income Commentary

For the year, consolidated reported and comparable basis operating income increased 36 percent and 18 percent, respectively.

For the year, comparable adjustments affecting operating income totaled a net gain of $204 million as compared to a net loss of $101 million for the same period last year.

Beer operating income increased 21 percent primarily due to organic volume growth and favorable pricing, partially offset by higher marketing investment. The 10 percent increase in wine and spirits operating income primarily reflects the acquisition benefit from Meiomi and Prisoner, and organic volume growth and favorable mix, partially offset by higher investment in SG&A and marketing.

Interest expense for the year totaled $333 million, an increase of six percent. The increase was due to higher average borrowings, partially offset by lower average interest rates.

The reported basis effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 was 26.5 percent compared to 29.3 percent for fiscal 2016. The comparable basis effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 was 26.8 percent compared to 29.6 percent for fiscal 2016. During third quarter fiscal 2017, the company determined that a portion of the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries would be indefinitely reinvested (APB 23). This assertion allows the company to record income taxes on certain foreign earnings using the applicable foreign jurisdiction tax rates, rather than the higher U.S. tax rate. For fiscal 2017, the effective tax rate on a reported basis also reflects a tax benefit from the sale of the Canadian wine business.

Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Commentary

Operating cash flow for fiscal 2017 totaled $1.7 billion, an increase of 20 percent. Free cash flow for fiscal 2017 totaled $789 million compared to $522 million for the prior year. This primarily reflects higher operating cash flow driven by growth in both the beer business and the wine and spirits business.

"Our strong financial results and record operating cash flow in fiscal 2017 created flexibility that enabled a dividend increase, significant share repurchases, value-creating acquisitions and continued investments to support the ongoing growth of our business throughout the year. Given this momentum, we are significantly increasing our dividend for the coming year and we are expecting to generate approximately $2.0 billion in operating cash flow for fiscal 2018," said David Klein, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Constellation Brands. "I am also pleased that we have completed the next phase of our expansion project to 25 million hectoliters ahead of schedule at our Nava brewery in Mexico," said Klein.

Canadian Wine Business Divestiture

The company completed the sale of its Canadian wine business to Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan on December 17, 2016. The transaction was valued at C$1.03 billion ($775 million) and the company received cash proceeds, net of outstanding debt and direct costs to sell, of $575 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. The company received the proceeds from the outstanding debt prior to the sale. The company recorded a net gain on the sale of the business of $262 million during fourth quarter fiscal 2017 and after-tax proceeds are expected to approximate $495 million.

For fiscal 2017, through the date of divestiture, net sales and operating income that will no longer be part of the wine and spirits segment results after the sale of the Canadian wine business totaled $311 million and $50 million, respectively. For fiscal 2016, net sales and operating income for the divested business totaled $365 million and $63 million, respectively.

NM=Not Meaningful

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2017 Net Sales Commentary

For the quarter, the company generated consolidated net sales growth of five percent. This reflects organic net sales growth on a constant currency basis of seven percent.

Net sales for beer increased 11 percent. This was due to a 10 percent increase in organic net sales driven primarily by volume growth and favorable pricing.

Wine and spirits net sales were flat. This reflects a four percent increase in organic net sales and the acquisition benefit from Prisoner, Charles Smith and High West, offset by the divestiture of the Canadian wine business.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2017 Operating Income and Net Income Commentary

For the quarter, consolidated reported and comparable basis operating income increased 71 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

For the quarter, comparable adjustments affecting operating income totaled a net gain of $207.0 million as compared to a net loss of $24 million for the same period last year.

Beer operating income increased 21 percent primarily due to organic volume growth, favorable pricing and lower cost of product sold, partially offset by higher marketing spend. The six percent increase in wine and spirits operating income primarily reflects organic volume growth and the acquisition benefit from Prisoner, Charles Smith and High West, partially offset by higher investment in SG&A and marketing.

Interest expense for fourth quarter fiscal 2017 totaled $77 million, a decrease of eight percent. The decrease was due to lower average interest rates, partially offset by higher average borrowings.

The reported basis effective tax rate for fourth quarter fiscal 2017 was 26.0 percent versus 30.0 percent for the prior year fourth quarter. The comparable basis effective tax rate for fourth quarter fiscal 2017 was 26.9 percent. This compares to a 29.8 percent tax rate for the prior year. The fourth quarter fiscal 2017 effective tax rates reflect the benefit of APB 23. In addition, the reported basis effective tax rate includes a tax benefit from the sale of the Canadian wine business.

Quarterly Dividend and Share Repurchases

On April 5, 2017, Constellation's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.47 per share of Class B Common Stock, payable on May 24, 2017, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 10, 2017. This represents an increase of approximately 30 percent in the dividend rate per share for both the Class A and Class B Common Stock.

During fiscal 2017, the company repurchased approximately 7.4 million shares of common stock for $1.1 billion, including approximately 5 million shares of common stock for $750 million during fourth quarter fiscal 2017.

Outlook

The table below sets forth management's current EPS expectations for fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 actual results, both on a reported basis and a comparable basis.

For fiscal 2018, the beer business is targeting net sales growth in the range of 9 - 11 percent and operating income growth in the range of 11 - 13 percent.

For the wine and spirits business, the company expects net sales to decrease in the range of 4 - 6 percent and operating income to be flat. These projections include the estimated impact of the December 2016 divestiture of the Canadian wine business and the estimated incremental benefits from High West, Charles Smith and Prisoner acquisitions. Excluding the $311 million of net sales and $50 million of operating income from the fiscal 2017 wine and spirits segment results related to the Canadian wine business divestiture, the company expects net sales growth of 4 - 6 percent and operating income growth of 5 - 7 percent for fiscal 2018.

Full-year fiscal 2018 guidance also includes the following current assumptions:

• Interest expense: approximately $340 - $350 million
• Tax rate: approximately 22 percent
• Weighted average diluted shares outstanding: approximately 201 million
• Operating cash flow: approximately $1.9 - $2.1 billion
• Capital expenditures: approximately $1.175 - $1.275 billion, including approximately $1.0 billion targeted for Mexico beer operations expansion activities
• Free cash flow: approximately $725 - $825 million

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2017 results and outlook will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer Rob Sands and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer David Klein on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. (eastern). The conference call can be accessed by dialing +973-935-8505 beginning 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live listen-only webcast of the conference call, together with a copy of this news release (including the attachments), and other financial information that may be discussed during the call will be available on the Internet at the company's website: www.cbrands.com under "Investors," prior to the call.

Explanations

Reported basis ("reported") operating income, effective tax rate, net income and EPS are as reported under generally accepted accounting principles. Operating income, effective tax rate, net income and EPS on a comparable basis ("comparable"), exclude items that affect comparability ("comparable adjustments"), as they are not reflective of core operations of the segments. The company's measure of segment profitability excludes comparable adjustments, which is consistent with the measure used by management to evaluate results.

The company discusses additional non-GAAP measures in this news release, including constant currency net sales, organic net sales, comparable basis EBIT and free cash flow.

Supplemental Information

Financial statements, as well as supplemental schedules and tables reconciling non-GAAP measures, together with definitions of these measures and the reasons management uses these measures, are attached to and are part of this news release.

In addition to our strong financial performance, the past year was marked by an impressive list of awards and recognitions. A listing of those achievements is attached to and is part of this news release.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Canada. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company's beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S. In addition, Constellation is the world leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company's premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey.

Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, about 40 facilities and approximately 9,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements made under the heading Outlook, and all statements other than statements of historical fact set forth in this news release regarding Constellation Brands' business strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, projected costs, expected effective tax rate, estimated diluted EPS, expected cash flow, future payments of dividends, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including the duration of reinvestment of earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries, manner and timing of share repurchases, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties, are forward-looking statements (collectively, the "Projections") that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the Projections.

During the current quarter, Constellation Brands may reiterate the Projections. Prior to the start of the company's quiet period, which will begin at the close of business May 31, 2017, the public can continue to rely on the Projections as still being Constellation Brands' current expectations on the matters covered, unless the company publishes a notice stating otherwise. During Constellation Brands' "quiet period," the Projections should not be considered to constitute the company's expectations and should be considered historical, speaking as of prior to the quiet period only and not subject to update by the company.

The Projections are based on management's current expectations and, unless otherwise noted, do not take into account the impact of any future acquisition, merger or any other business combination, divestiture, restructuring or other strategic business realignments, financing or share repurchase that may be completed after the date of this release. The Projections should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur.

In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business operations, the Projections of the company contained in this news release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including:

• beer operations expansion activities, including construction, expansion and optimization activities at our Mexican breweries and joint venture glass plant, take place with expected scope, on expected terms and timetables, and with receipt of any necessary permits and regulatory approvals;
• accuracy of supply projections, including those relating to construction, expansion and optimization of our Mexican breweries and joint venture glass plant, and glass sourcing;
• timeframe and actual costs associated with beer supply; construction, expansion and optimization activities at our Mexican breweries and joint venture glass plant; and glass sourcing may vary from management's current expectations due to market conditions, the company's cash and debt position, and other factors as determined by management;
• net sales, operating income, operating cash flow, free cash flow, effective tax rate and capital expenditures to support long-term growth may vary from management's current estimates;
• timing and volume amount of product shipments to wholesalers may vary from current expectations due to actual consumer demand;
• accuracy of projections associated with the acquisitions of the Meiomi wine brand, Ballast Point, The Prisoner Wine Company brand portfolio, High West, the Charles Smith Wine Collection, and the Obregon brewery, and the projections associated with the sale of the Canadian wine business;
• the impact of and the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, including as a result of difficulty in integrating the businesses of the companies involved;
• the exact duration of the share repurchase implementation and the amount, timing and source of funds of any additional share repurchases;
• amount and timing of future dividends are subject to the determination and discretion of the Board of Directors;
• ability to use cash flow to fund dividends and acquisitions could be affected by unanticipated increases in net total debt, inability to generate cash flow at the levels anticipated, and failure to generate expected earnings;
• raw material and water supply, production or shipment difficulties could adversely affect the company's ability to supply its customers;
• increased competitive activities in the form of pricing, advertising and promotions could adversely impact consumer demand for the company's products and/or result in lower than expected sales or higher than expected expenses;
• general economic, geo-political, domestic, international and regulatory conditions, instability in world financial markets, or unanticipated environmental liabilities and costs;
• changes to international trade agreements and tariffs, accounting standards and tax laws, and other factors which could impact the company's reported financial position, results of operations or effective tax rate;
• changes in interest rates and the inherent unpredictability of currency fluctuations, commodity prices and raw material costs;
• accuracy of the bases for forecasts relating to joint ventures and associated costs, losses, purchase obligations and capital investment requirements; and
• other factors and uncertainties disclosed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Feb. 29, 2016, which could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations.

CONTACTS
Media                                                                                                     
Mike McGrew: 773-251-4934                                                                 
Amy Martin: 585-678-7141                                                                    
Investor Relations
Patty Yahn-Urlaub: 585-678-7483
Bob Czudak: 585-678-7170

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