BROWN FORMAN CORP - Quarter Report: 2021 July (Form 10-Q)
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| ☑ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2021
OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission File No. 001-00123
Brown-Forman Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
| Delaware | 61-0143150 | |||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (IRS Employer | |||||||
| incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |||||||
| 850 Dixie Highway | ||||||||
| Louisville, | Kentucky | 40210 | ||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||
(502) 585-1100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Class A Common Stock (voting), $0.15 par value | BFA | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| Class B Common Stock (nonvoting), $0.15 par value | BFB | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| 1.200% Notes due 2026 | BF26 | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| 2.600% Notes due 2028 | BF28 | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☑ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: August 31, 2021
| Class A Common Stock (voting), $0.15 par value | 169,136,738 | ||||
| Class B Common Stock (nonvoting), $0.15 par value | 309,715,974 | ||||
| BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION | ||||||||
| Index to Quarterly Report Form 10-Q | ||||||||
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| July 31, | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 987 | $ | 1,183 | |||||||
| Excise taxes | 234 | 277 | |||||||||
| Net sales | 753 | 906 | |||||||||
| Cost of sales | 288 | 353 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 465 | 553 | |||||||||
| Advertising expenses | 62 | 90 | |||||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 148 | 168 | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (127) | — | |||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | (5) | 6 | |||||||||
| Operating income | 387 | 289 | |||||||||
| Non-operating postretirement expense | 1 | — | |||||||||
| Interest income | — | (1) | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 20 | 21 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 366 | 269 | |||||||||
| Income taxes | 42 | 77 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 324 | $ | 192 | |||||||
| Earnings per share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.40 | |||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.40 | |||||||
See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| July 31, | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 324 | $ | 192 | |||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | |||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustments | 62 | (10) | |||||||||
| Cash flow hedge adjustments | (45) | 14 | |||||||||
| Postretirement benefits adjustments | 7 | 4 | |||||||||
| Net other comprehensive income (loss) | 24 | 8 | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | 348 | $ | 200 | |||||||
See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)
| April 30, 2021 | July 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,150 | $ | 1,172 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7 at April 30 and $7 at July 31 | 753 | 803 | |||||||||
| Inventories: | |||||||||||
| Barreled whiskey | 1,101 | 1,104 | |||||||||
| Finished goods | 323 | 324 | |||||||||
| Work in process | 199 | 208 | |||||||||
| Raw materials and supplies | 128 | 135 | |||||||||
| Total inventories | 1,751 | 1,771 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 263 | 246 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 3,917 | 3,992 | |||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 832 | 816 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 779 | 778 | |||||||||
| Other intangible assets | 676 | 670 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | 70 | 70 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 248 | 253 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 6,522 | $ | 6,579 | |||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 679 | $ | 631 | |||||||
| Dividends payable | — | 86 | |||||||||
| Accrued income taxes | 34 | 71 | |||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 205 | 155 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 918 | 943 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 2,354 | 2,346 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 169 | 191 | |||||||||
| Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits | 219 | 218 | |||||||||
| Other liabilities | 206 | 198 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 3,866 | 3,896 | |||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||
| Common stock: | |||||||||||
Class A, voting, $0.15 par value (170,000,000 shares authorized; 170,000,000 shares issued) | 25 | 25 | |||||||||
Class B, nonvoting, $0.15 par value (400,000,000 shares authorized; 314,532,000 shares issued) | 47 | 47 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | — | 2 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 3,243 | 3,255 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (422) | (414) | |||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost (5,803,000 and 5,684,000 shares at April 30 and July 31, respectively) | (237) | (232) | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 2,656 | 2,683 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 6,522 | $ | 6,579 | |||||||
See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| July 31, | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 324 | $ | 192 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations: | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (127) | — | |||||||||
| Non-cash asset write-downs | — | 6 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 19 | 19 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 3 | 4 | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax provision (benefit) | (43) | 13 | |||||||||
| Other, net | (9) | 4 | |||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of sale of business: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (133) | (55) | |||||||||
| Inventories | (57) | (25) | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 31 | 16 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 26 | (36) | |||||||||
| Accrued income taxes | 45 | 37 | |||||||||
| Other operating assets and liabilities | 12 | 10 | |||||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | 91 | 185 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of business | 177 | — | |||||||||
| Additions to property, plant, and equipment | (15) | (14) | |||||||||
| Computer software expenditures | — | (1) | |||||||||
| Cash provided by (used for) investing activities | 162 | (15) | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from short-term borrowings, maturities greater than 90 days | 159 | — | |||||||||
| Repayments of short-term borrowings, maturities greater than 90 days | (70) | — | |||||||||
| Net change in short-term borrowings, maturities of 90 days or less | (34) | (50) | |||||||||
| Payments of withholding taxes related to stock-based awards | (9) | (5) | |||||||||
| Dividends paid | (83) | (86) | |||||||||
| Cash used for financing activities | (37) | (141) | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 17 | (7) | |||||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 233 | 22 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 675 | 1,150 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 908 | $ | 1,172 | |||||||
See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
In these notes, “we,” “us,” “our,” “Brown-Forman,” and the “Company” refer to Brown-Forman Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively.
1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
We prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information. In accordance with those rules and regulations, we condensed or omitted certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments (unless otherwise indicated), necessary for a fair statement of our financial results for the periods presented in these financial statements. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results.
We suggest that you read these condensed financial statements together with the financial statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021 (2021 Form 10-K). We prepared the accompanying financial statements on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in our 2021 Form 10-K.
2. Earnings Per Share
We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share further includes the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards. We calculate that dilutive effect using the “treasury stock method” (as defined by GAAP).
The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings per share:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| July 31, | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Net income available to common stockholders | $ | 324 | $ | 192 | |||||||
| Share data (in thousands): | |||||||||||
| Basic average common shares outstanding | 478,327 | 478,793 | |||||||||
| Dilutive effect of stock-based awards | 2,102 | 1,925 | |||||||||
| Diluted average common shares outstanding | 480,429 | 480,718 | |||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.40 | |||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.40 | |||||||
We excluded common stock-based awards for approximately 34,000 shares and 337,000 shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended July 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. We excluded those awards because they were not dilutive for those periods under the treasury stock method.
3. Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Some of our consolidated inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, which we use for the majority of our U.S. inventories. If the LIFO method had not been used, inventories at current cost would have been $353 million higher than reported as of April 30, 2021, and $361 million higher than reported as of July 31, 2021. Changes in the LIFO valuation reserve for interim periods are based on an allocation of the projected change for the entire fiscal year, recognized proportionately over the remainder of the fiscal year.
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4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table shows the changes in goodwill (which includes no accumulated impairment losses) and other intangible assets during the three months ended July 31, 2021:
| (Dollars in millions) | Goodwill | Other Intangible Assets | |||||||||
Balance at April 30, 2021 | $ | 779 | $ | 676 | |||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | (1) | (6) | |||||||||
Balance at July 31, 2021 | $ | 778 | $ | 670 | |||||||
Our other intangible assets consist of trademarks and brand names, all with indefinite useful lives.
5. Commitments and Contingencies
We operate in a litigious environment, and we are sued in the normal course of business. Sometimes plaintiffs seek substantial damages. Significant judgment is required in predicting the outcome of these suits and claims, many of which take years to adjudicate. We accrue estimated costs for a contingency when we believe that a loss is probable and we can make a reasonable estimate of the loss, and then adjust the accrual as appropriate to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. We do not believe it is reasonably possible that these existing loss contingencies, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. No material accrued loss contingencies were recorded as of July 31, 2021.
We have guaranteed the repayment by a third-party importer of its obligation under a bank credit facility that it uses in connection with its importation of our products in Russia. If the importer were to default on that obligation, which we believe is unlikely, our maximum possible exposure under the existing terms of the guaranty would be approximately $9 million (subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates). Both the fair value and carrying amount of the guaranty are insignificant. As of July 31, 2021, our actual exposure under the guaranty of the importer’s obligation was approximately $4 million. We also have accounts receivable from that importer of approximately $7 million at July 31, 2021, which we expect to collect in full. Based on the financial support we provide to the importer, we believe it meets the definition of a variable interest entity. However, because we do not control this entity, it is not included in our consolidated financial statements.
On May 30, 2019, we notified Bacardi Martini Ltd. (Bacardi) of our intention not to renew the terms of our United Kingdom (U.K.) Cost Sharing Agreement (the Agreement) whereby Bacardi provided certain services (e.g., warehousing and logistics, sales, reporting, treasury, tax, and other services) and Brown-Forman and Bacardi split the associated overhead for those services. For purposes of conducting business, Brown-Forman and Bacardi established a U.K. trade name, “Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands,” through which our products and Bacardi’s products were sold in the U.K. On a monthly basis, Bacardi would remit to us the cash representing revenues from sales of our products, net of our agreed contributions for overhead costs under the Agreement. On April 30, 2020, the Agreement expired according to its terms.
Following delivery of our notice and upon expiration of the Agreement, Bacardi alleged that it was entitled to approximately £49 million under the principle of commercial agency in the U.K., as well as additional compensation for the winding up of business conducted under the Agreement and for remitting the associated funds owed to us. From monthly settlements following the expiration of the Agreement, Bacardi withheld over £50 million owed to us, effectively bypassing the dispute resolution process under the Agreement. This withheld amount is included in accounts receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2021.
In response to Bacardi’s actions, we initiated a lawsuit on August 20, 2020, in the Commercial Court in the U.K. seeking reimbursement of the amounts wrongfully withheld (the Commercial Court Action). Shortly thereafter, Bacardi filed a demand for arbitration seeking a determination that it was entitled to compensation as a commercial agent and for additional compensation for the work completed following the expiration of the Agreement (the Arbitration).
Since it was raised, we have disputed Bacardi’s claim of commercial agency compensation and issued a demand that Bacardi adhere to the dispute resolution process mandated by the Agreement. The ruling for the Commercial Court Action was issued on May 19, 2021, in which the Court declined to order Bacardi to return the amounts withheld pending the outcome of the Arbitration. The Arbitration took place the week of July 12, 2021, and we expect a decision from the tribunal in the coming months. Given the pending decision in the Arbitration, we are unable to estimate the range of reasonably possible loss, if any.
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6. Debt
Our long-term debt (net of unamortized discount and issuance costs) consists of:
| (Principal and carrying amounts in millions) | April 30, 2021 | July 31, 2021 | |||||||||
2.250% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2023 | $ | 249 | $ | 250 | |||||||
3.500% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2025 | 298 | 298 | |||||||||
1.200% senior notes, €300 principal amount, due July 7, 2026 | 362 | 354 | |||||||||
2.600% senior notes, £300 principal amount, due July 7, 2028 | 415 | 414 | |||||||||
4.000% senior notes, $300 principal amount, due April 15, 2038 | 294 | 294 | |||||||||
3.750% senior notes, $250 principal amount, due January 15, 2043 | 248 | 248 | |||||||||
4.500% senior notes, $500 principal amount, due July 15, 2045 | 488 | 488 | |||||||||
| $ | 2,354 | $ | 2,346 | ||||||||
Our short-term borrowings of $205 million as of April 30, 2021, and $155 million as of July 31, 2021, consisted primarily of borrowings under our commercial paper program.
| (Dollars in millions) | April 30, 2021 | July 31, 2021 | |||||||||
| Commercial paper | $195 | $135 | |||||||||
| Average interest rate | 0.16% | 0.17% | |||||||||
| Average remaining days to maturity | 24 | 16 | |||||||||
7. Stockholders’ Equity
The following table shows the changes in stockholders’ equity during the three months ended July 31, 2020:
| (Dollars in millions) | Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | AOCI | Treasury Stock | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at April 30, 2020 | $ | 25 | $ | 47 | $ | — | $ | 2,708 | $ | (547) | $ | (258) | $ | 1,975 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 324 | 324 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net other comprehensive income (loss) | 24 | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Declaration of cash dividends | (167) | (167) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued under compensation plans | 10 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans | (3) | (16) | (19) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at July 31, 2020 | $ | 25 | $ | 47 | — | $ | 2,849 | $ | (523) | $ | (248) | $ | 2,150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The following table shows the changes in stockholders’ equity during the three months ended July 31, 2021:
| (Dollars in millions) | Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | AOCI | Treasury Stock | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at April 30, 2021 | $ | 25 | $ | 47 | $ | — | $ | 3,243 | $ | (422) | $ | (237) | $ | 2,656 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 192 | 192 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net other comprehensive income (loss) | 8 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Declaration of cash dividends | (172) | (172) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issued under compensation plans | 5 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on issuance of treasury stock issued under compensation plans | (2) | (8) | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at July 31, 2021 | $ | 25 | $ | 47 | $ | 2 | $ | 3,255 | $ | (414) | $ | (232) | $ | 2,683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table shows the change in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax, during the three months ended July 31, 2021:
| (Dollars in millions) | Currency Translation Adjustments | Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments | Postretirement Benefits Adjustments | Total AOCI | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at April 30, 2021 | $ | (179) | $ | (16) | $ | (227) | $ | (422) | |||||||||||||||
| Net other comprehensive income (loss) | (10) | 14 | 4 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at July 31, 2021 | $ | (189) | $ | (2) | $ | (223) | $ | (414) | |||||||||||||||
The following table shows the cash dividends declared per share on our Class A and Class B common stock during the three months ended July 31, 2021:
| Declaration Date | Record Date | Payable Date | Amount per Share | |||||||||||||||||
| May 27, 2021 | June 8, 2021 | July 1, 2021 | $0.1795 | |||||||||||||||||
| July 22, 2021 | September 3, 2021 | October 1, 2021 | $0.1795 | |||||||||||||||||
8. Net Sales
The following table shows our net sales by geography:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| July 31, | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||
| United States | $ | 387 | $ | 450 | |||||||
Developed International1 | 231 | 269 | |||||||||
Emerging2 | 107 | 150 | |||||||||
Travel Retail3 | 13 | 21 | |||||||||
Non-branded and bulk4 | 15 | 16 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 753 | $ | 906 | |||||||
1Represents net sales of branded products to “advanced economies” as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), excluding the United States. Our largest developed international markets are Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada.
2Represents net sales of branded products to “emerging and developing economies” as defined by the IMF. Our largest emerging markets are Mexico, Poland, Brazil, and Russia.
3Represents net sales of branded products to global duty-free customers, other travel retail customers, and the U.S. military regardless of customer location.
4Includes net sales of used barrels, bulk whiskey and wine, and contract bottling regardless of customer location.
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The following table shows our net sales by product category:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| July 31, | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||
Whiskey1 | $ | 595 | $ | 707 | |||||||
Tequila2 | 68 | 90 | |||||||||
Wine3 | 41 | 53 | |||||||||
Vodka4 | 19 | 25 | |||||||||
Non-branded and bulk5 | 15 | 16 | |||||||||
| Rest of portfolio | 15 | 15 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 753 | $ | 906 | |||||||
1Includes all whiskey spirits and whiskey-based flavored liqueurs, ready-to-drink, and ready-to-pour products. The brands included in this category are the Jack Daniel's family of brands, the Woodford Reserve family of brands, the Old Forester family of brands, GlenDronach, BenRiach, Glenglassaugh, Slane Irish Whiskey, and Coopers’ Craft.
2Includes the Herradura family of brands, el Jimador, New Mix, Pepe Lopez, and Antiguo.
3Includes Korbel Champagne and Sonoma-Cutrer wines.
4Includes Finlandia.
5Includes net sales of used barrels, bulk whiskey and wine, and contract bottling.
9. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The following table shows the components of the net cost of pension and other postretirement benefits recognized for our U.S. benefit plans. Information about similar international plans is not presented due to immateriality.
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| July 31, | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||
Pension Benefits: | |||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | 7 | $ | 7 | |||||||
| Interest cost | 6 | 5 | |||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (12) | (11) | |||||||||
| Amortization of net actuarial loss | 7 | 6 | |||||||||
| Net cost | $ | 8 | $ | 7 | |||||||
Other Postretirement Benefits: | |||||||||||
| Interest cost | $ | 1 | $ | — | |||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | (1) | — | |||||||||
| Net cost | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
10. Income Taxes
Our consolidated interim effective tax rate is based on our expected annual operating income, statutory tax rates, and income tax laws in the various jurisdictions where we operate. Significant or unusual items, including adjustments to accruals for tax uncertainties, are recognized in the fiscal quarter in which the related event or a change in judgment occurs. The expected tax rate on ordinary income for the fiscal year is 24.9%, which is greater than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0%, due to state taxes, effects of foreign operations, and the reversal of prepaid taxes on prior intercompany sales of inventory recorded at higher than current statutory tax rates.
The effective tax rate of 28.5% for the three months ended July 31, 2021, is higher than the expected tax rate of 24.9% on ordinary income for the full fiscal year, primarily due to a prior year true-up of deferred tax liabilities and tax rate changes in certain foreign jurisdictions. The 28.5% effective tax rate for the three months ended July 31, 2021, was higher than the
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effective tax rate of 11.6% for the same period last year, primarily reflecting a deferred tax benefit in the prior year related to an intercompany transfer of assets, the reversal of prepaid taxes on prior intercompany sales of inventory recorded at higher than current statutory tax rates, a prior year true-up of deferred tax liabilities, and changes in tax laws in certain foreign jurisdictions.
We have asserted that the undistributed earnings of the majority of our foreign subsidiaries are reinvested indefinitely outside the United States. Therefore, no income taxes have been provided for any outside basis differences inherent in these subsidiaries other than those subject to the one-time repatriation tax. We have a limited number of subsidiaries that are not permanently reinvested and therefore we have recorded the deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings (but not for their outside basis differences).
11. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
We are subject to market risks, including the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. We use derivatives to help manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business. We formally document the purpose of each derivative contract, which includes linking the contract to the financial exposure it is designed to mitigate. We do not hold or issue derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
We use currency derivative contracts to limit our exposure to the foreign currency exchange rate risk that we cannot mitigate internally by using netting strategies. We designate most of these contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions (expected to occur within three years). We record all changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges in AOCI until the underlying hedged transaction occurs, at which time we reclassify that amount to earnings.
We do not designate some of our currency derivatives as hedges because we use them to partially offset the immediate earnings impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on existing assets or liabilities. We immediately recognize the change in fair value of these contracts in earnings.
We had outstanding currency derivatives, related primarily to our euro, British pound, and Australian dollar exposures, with notional amounts for all hedged currencies totaling $1,218 million at April 30, 2021, and $1,072 million at July 31, 2021. The maximum term of outstanding derivative contracts was approximately 36 months at both April 30, 2021, and July 31, 2021.
We also use foreign currency-denominated debt instruments to help manage our foreign currency exchange rate risk. We designate a portion of those debt instruments as net investment hedges, which are intended to mitigate foreign currency exposure related to non-U.S. dollar net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries. Any change in value of the designated portion of the hedging instruments is recorded in AOCI, offsetting the foreign currency translation adjustment of the related net investments that is also recorded in AOCI. The amount of foreign currency-denominated debt instruments designated as net investment hedges was $680 million at April 30, 2021, and $708 million at July 31, 2021.
At inception, we expect each financial instrument designated as a hedge to be highly effective in offsetting the financial exposure it is designed to mitigate. We also assess the effectiveness on an ongoing basis. If determined to no longer be highly effective, designation and accounting for the instrument as a hedge would be discontinued.
We use forward purchase contracts with suppliers to protect against corn price volatility. We expect to take physical delivery of the corn underlying each contract and use it for production over a reasonable period of time. Accordingly, we account for these contracts as normal purchases rather than as derivative instruments.
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The following tables present the pre-tax impact that changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments and non-derivative hedging instruments had on AOCI and earnings:
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| July 31, | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Classification | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||||
| Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: | ||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | n/a | $ | (49) | $ | 15 | |||||||||
| Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings | Sales | 11 | (3) | |||||||||||
| Currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings | Sales | $ | (6) | $ | 2 | |||||||||
| Net gain (loss) recognized in earnings | Other income (expense), net | 8 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Foreign currency-denominated debt designated as net investment hedge: | ||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI | n/a | $ | (39) | $ | 7 | |||||||||
| Total amounts presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for line items affected by the net gains (losses) shown above: | ||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 987 | $ | 1,183 | ||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 5 | (6) | ||||||||||||
We expect to reclassify $5 million of deferred net losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI as of July 31, 2021, to earnings during the next 12 months. This reclassification would offset the anticipated earnings impact of the underlying hedged exposures. The actual amounts that we ultimately reclassify to earnings will depend on the exchange rates in effect when the underlying hedged transactions occur.
The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments:
| April 30, 2021 | July 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Classification | Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated as cash flow hedges: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | Other current assets | $ | 4 | $ | (2) | $ | 4 | $ | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | Other assets | — | — | 2 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | Accrued expenses | 4 | (18) | 5 | (11) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | Other liabilities | 1 | (18) | 2 | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not designated as hedges: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | Other current assets | 1 | — | 1 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | Other assets | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | Accrued expenses | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | Other liabilities | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
The fair values reflected in the above table are presented on a gross basis. However, as discussed further below, the fair values of those instruments subject to net settlement agreements are presented on a net basis in our balance sheets.
In our statements of cash flows, we classify cash flows related to cash flow hedges in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items.
Credit risk. We are exposed to credit-related losses if the counterparties to our derivative contracts default. This credit risk is limited to the fair value of the contracts. To manage this risk, we contract only with major financial institutions that have earned investment-grade credit ratings and with whom we have standard International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements that allow for net settlement of the derivative contracts. Also, we have established counterparty credit guidelines that we monitor regularly, and we monetize contracts when we believe it is warranted. Because of these safeguards, we believe we have no derivative positions that warrant credit valuation adjustments.
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Our derivative instruments require us to maintain a specific level of creditworthiness, which we have maintained. If our creditworthiness were to fall below that level, then the counterparties to our derivative instruments could request immediate payment or collateralization for derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivatives with creditworthiness requirements that were in a net liability position was $30 million at April 30, 2021, and $11 million at July 31, 2021.
Offsetting. As noted above, our derivative contracts are governed by ISDA agreements that allow for net settlement of derivative contracts with the same counterparty. It is our policy to present the fair values of current derivatives (i.e., those with a remaining term of 12 months or less) with the same counterparty on a net basis in our balance sheets. Similarly, we present the fair values of noncurrent derivatives with the same counterparty on a net basis. We do not net current derivatives with noncurrent derivatives in our balance sheets.
The following table summarizes the gross and net amounts of our derivative contracts:
| (Dollars in millions) | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) | Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet | Net Amounts Presented in Balance Sheet | Gross Amounts Not Offset in Balance Sheet | Net Amounts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 30, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative assets | $ | 10 | $ | (7) | $ | 3 | $ | (1) | $ | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | (38) | 7 | (31) | 1 | (30) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative assets | 14 | (10) | 4 | (1) | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | (22) | 10 | (12) | 1 | (11) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
No cash collateral was received or pledged related to our derivative contracts as of April 30, 2021, or July 31, 2021.
12. Fair Value Measurements
The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis:
| April 30, 2021 | July 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying | Fair | Carrying | Fair | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Amount | Value | Amount | Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,150 | $ | 1,150 | $ | 1,172 | $ | 1,172 | |||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency derivatives | 31 | 31 | 12 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 205 | 205 | 155 | 155 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 2,354 | 2,663 | 2,346 | 2,718 | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We categorize the fair values of assets and liabilities into three levels based on the assumptions (inputs) used to determine those values. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are:
•Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2 – Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in inactive markets; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
•Level 3 – Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity.
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We determine the fair values of our currency derivatives (forward contracts) using standard valuation models. The significant inputs used in these models, which are readily available in public markets or can be derived from observable market transactions, include the applicable spot exchange rates, forward exchange rates, and interest rates. These fair value measurements are categorized as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
We determine the fair value of long-term debt primarily based on the prices at which identical or similar debt has recently traded in the market and also considering the overall market conditions on the date of valuation. These fair value measurements are categorized as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
The fair values of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term borrowings approximate the carrying amounts due to the short maturities of these instruments.
We measure some assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. That is, we do not measure them at fair value on an ongoing basis, but we do adjust them to fair value in some circumstances (for example, when we determine that an asset is impaired). During the three months ended July 31, 2021, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $6 million for certain fixed assets. The impairment charge was based on our measurement of the estimated fair value of those assets, which is categorized as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The remaining carrying amount of those assets is not significant. No other material nonrecurring fair value measurements were required during the periods presented in these financial statements.
13. Other Comprehensive Income
The following tables show the components of net other comprehensive income (loss):
| Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 31, 2020 | July 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Pre-Tax | Tax | Net | Pre-Tax | Tax | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on currency translation | $ | 53 | $ | 9 | $ | 62 | $ | (8) | $ | (2) | $ | (10) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification to earnings | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net | 53 | 9 | 62 | (8) | (2) | (10) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedge adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on hedging instruments | (49) | 12 | (37) | 15 | (3) | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification to earnings1 | (11) | 3 | (8) | 3 | (1) | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net | (60) | 15 | (45) | 18 | (4) | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Postretirement benefits adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification to earnings2 | 10 | (3) | 7 | 6 | (2) | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net | 10 | (3) | 7 | 6 | (2) | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss), net | $ | 3 | $ | 21 | $ | 24 | $ | 16 | $ | (8) | $ | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
1Pre-tax amount for each period is classified as sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
2For the three months ended July 31, 2020, $4 of the pre-tax amount of $10 is classified in gain on sale of business in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Otherwise, the pre-tax amount for each period is classified as non-operating postretirement expense.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with both our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021. Note that the results of operations for the three months ended July 31, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of future or annual results. In this Item, “we,” “us,” “our,” “Brown-Forman,” and the “Company” refer to Brown-Forman Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively.
Presentation Basis
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use some financial measures in this report that are not measures of financial performance under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These non-GAAP measures, defined below, should be viewed as supplements to (not substitutes for) our results of operations and other measures reported under GAAP. Other companies may not define or calculate these non-GAAP measures in the same way.
“Underlying change” in measures of statements of operations. We present changes in certain measures, or line items, of the statements of operations that are adjusted to an “underlying” basis. We use “underlying change” for the following measures of the statements of operations: (a) underlying net sales; (b) underlying cost of sales; (c) underlying gross profit; (d) underlying advertising expenses; (e) underlying selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses; (f) underlying other expense (income) net; (g) underlying operating expenses1; and (h) underlying operating income. To calculate these measures, we adjust, as applicable, for (1) acquisitions and divestitures, (2) foreign exchange, (3) estimated net changes in distributor inventories, and (4) impairment charges. We explain these adjustments below.
•“Acquisitions and divestitures.” This adjustment removes (a) the gain or loss recognized on sale of divested brands, (b) any non-recurring effects related to our acquisitions and divestitures (e.g., transaction, transition, and integration costs), and (c) the effects of operating activity related to acquired and divested brands for periods not comparable year over year (non-comparable periods). Excluding non-comparable periods allows us to include the effects of acquired and divested brands only to the extent that results are comparable year over year.
During fiscal 2021, we sold our Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood brands and related assets, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $127 million, and entered into a related transition services agreement (TSA) for these brands. Also, during fiscal 2021, we acquired Part Time Rangers Limited, which owns Part Time Rangers RTDs.
This adjustment removes (a) transaction and integration costs related to the acquisitions and divestitures, (b) the gain on sale of Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood and related assets, (c) operating activity for the non-comparable period for Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood, which is activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, (d) the net sales and operating expenses recognized pursuant to the TSA related to (i) contract bottling services and (ii) distribution services in certain markets, and (e) operating activity for Part Time Rangers Holdings Limited for the non-comparable period, which is activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. We believe that these adjustments allow for us to better understand our underlying results on a comparable basis.
•“Foreign exchange.” We calculate the percentage change in certain line items of the statements of operations in accordance with GAAP and adjust to exclude the cost or benefit of currency fluctuations. Adjusting for foreign exchange allows us to understand our business on a constant-dollar basis, as fluctuations in exchange rates can distort the underlying trend both positively and negatively. (In this report, “dollar” always means the U.S. dollar unless stated otherwise.) To eliminate the effect of foreign exchange fluctuations when comparing across periods, we translate current-year results at prior-year rates and remove transactional and hedging foreign exchange gains and losses from current- and prior-year periods.
•“Estimated net change in distributor inventories.” This adjustment refers to the estimated net effect of changes in distributor inventories on changes in certain line items of the statements of operations. For each period compared, we use volume information from our distributors to estimate the effect of distributor inventory changes in certain line items of the statements of operations. We believe that this adjustment reduces the effect of varying levels of distributor inventories on changes in certain line items of the statements of operations and allows us to understand better our underlying results and trends.
1Operating expenses include advertising expense, SG&A expense, and other expense (income), net.
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•“Impairment charges.” This adjustment removes the impact of impairment charges from our results of operations. During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $6 million for certain fixed assets. We believe that this adjustment allows for us to better understand our underlying results on a comparable basis. See Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
We use the non-GAAP measures “underlying change” to: (a) understand our performance from period to period on a consistent basis; (b) compare our performance to that of our competitors; (c) calculate components of management incentive compensation; (d) plan and forecast; and (e) communicate our financial performance to the board of directors, stockholders, and investment community. We provide reconciliations of the “underlying change” in certain line items of the statements of operations to their nearest GAAP measures in the tables under “Results of Operations - Year-Over-Year Comparisons.” We have consistently applied the adjustments within our reconciliations in arriving at each non-GAAP measure.
When we provide guidance for underlying change for certain measures of the statements of operations, we do not provide guidance for the corresponding GAAP change because the GAAP measure will include items that are difficult to quantify or predict with reasonable certainty, including the estimated net change in distributor inventories and foreign exchange, each of which could have a significant impact to our GAAP income statement measures.
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Definitions
Aggregations.
From time to time, to explain our results of operations or to highlight trends and uncertainties affecting our business, we aggregate markets according to stage of economic development as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and we aggregate brands by beverage alcohol category. Below, we define the geographic and brand aggregations used in this report.
Geographic Aggregations.
In “Results of Operations - Fiscal 2022 Year-to-Date Highlights,” we provide supplemental information for our largest markets ranked by percentage of total fiscal 2021 net sales. In addition to markets that are listed by country name, we include the following aggregations:
•“Developed International” markets are “advanced economies” as defined by the IMF, excluding the United States. Our largest developed international markets are Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. This aggregation represents our net sales of branded products to these markets.
•“Emerging” markets are “emerging and developing economies” as defined by the IMF. Our largest emerging markets are Mexico, Poland, Brazil, and Russia. This aggregation represents our net sales of branded products to these markets.
•“Travel Retail” represents our net sales of branded products to global duty-free customers, other travel retail customers, and the U.S. military, regardless of customer location.
•“Non-branded and bulk” includes our net sales of used barrels, bulk whiskey and wine, and contract bottling, regardless of customer location.
Brand Aggregations.
In “Results of Operations - Fiscal 2022 Year-to-Date Highlights,” we provide supplemental information for our largest brands ranked by percentage of total fiscal 2021 net sales. In addition to brands that are listed by name, we include the following aggregations:
•“Whiskey” includes all whiskey spirits and whiskey-based flavored liqueurs, ready-to-drink (RTD), and ready-to-pour products (RTP). The brands included in this category are the Jack Daniel’s family of brands, the Woodford Reserve family of brands (Woodford Reserve), the Old Forester family of brands (Old Forester), GlenDronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Slane Irish Whiskey, and Coopers’ Craft.
•“American whiskey” includes the Jack Daniel’s family of brands, premium bourbons (defined below), and super-premium American whiskey (defined below).
•“Jack Daniel’s family of brands” includes Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey (JDTW), Jack Daniel’s RTD and RTP products (JD RTD/RTP), Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey (JDTH), Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire (JDTF), Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple (JDTA), Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Collection (JDSB), Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye Whiskey (JDTR), Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, and Jack Daniel’s Bottled-in-Bond.
•“Jack Daniel’s RTD and RTP” products include all RTD line extensions of Jack Daniel’s, such as Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails, Jack Daniel’s & Diet Cola, Jack & Ginger, Jack Daniel’s Double Jack, Gentleman Jack & Cola, Jack Daniel’s American Serve, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey RTD, Jack Daniel’s Berry, Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Lemonade, Jack Daniel’s Whiskey & Seltzer, and the seasonal Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack RTP.
•“Premium bourbons” includes Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and Coopers’ Craft.
•“Super-premium American whiskey” includes Woodford Reserve, Gentleman Jack, JDSB, JDTR, Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey, and Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select.
•“Tequila” includes the Herradura family of brands (Herradura), el Jimador, New Mix, Pepe Lopez, and Antiguo.
•“Wine” includes Korbel Champagnes and Sonoma-Cutrer wines.
•“Vodka” includes Finlandia.
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•“Non-branded and bulk” includes our net sales of used barrels, bulk whiskey and wine, and contract bottling regardless of customer location.
Other Metrics.
•“Depletions.” We generally record revenues when we ship or deliver our products to our customers. “Depletions” is a term commonly used in the beverage alcohol industry to describe volume. Depending on the context, depletions usually means either (a) our shipments directly to retail or wholesale customers for owned distribution markets or (b) shipments from our distributor customers to retailers and wholesalers in other markets. We believe that depletions measure volume in a way that more closely reflects consumer demand than our shipments to distributor customers do. In this document, unless otherwise specified, we refer to depletions when discussing volume.
•“Consumer takeaway.” When discussing trends in the market, we refer to consumer takeaway, a term commonly used in the beverage alcohol industry that refers to the purchase of product by consumers from retail outlets, including products purchased through e-premise channels, as measured by volume or retail sales value. This information is provided by third parties, such as Nielsen and the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA). Our estimates of market share or changes in market share are derived from consumer takeaway data using the retail sales value metric. We believe consumer takeaway is a leading indicator of how consumer demand is trending.
Important Information on Forward-Looking Statements:
This report contains statements, estimates, and projections that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “aspire,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “expectation,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “pursue,” “see,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar words indicate forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date we make them. 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. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors (many beyond our control) that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical experience or from our current expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
•Our substantial dependence upon the continued growth of the Jack Daniel’s family of brands
•Substantial competition from new entrants, consolidations by competitors and retailers, and other competitive activities, such as pricing actions (including price reductions, promotions, discounting, couponing, or free goods), marketing, category expansion, product introductions, or entry or expansion in our geographic markets or distribution networks
•Route-to-consumer changes that affect the timing of our sales, temporarily disrupt the marketing or sale of our products, or result in higher fixed costs
•Disruption of our distribution network or inventory fluctuations in our products by distributors, wholesalers, or retailers
•Changes in consumer preferences, consumption, or purchase patterns – particularly away from larger producers in favor of small distilleries or local producers, or away from brown spirits, our premium products, or spirits generally, and our ability to anticipate or react to them; further legalization of marijuana; shifts in consumer purchase practices; bar, restaurant, travel, or other on-premise declines; shifts in demographic or health and wellness trends; or unfavorable consumer reaction to new products, line extensions, package changes, product reformulations, or other product innovation
•Production facility, aging warehouse, or supply chain disruption
•Imprecision in supply/demand forecasting
•Higher costs, lower quality, or unavailability of energy, water, raw materials, product ingredients, or labor
•Impact of health epidemics and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the risk of the resulting negative economic impact and related governmental actions
•Unfavorable global or regional economic conditions, particularly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and related economic slowdowns or recessions, low consumer confidence, high unemployment, weak credit or capital markets, budget deficits, burdensome government debt, austerity measures, higher interest rates, higher taxes, political instability, higher inflation, deflation, lower returns on pension assets, or lower discount rates for pension obligations
•Product recalls or other product liability claims, product tampering, contamination, or quality issues
•Negative publicity related to our company, products, brands, marketing, executive leadership, employees, board of directors, family stockholders, operations, business performance, or prospects
•Failure to attract or retain key executive or employee talent
•Risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions, business partnerships, or investments – such as acquisition integration, termination difficulties or costs, or impairment in recorded value
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•Risks associated with being a U.S.-based company with a global business, including commercial, political, and financial risks; local labor policies and conditions; protectionist trade policies, or economic or trade sanctions, including additional retaliatory tariffs on American whiskeys and the effectiveness of our actions to mitigate the negative impact on our margins, sales, and distributors; compliance with local trade practices and other regulations; terrorism; and health pandemics
•Failure to comply with anti-corruption laws, trade sanctions and restrictions, or similar laws or regulations
•Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly a stronger U.S. dollar
•Changes in laws, regulatory measures, or governmental policies – especially those that affect the production, importation, marketing, labeling, pricing, distribution, sale, or consumption of our beverage alcohol products
•Tax rate changes (including excise, corporate, sales or value-added taxes, property taxes, payroll taxes, import and export duties, and tariffs) or changes in related reserves, changes in tax rules or accounting standards, and the unpredictability and suddenness with which they can occur
•Decline in the social acceptability of beverage alcohol in significant markets
•Significant additional labeling or warning requirements or limitations on availability of our beverage alcohol products
•Counterfeiting and inadequate protection of our intellectual property rights
•Significant legal disputes and proceedings, or government investigations
•Cyber breach or failure or corruption of our key information technology systems or those of our suppliers, customers, or direct and indirect business partners, or failure to comply with personal data protection laws
•Our status as a family “controlled company” under New York Stock Exchange rules, and our dual-class share structure
For further information on these and other risks, please see the risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2021 Form 10-K and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Overview
During the first quarter of fiscal 2022, we experienced strong broad-based growth across all of our IMF geographic clusters and Travel Retail channel due to the gradual re-opening of the on-premise, some degree of travel and tourism returning, and growing premiumization trends. While the financial impact of COVID-19 on our business is difficult to measure, we believe the timing and pace of global vaccination rates, governmental actions to lower or eliminate restrictions in certain economies around the world, and the post-pandemic economic recovery positively impacted our results when compared to the same period last year. We further discuss the effect of COVID-19 on our results where relevant below.
Our underlying results during the three months ended July 31, 2021, were negatively impacted by supply chain disruptions, largely related to glass supply. These disruptions impacted our finished goods inventories along with the inventories of our distributors and retailers.
Fiscal 2022 Year-to-Date Highlights
•We delivered reported net sales of $0.9 billion, an increase of 20% compared to the same period last year. Excluding an estimated net increase in distributor inventories and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures, we grew underlying net sales 18% for the three months ended July 31, 2021. Underlying growth was driven by (a) JDTW; (b) our premium bourbon brands, led by Woodford Reserve and Old Forester; (c) Herradura and el Jimador; (d) broad-based growth of JDTH; and (e) the continued international launch of JDTA. These gains were partially offset by lower volumes of New Mix reflecting difficult comparisons as a result of the temporary supply disruption of the beer industry in Mexico during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 due to COVID-19 related shutdowns. From a geographic perspective, the United States, emerging markets, developed international markets, and the Travel Retail channel all contributed significantly to underlying net sales growth.
•Reported advertising expense increased 46% for the three months ended July 31, 2021. Underlying advertising expense increased 44% after adjusting for the negative effect of foreign exchange and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures. The increase in underlying advertising expense was driven by the cycling of a substantial reduction in promotional activity during the same period last year due to COVID-19. Reported SG&A expense increased 14% for the three months ended July 31, 2021. Underlying SG&A expense increased 11% after adjusting for the negative effect of foreign exchange. The increase in underlying SG&A expense was driven by (a) the timing of compensation related expenses, (b) accruals for non-income-based tax contingencies, and (c) the cycling of lower discretionary spend during the same period last year due to COVID-19.
•We delivered reported operating income of $289 million, a decrease of 25% compared to the same period last year. Underlying operating income grew 15% after excluding (a) the effect of acquisitions and divestitures, (b) an estimated net increase in distributor inventories, (c) the negative effect of foreign exchange, and (d) the effect of impairment charges.
•We delivered diluted earnings per share of $0.40 for the three months ended July 31, 2021, a decrease of 41% from the $0.67 reported for the same period last year, which included an estimated $0.19 per share benefit from the gain on sale of Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood.
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Summary of Operating Performance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended July 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2020 | 2021 | Reported Change | Underlying Change1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 753 | $ | 906 | 20 | % | 18 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 288 | 353 | 23 | % | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 465 | 553 | 19 | % | 17 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising | 62 | 90 | 46 | % | 44 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A | 148 | 168 | 14 | % | 11 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (127) | — | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | (5) | 6 | (222 | %) | 80 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 387 | 289 | (25 | %) | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses2 | $ | 205 | $ | 264 | 29 | % | 20 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
As a percentage of net sales3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 61.7 | % | 61.0 | % | (0.7) | pp | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 51.4 | % | 31.9 | % | (19.5) | pp | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating postretirement expense | $ | 1 | $ | — | (67 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | 20 | $ | 20 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 11.6 | % | 28.5 | % | 16.9 | pp | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.40 | (41 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Note: Totals may differ due to rounding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for details on our use of “underlying change,” including how we calculate these measures and why we believe this information is useful to readers.
2Operating expenses include advertising expense, SG&A expense, and other expense (income), net.
3Year-over-year changes in percentages are reported in percentage points (pp).
Fiscal 2022 Outlook
Below we discuss our updated outlook for fiscal 2022, reflecting the trends, developments, and uncertainties we expect to affect our business. This updated outlook revises certain aspects of the fiscal 2022 outlook included in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2021 Form 10-K.
Due to the volatility and uncertainty that continues to exist in the operating environment, including recent COVID-19 trends and global supply chain disruptions, we have revised some of our expectations for fiscal 2022. Currently, we are managing through the impact of global supply chain disruptions, including glass supply, and have deployed a number of risk mitigation strategies to address the various constraints on our business. While we expect these disruptions to persist throughout the fiscal year, we believe the impact will become less significant in the second half of the year.
We expect a more significant unfavorable impact from supply chain disruptions and higher input costs related to agave, transportation costs, and commodity prices to negatively impact our gross margin. As a result of these factors, we expect gross margin to be flat, or slightly down, for the full year versus the slight improvement originally expected.
Despite these challenges, we still anticipate mid-single digit growth in underlying net sales, underlying operating expenses, and underlying operating income for fiscal 2022.
As a result of these factors coupled with unusual comparisons to last year, we expect the seasonality of our results to be volatile during the year.
We expect our effective tax rate to be in the range of about 22-23%.
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Results of Operations – Fiscal 2022 Year-to-Date Highlights
Market Highlights
The following table provides supplemental information for our largest markets. We discuss results of the markets most affecting our performance below the table. Unless otherwise indicated, all related commentary is for the three months ended July 31, 2021, compared to the same period last year.
Top Markets1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended July 31, 2021 | Net Sales % Change vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
Geographic area2 | Reported | Acquisitions and Divestitures | Foreign Exchange | Est. Net Chg in Distributor Inventories | Underlying3 | |||||||||||||||
| United States | 16 | % | 3 | % | — | % | (4 | %) | 16 | % | ||||||||||
| Developed International | 17 | % | 1 | % | (1 | %) | (5 | %) | 12 | % | ||||||||||
| Australia | 4 | % | — | % | (1 | %) | — | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| Germany | 24 | % | — | % | (2 | %) | — | % | 22 | % | ||||||||||
| United Kingdom | (3 | %) | — | % | 7 | % | (1 | %) | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| France | 14 | % | — | % | (3 | %) | — | % | 11 | % | ||||||||||
| Canada | (4 | %) | 1 | % | (9 | %) | 11 | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Rest of Developed International | 57 | % | 5 | % | (6 | %) | (32 | %) | 24 | % | ||||||||||
| Emerging | 40 | % | — | % | (1 | %) | (5 | %) | 34 | % | ||||||||||
| Mexico | 12 | % | — | % | (10 | %) | — | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| Poland | 18 | % | — | % | (7 | %) | — | % | 11 | % | ||||||||||
| Brazil | 46 | % | — | % | 3 | % | 16 | % | 64 | % | ||||||||||
| Russia | 37 | % | — | % | (3 | %) | (39 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||||||
| Rest of Emerging | 80 | % | 1 | % | 14 | % | (24 | %) | 72 | % | ||||||||||
| Travel Retail | 61 | % | 2 | % | (5 | %) | 17 | % | 74 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-branded and bulk | 5 | % | (5 | %) | — | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||
| Total | 20 | % | 2 | % | — | % | (4 | %) | 18 | % | ||||||||||
| Note: Results may differ due to rounding | ||||||||||||||||||||
1“Top Markets” are ranked based on percentage of total fiscal 2021 net sales. See 2021 Form 10-K “Results of Operations - Fiscal 2021 Market Highlights” and Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2See “Definitions” above for definitions of market aggregations presented here.
3See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for details on our use of “underlying change” in net sales, including how we calculate this measure and why we believe this information is useful to readers.
Net sales growth in many of the markets discussed below was positively impacted by comparisons against COVID-19 related declines during the same period last year. See “Overview” above for more information.
•United States. Reported net sales increased 16%, while underlying net sales also grew 16% after adjusting for an estimated net increase in distributor inventories and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures. The net increase in distributor inventories is due to (a) cycling against reductions during the same period last year reflecting COVID-19 related uncertainty, and (b) buy-in ahead of upcoming price increases. Underlying net sales gains were driven by (a) JDTW, fueled by higher volumes and a favorable channel mix shift to the on-premise channel; (b) our premium bourbons, led by Woodford Reserve and Old Forester; and (c) our tequilas, due to higher volumes of Herradura and el Jimador. This growth was partially offset by lower volumes in the off-premise channel due to difficult comparisons to the same period last year.
•Developed International. Reported net sales increased 17%, while underlying net sales grew 12% after adjusting for an estimated net increase in distributor inventories, the positive effect of foreign exchange, and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures. Broad-based underlying net sales growth was led by Germany, France, Korea, Spain, Australia, and Czechia.
◦Australia’s underlying net sales growth was driven by favorable price/mix, partially offset by lower volumes of JD RTDs due to difficult comparisons to the same period last year.
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◦Germany’s underlying net sales growth was fueled by the volumetric gains of JDTW and JD RTDs.
◦United Kingdom’s underlying net sales growth was driven by higher volumes of JDTW, partially offset by lower volumes of JDTA due to the cycling of the brand’s launch during the same period last year.
◦France’s underlying net sales growth was driven by higher volumes of JDTW.
◦Underlying net sales growth in the Rest of Developed International was driven by (a) higher JDTW volumes, led by Spain and Korea; and (b) volumetric growth of JDTH, led by Korea and Czechia.
•Emerging. Reported net sales increased 40%, while underlying net sales grew 34% after adjusting for an estimated net increase in distributor inventories and the positive effect of foreign exchange. Broad-based underlying net sales growth was led by Chile, Brazil, and Turkey.
◦Mexico’s underlying net sales growth was led by Herradura, partially offset by lower volumes of New Mix reflecting difficult comparisons as a result of the temporary supply disruption of the beer industry during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 related to COVID-19.
◦Poland’s underlying net sales growth was driven by higher volumes and favorable price/mix of JDTW.
◦Brazil’s underlying net sales growth was fueled by higher volumes of JDTW, the launch of JDTA, and volumetric growth of JDTH.
◦Underlying net sales growth in the Rest of Emerging was driven by (a) higher JDTW volumes, led by Chile and Turkey; (b) volumetric growth of JDTH, led by Chile; and (c) the launch of JDTA in Chile.
•Travel Retail. Reported net sales increased 61%, while underlying net sales grew 74% after adjusting for an estimated net decrease in distributor inventories, the positive effect of foreign exchange, and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures. Underlying net sales growth was driven by higher volumes across much of our portfolio as we cycled against significant declines during the same period last year.
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Brand Highlights
The following table provides supplemental information for our largest brands. We discuss results of the brands most affecting our performance below the table. Unless otherwise indicated, all related commentary is for the three months ended July 31, 2021, compared to the same period last year.
| Major Brands | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended July 31, 2021 | Volumes | Net Sales % Change vs 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product category / brand family / brand1 | 9L Depletions1, 3 | Reported | Acquisitions and Divestitures | Foreign Exchange | Est. Net Chg in Distributor Inventories | Underlying2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Whiskey | 11 | % | 19 | % | 3 | % | — | % | (3 | %) | 18 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Jack Daniel’s family of brands | 10 | % | 20 | % | — | % | — | % | (3 | %) | 16 | % | ||||||||||||||
| JDTW | 17 | % | 28 | % | — | % | 1 | % | (7 | %) | 21 | % | ||||||||||||||
| JD RTD/RTP | 1 | % | 6 | % | — | % | (3 | %) | — | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||
| JDTH | 11 | % | (3 | %) | — | % | (1 | %) | 14 | % | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Gentleman Jack | 3 | % | (2 | %) | — | % | — | % | 4 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||
| JDTF | 5 | % | 2 | % | — | % | (1 | %) | 3 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||
| JDTA | 44 | % | 68 | % | — | % | 4 | % | (37 | %) | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other Jack Daniel’s whiskey brands | 12 | % | 31 | % | — | % | (1 | %) | (5 | %) | 24 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Woodford Reserve | 30 | % | 31 | % | — | % | — | % | 4 | % | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Tequila | (28 | %) | 32 | % | — | % | (5 | %) | (4 | %) | 23 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Herradura | 76 | % | 94 | % | — | % | (4 | %) | (9 | %) | 81 | % | ||||||||||||||
| el Jimador | 14 | % | 34 | % | — | % | (2 | %) | (7 | %) | 25 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Wine | 9 | % | 30 | % | — | % | — | % | (22 | %) | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Vodka (Finlandia) | 7 | % | 34 | % | — | % | (4 | %) | (14 | %) | 17 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Rest of Portfolio | 18 | % | (1 | %) | (3 | %) | 22 | % | 7 | % | 24 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Non-branded and bulk | NA | 5 | % | (5 | %) | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||
| Note: Results may differ due to rounding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1See “Definitions” above for definitions of brand aggregations and volume measures presented here.
2See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above for details on our use of “underlying change” in net sales, including how we calculate this measure and why we believe this information is useful to readers.
3 Effective April 1, 2021, we entered into a partnership with Pabst Brewing Company for the supply, sales, and distribution of Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails in the United States. Consequently, our fiscal 2022 results include net sales, but do not include 9L depletions for this brand. To share results on a comparable basis for fiscal 2022, we excluded fiscal 2021 9L depletions for Jack Daniel’s Cocktails in the United States.
Net sales growth for some of the brands discussed below was positively impacted by comparisons against COVID-19 related declines during the same period last year. See “Overview” above for more information.
•Whiskey brands’ reported net sales increased 19%, while underlying net sales grew 18% after adjusting for an estimated net increase in distributor inventories and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures. Underlying net sales growth was driven by (a) the growth of JDTW; (b) our premium bourbons, led by Woodford Reserve and Old Forester; and (c) volumetric growth of JDTH and JDTA.
◦The Jack Daniel’s family of brands grew underlying net sales driven by JDTW, higher volumes of JDTH, and the continued international launch of JDTA.
▪The broad-based underlying net sales growth for JDTW was driven by higher volumes and favorable channel mix in the United States and volumetric growth in our emerging and developed international markets.
▪JDTH underlying net sales growth was fueled by broad-based volumetric gains in emerging markets, led by Chile and Brazil. This growth was partially offset by declines in the United States due to difficult comparisons to the same period last year.
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▪The underlying net sales growth of JDTA was fueled by the brand’s continued international launch, most notably in Brazil and Chile. This growth was partially offset by declines in the United Kingdom due to the cycling of the brand’s launch during the same period last year.
◦Woodford Reserve’s underlying net sales growth was driven by volumetric growth in the United States.
•Tequila brands grew reported net sales 32%, while underlying net sales grew 23% after adjusting for the positive effect of foreign exchange and an estimated net increase in distributor inventories. Underlying net sales growth was driven by Herradura and el Jimador, partially offset by lower volumes of New Mix compared to the same period last year reflecting difficult comparisons as a result of the temporary supply disruption of the beer industry during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 related to COVID-19.
◦Herradura’s underlying net sales was driven by growth in the United States and Mexico. The growth in Mexico was due in part to easy comparisons to the same period last year.
◦The underlying net sales growth of el Jimador was led by higher volumes in the United States.
•Reported net sales for our Wine business, which is focused primarily in the United States, grew 30%, while underlying net sales grew 8% after adjusting for an estimated net increase in distributor inventories. The increase in underlying net sales was driven by higher volumes of Korbel Champagne and Sonoma-Cutrer.
•Reported net sales for Finlandia increased 34%, while underlying net sales grew 17% after adjusting for estimated net increase in distributor inventories and the positive effect of foreign exchange. The increase in underlying net sales was led by higher volumes in emerging markets and Travel Retail.
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Year-Over-Year Period Comparisons
Net sales growth for certain markets and brands was positively impacted by comparisons against COVID-19 related declines during the same period last year. See “Overview” above for more information.
Net Sales | |||||
| Percentage change versus the prior year period ended July 31 | 3 Months | ||||
| Change in reported net sales | 20 | % | |||
| Acquisitions and divestitures | 2 | % | |||
| Estimated net change in distributor inventories | (4 | %) | |||
| Change in underlying net sales | 18 | % | |||
| Change in underlying net sales attributed to: | |||||
| Volume | (1 | %) | |||
| Price/mix | 19 | % | |||
| Note: Results may differ due to rounding | |||||
For the three months ended July 31, 2021, net sales were $0.9 billion, an increase of $153 million, or 20%, compared to the same period last year. After adjusting reported net sales for an estimated net increase in distributor inventories, primarily in the United States, and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures, underlying net sales grew 18% compared to the same period last year. The increase in underlying net sales was driven by favorable price/mix, partially offset by lower volumes. Favorable price/mix was driven by faster growth from our higher-priced brands, led by JDTW, and a favorable channel mix shift to the on-premise channel in the United States. Lower volumes were driven by New Mix, partially offset by volumetric growth across our portfolio led by the Jack Daniel’s family of brands, our tequilas (excluding New Mix), and premium bourbons. See “Results of Operations - Fiscal 2022 Year-to-Date Highlights” above for further details on underlying net sales for the three months ended July 31, 2021.
Cost of Sales | |||||
| Percentage change versus the prior year period ended July 31 | 3 Months | ||||
| Change in reported cost of sales | 23 | % | |||
| Acquisitions and divestitures | 3 | % | |||
| Foreign exchange | (2 | %) | |||
| Estimated net change in distributor inventories | (5 | %) | |||
| Change in underlying cost of sales | 19 | % | |||
| Change in underlying cost of sales attributed to: | |||||
| Volume | (1 | %) | |||
| Cost/mix | 20 | % | |||
| Note: Results may differ due to rounding | |||||
Cost of sales of $0.4 billion for the three months ended July 31, 2021, increased $65 million, or 23%, when compared to the same period last year. Underlying cost of sales increased 19% after adjusting for an estimated net increase in distributor inventories, the effect of acquisitions and divestitures, and the negative effect of foreign exchange. The increase in underlying cost of sales was driven by unfavorable cost/mix, partially offset by lower volumes. Unfavorable cost/mix was driven by a shift in portfolio mix toward our higher-cost brands and higher input costs related to agave and the impact of supply chain constraints. Lower volumes were driven by New Mix, partially offset by volumetric growth across our portfolio led by the Jack Daniel’s family of brands, our tequilas (excluding New Mix), and premium bourbons.
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Gross Profit | |||||
| Percentage change versus the prior year period ended July 31 | 3 Months | ||||
| Change in reported gross profit | 19 | % | |||
| Acquisitions and divestitures | 1 | % | |||
| Estimated net change in distributor inventories | (4 | %) | |||
| Change in underlying gross profit | 17 | % | |||
| Note: Results may differ due to rounding | |||||
Gross Margin | |||||
| For the period ended July 31 | 3 Months | ||||
| Prior year gross margin | 61.7 | % | |||
| Price/mix | 0.9 | % | |||
| Cost/mix | (1.5) | % | |||
| Acquisitions and divestitures | 0.3 | % | |||
| Foreign exchange | (0.4 | %) | |||
| Change in gross margin | (0.7 | %) | |||
| Current year gross margin | 61.0 | % | |||
| Note: Results may differ due to rounding | — | ||||
Gross profit of $0.6 billion increased $88 million, or 19%, for the three months ended July 31, 2021, compared to the same period last year. Underlying gross profit increased 17% after adjusting for an estimated net increase in distributor inventories and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures. Gross margin for the three months ended July 31, 2021, decreased 0.7 percentage points to 61.0% from 61.7% in the same period last year. The decrease in gross margin was driven primarily by higher input costs related to agave and the impact of supply chain constraints, partially offset by a favorable shift in portfolio mix toward our higher-margin brands and channels.
Operating Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Percentage change versus the prior year period ended July 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 Months | Reported | Acquisitions and Divestitures | Impairment Charges | Foreign Exchange | Underlying | |||||||||||||||
| Advertising | 46 | % | 1 | % | — | % | (2 | %) | 44 | % | ||||||||||
| SG&A | 14 | % | — | % | — | % | (3 | %) | 11 | % | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses1 | 29 | % | — | % | (3 | %) | (6 | %) | 20 | % | ||||||||||
| Note: Results may differ due to rounding | ||||||||||||||||||||
1Total operating expenses include advertising expense, SG&A expense, and other expense (income), net. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses totaled $264 million, an increase of $59 million, or 29%, for the three months ended July 31, 2021, compared to the same period last year. Underlying operating expenses grew 20% compared to the same period last year after adjusting for the negative effect of foreign exchange and the effect of impairment charges.
•Reported advertising expense increased 46% for the three months ended July 31, 2021. Underlying advertising expense increased 44% after adjusting for the negative effect of foreign exchange and the effect of acquisitions and divestitures. The increase in underlying advertising expense was driven by the cycling of a substantial reduction in promotional activity during the same period last year due to COVID-19.
•Reported SG&A expense increased 14% for the three months ended July 31, 2021. Underlying SG&A expense increased 11% after adjusting for the negative effect of foreign exchange. The increase in underlying SG&A expense was driven by (a) the timing of compensation related expenses, (b) accruals for non-income-based tax contingencies, and (c) the cycling of lower discretionary spend during the same period last year due to COVID-19.
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Operating Income | |||||
| Percentage change versus the prior year period ended July 31 | 3 Months | ||||
| Change in reported operating income | (25 | %) | |||
| Acquisitions and divestitures | 39 | % | |||
| Impairment charges | 2 | % | |||
| Foreign exchange | 6 | % | |||
| Estimated net change in distributor inventories | (6 | %) | |||
| Change in underlying operating income | 15 | % | |||
| Note: Results may differ due to rounding | |||||
Operating income of $289 million decreased $98 million, or 25%, for the three months ended July 31, 2021, compared to the same period last year. Underlying operating income grew 15% after adjusting for (a) the effect of acquisitions and divestitures, (b) an estimated net increase in distributor inventories, (c) the negative effect of foreign exchange, and (d) the effect of impairment charges. Operating margin decreased 19.5 percentage points to 31.9% for the three months ended July 31, 2021, from 51.4% in the same period last year. The effect of acquisitions and divestitures (primarily the fiscal 2021 gain on sale of Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood) contributed 17.0 percentage points to this decrease.
The effective tax rate for the three months ended July 31, 2021, was 28.5% compared to 11.6% for the same period last year. The increase in our effective rate primarily reflects a deferred tax benefit in the prior year related to an intercompany transfer of assets, the reversal of prepaid taxes on prior intercompany sales of inventory recorded at higher than current statutory rates, a prior year true-up of deferred tax liabilities, and changes in tax laws in certain foreign jurisdictions.
Diluted earnings per share of $0.40 for the three months ended July 31, 2021, decreased 41% from the $0.67 reported for the same period last year, which includes an estimated $0.19 per share benefit from the gain on sale of Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood.
Liquidity and Financial Condition
Cash flows. Cash and cash equivalents increased $22 million during the three months ended July 31, 2021. Cash provided by operations of $185 million was up $94 million from the same period last year, reflecting improved operating results and lower working capital requirements.
The impact of investing activities on cash and cash equivalents was a decrease of $15 million for the three months ended July 31, 2021, compared to an increase of $162 million for the same period last year. The $177 million change reflects the proceeds received in the prior-year period from our divestiture of the Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood brands and related assets.
Cash used for financing activities was $141 million during the three months ended July 31, 2021, compared to $37 million for the same period last year. The $104 million increase largely reflects a $105 million increase in net repayments of short-term borrowings.
The impact on cash and cash equivalents as a result of exchange rate changes was a decrease of $7 million for the three months ended July 31, 2021, compared to an increase of $17 million for the same period last year.
Liquidity. We generate strong cash flows from operations, which enable us to meet current obligations, fund capital expenditures, pay regular dividends, and return cash to our stockholders from time to time through share repurchases and special dividends. Our investment-grade credit ratings (A1 by Moody’s and A- by Standard & Poor’s) provide us with financial flexibility when accessing global credit markets and allow us to reserve adequate debt capacity for investment opportunities and unforeseen events.
Cash and cash equivalents were $1,150 million at April 30, 2021, and $1,172 million at July 31, 2021. As of July 31, 2021, approximately 55% of our cash and cash equivalents were held by our foreign subsidiaries whose earnings we expect to reinvest indefinitely outside of the United States. We continue to evaluate our future cash deployment and may decide to repatriate additional cash held by our foreign subsidiaries, which may require us to provide for and pay additional taxes.
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We have an $800 million commercial paper program that we regularly use to fund our short-term operational needs. Please see Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for outstanding commercial paper balances, interest rates, and days to maturity at April 30, 2021, and July 31, 2021. The average balances, interest rates, and original maturities during the periods ended July 31, 2020 and 2021, are presented below.
| Three Months Average | |||||||||||
| July 31, | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||
| Average commercial paper | $360 | $190 | |||||||||
| Average interest rate | 0.93% | 0.16% | |||||||||
| Average days to maturity at issuance | 103 | 32 | |||||||||
Our commercial paper program is supported by available commitments under our undrawn $800 million bank credit facility that expires in November 2023. Although unlikely, under extreme market conditions, one or more participating banks may not be able to fund its commitments under our credit facility. To manage this counterparty credit risk, we partner with banks that have investment grade credit ratings, limit the amount of exposure we have with each bank, and monitor the financial conditions of each bank.
While we expect to meet our short-term liquidity needs largely through cash generated from operations and borrowings under our commercial paper program, a sustained market deterioration resulting in declines in net sales and profit could require us to evaluate alternative sources of liquidity. Should we have additional liquidity needs, we believe that we could access long-term financing in the debt capital markets.
We believe our current liquidity position, supplemented by our ability to generate positive cash flows from operations in the future, and our ample debt capacity enabled by our strong short-term and long-term credit ratings, will be sufficient to meet all of our future financial commitments.
As announced on July 22, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1795 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock. Stockholders of record on September 3, 2021, will receive the dividend on October 1, 2021.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We face market risks arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. Foreign currency fluctuations affect our net investments in foreign subsidiaries and foreign currency-denominated cash flows. Commodity price changes can affect our production and supply chain costs. Interest rate changes affect (a) the fair value of our fixed-rate debt, and (b) cash flows and earnings related to our variable-rate debt and interest-bearing investments. We manage market risks through procurement strategies as well as the use of derivative and other financial instruments. Our risk management program is governed by policies that authorize and control the nature and scope of transactions that we use to mitigate market risks. Since April 30, 2021, there have been no material changes to the market risks faced by us or to our risk management program.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (our principal executive and principal financial officers), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures: (a) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (b) include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We operate in a litigious environment and we are sued in the normal course of business. We do not anticipate that any pending legal proceedings will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2021 Form 10-K, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or future results. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our 2021 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following documents are filed with this report:
| 31.1 | ||||||||
| 31.2 | ||||||||
| 32 | ||||||||
| 101 | The following materials from Brown-Forman Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2021, in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format: (a) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (b) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (c) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (d) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (e) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File in Inline XBRL format (included in Exhibit 101). | |||||||
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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 thereunto duly authorized.
| BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION | |||||||||||
| (Registrant) | |||||||||||
| Date: | September 1, 2021 | By: | /s/ Leanne D. Cunningham | ||||||||
| Leanne D. Cunningham | |||||||||||
| Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||
| (On behalf of the Registrant and as Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||||||
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