Top-line Performance (Reported vs Organic)
Reported net sales declined 4% in the first half of fiscal 2026, while organic net sales were flat (0%) after adjusting for acquisition & divestiture (A&D) impacts related to Korbel and Sonoma-Cutrer.
Emerging Markets Strength
Emerging international markets delivered double-digit organic net sales growth of 12% in the first half, led by Mexico (18% organic growth driven by RTDs) and Brazil (more than 20% organic growth driven by Jack Daniel's variants and premiumization initiatives).
Global Travel Retail Growth
Global Travel Retail channel organic net sales increased 6% in the first half, benefiting from passenger volumes surpassing pre-pandemic levels and serving as a key brand-building platform.
Successful Innovation — Jack Daniel's Tennessee Blackberry
Blackberry launch exceeded expectations in the U.S. with shipments initially outpacing depletions; phased international rollouts (U.K., Germany, France, Poland, Czechia, Turkey and GTR) showed strong initial retail and consumer response (e.g., Tesco 'best NPD' with double-digit repeat purchase, Amazon preorder sellouts).
New Mix RTD Performance
New Mix, a tequila-based RTD, continued to deliver very strong double-digit growth and led category gains in Mexico, contributing meaningfully to RTD-led growth in the region (Mexico organic net sales +18%).
Margin and Cost Management Progress
Reported gross margin expanded 30 basis points to 59.5% in H1, driven by a 190 bps A&D benefit (absence of Sonoma-Cutrer TSA and conclusion of Korbel relationship) partially offset by cost pressures. Organic SG&A decreased 4% following workforce restructuring; organic A&P was down 1% aligned with depletion-based top-line trends.
Improved Cash Generation and Capital Returns
Cash flow from operations increased by $163 million to $292 million; free cash flow rose by $179 million to $236 million. Board approved a 2% quarterly dividend increase (42nd consecutive annual increase) and authorized up to $400 million in share repurchases, with $99 million repurchased as of Oct 31, 2025.
Reaffirmed Full-Year Guidance and Strategic Actions
Management reaffirmed fiscal 2026 outlook, expecting low single-digit organic net sales decline and reported gross margin expansion. Ongoing actions include route-to-consumer transitions (U.S., Japan, Italy), focus on premium-plus and RTD innovation, and workforce restructuring to improve agility and reduce SG&A.