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Brown Forman A (BF.A)
NYSE:BF.A

Brown Forman A (BF.A) AI Stock Analysis

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BF.A

Brown Forman A

(NYSE:BF.A)

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Neutral 64 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:64Neutral
Price Target:
$32.00
▲(23.74% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:01/13/26
The score is driven primarily by solid underlying financial performance (strong margins and cash conversion) and supportive valuation (moderate P/E and strong dividend yield). These positives are meaningfully offset by weak technicals, with the stock in a clear downtrend and negative momentum indicators.
Positive Factors
High margins & operational efficiency
Brown‑Forman’s ~59% gross margin and ~21% EBIT (~30.5% EBITDA) indicate durable profitability and operating leverage in premium spirits. High structural margins support reinvestment, marketing and consistent cash returns even if volumes fluctuate, preserving long‑term competitiveness.
Robust cash generation
A strong FCF-to-net-income ratio (~80%) and positive FCF growth (~4.45% TTM) show excellent cash conversion from operations. This durable cash generation supports dividends, targeted brand investments and balance‑sheet flexibility without reliance on external financing.
Leading brand portfolio & global reach
Iconic brands (e.g., Jack Daniel’s) and distribution in 170+ countries create durable pricing power and channel access. Longstanding distributor partnerships and brand loyalty support consistent premium placement, allowing steady revenue per unit and resilience versus private‑label competition.
Negative Factors
Revenue contraction
TTM revenue decline (-1.49%) signals weakening top‑line momentum that can erode scale benefits over time. If sustained, lower volumes limit operating leverage, constrain marketing ROI and make margin maintenance harder despite premium positioning in some markets.
Declining stockholders' equity
A noted decline in stockholders’ equity reduces the capital cushion and could reflect buybacks, dividend strain, or accumulated losses. Over months this can limit strategic flexibility, increase leverage sensitivity and reduce ability to absorb shocks or fund acquisitions.
Earnings deterioration
Material EPS contraction (~-19% recent) suggests pressure on profitability drivers or mix shifts. Sustained earnings weakness hampers reinvestment, constrains dividend growth potential and raises execution risk for maintaining marketing and innovation spending needed to restore top‑line growth.

Brown Forman A (BF.A) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Brown Forman A Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBrown-Forman Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distills, bottles, imports, exports, markets, and sells various alcoholic beverages. It provides spirits, wines, whiskey spirits, whiskey-based flavored liqueurs, ready-to-drink and ready-to-pour products, ready-to-drink cocktails, vodkas, tequilas, champagnes, brandy, bourbons, and liqueurs. The company offers its products primarily under the Jack Daniel's, Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers' Craft, Herradura, el Jimador, New Mix, Korbel Champagnes, Sonoma-Cutrer, Finlandia, GlenDronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Chambord, Slane, and Fords Gin brands. It is also involved in the sale of used barrels, bulk whiskey, and wine; and provision of contract bottling services. The company serves retail customers and consumers through distributors or state governments; and retailers, wholesalers, and provincial governments directly. It has operations in the United States, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and internationally. The company was founded in 1870 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
How the Company Makes MoneyBrown-Forman generates revenue primarily through the sale of its extensive range of alcoholic beverages. The company's revenue model relies on direct sales to wholesalers and retailers, as well as through e-commerce channels. Key revenue streams include the sale of its flagship brands, particularly whiskey, which accounts for a substantial portion of its earnings. The company benefits from strong brand loyalty and recognition, allowing it to maintain premium pricing. Additionally, Brown-Forman has established significant partnerships with distributors around the world, enhancing its market reach and operational efficiency. The company also invests in marketing and promotional activities to support its brands, which contributes to sustained growth in sales. Overall, Brown-Forman's financial success is driven by its commitment to quality, strategic brand management, and a global distribution network.

Brown Forman A Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 28, 2025
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 04, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a mixed sentiment with strong growth in emerging markets and strategic product launches counterbalanced by significant challenges in developed markets, declining net sales, and specific market issues in Canada and used barrel sales.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Emerging Markets Growth
Organic net sales growth in emerging international markets led by a 25% increase in Travel Retail and a 30% increase in Brazil, indicating strong geographic performance.
Jack Daniel's Strategic Innovation
Launch of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Blackberry showing promising initial feedback and potential for global expansion, with shipments exceeding expectations.
Operational Improvements
Streamlined workforce structure and distributor transitions in the U.S. aimed at driving improved performance and growth.
Gross Margin Expansion
Gross profit margin expanded by 40 basis points due to benefits from the absence of transition services agreements for divested brands.
Negative Updates
Net Sales Decline
Reported net sales declined 3% due to various factors including the A&D impact and foreign exchange effects.
Challenges in Developed Markets
Organic net sales decreased 9% in developed international markets, with Germany and the UK facing economic challenges and tariff uncertainties.
Used Barrel Sales Decline
Organic net sales for used barrels decreased over 40%, reflecting current industry operating environment challenges.
Canada Market Issues
Organic net sales in Canada declined nearly 60% due to trade disputes affecting U.S. beverage alcohol products.
Company Guidance
During the Brown-Forman Corporation's First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 earnings call, the company reaffirmed its full-year guidance despite a challenging operating environment marked by a 3% decline in reported net sales and a 1% increase in organic net sales. The company's growth was driven by a 25% increase in emerging international markets and a 7% rise in the Travel Retail channel, offset by declines of 9% in developed international markets and 2% in the U.S. Despite a reported 2% decrease in gross profit, the gross margin expanded by 40 basis points to 59.8%, attributed to the absence of previous transition service agreements. The company also reported a 7% decrease in organic SG&A investment, reflecting cost efficiencies from a recent workforce restructuring. Brown-Forman remains optimistic about strategic innovations like the launch of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Blackberry and expects a low single-digit decline in organic net sales for the fiscal year, with continued investment in emerging markets and strategic brand innovations.

Brown Forman A Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials are solid overall: strong gross margin (~59%) and healthy EBIT/EBITDA margins (~21%/~30.5%) support profitability, and cash flow quality is strong (FCF to net income ~80% with positive FCF growth ~4.45%). Offsetting factors include slightly weaker net margin (down to ~20.8%) and negative revenue growth (-1.49% TTM), plus declining stockholders’ equity as a balance-sheet watch item.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Brown Forman A's income statement shows a strong gross profit margin of approximately 59% for TTM, indicating efficient cost management. However, the net profit margin has decreased to 20.8% from 21.9% in the previous annual report, reflecting a slight decline in profitability. The revenue growth rate is negative at -1.49% TTM, suggesting a contraction in sales. Despite this, the company maintains a healthy EBIT margin of 21% and an EBITDA margin of 30.5% TTM, showcasing operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
The balance sheet reveals a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56 TTM, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging. Return on equity is solid at 21.2% TTM, reflecting effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio stands at 50.3% TTM, suggesting a stable financial structure with a good proportion of assets financed by equity. However, the decrease in stockholders' equity over the periods indicates potential challenges in maintaining equity growth.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Cash flow analysis shows a positive free cash flow growth rate of 4.45% TTM, indicating improved cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.54 TTM, suggesting that operating cash flow adequately supports net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 80.2% TTM, highlighting strong cash conversion capabilities. These metrics reflect a healthy cash flow position, supporting ongoing operations and potential investments.
BreakdownTTMApr 2025Apr 2024Apr 2023Apr 2022Apr 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.89B3.98B4.18B4.23B3.93B3.46B
Gross Profit2.30B2.34B2.53B2.49B2.39B2.09B
EBITDA1.21B1.29B1.51B1.19B1.27B1.24B
Net Income810.00M869.00M1.02B783.00M838.00M903.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets8.22B8.09B8.17B7.78B6.37B6.52B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments319.00M444.00M446.00M374.00M868.00M1.15B
Total Debt2.65B2.73B3.10B2.91B2.27B2.56B
Total Liabilities4.09B4.09B4.65B4.51B3.64B3.87B
Stockholders Equity4.13B3.99B3.52B3.27B2.74B2.66B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow610.00M431.00M419.00M457.00M798.00M755.00M
Operating Cash Flow761.00M598.00M647.00M640.00M936.00M817.00M
Investing Cash Flow247.00M249.00M49.00M-1.35B-127.00M98.00M
Financing Cash Flow-1.11B-843.00M-618.00M239.00M-1.04B-485.00M

Brown Forman A Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price25.86
Price Trends
50DMA
28.18
Positive
100DMA
27.90
Positive
200DMA
28.62
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.74
Negative
RSI
64.16
Neutral
STOCH
66.37
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BF.A, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 25.86 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 29.20, below the 50-day MA of 28.18, and below the 200-day MA of 28.62, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.74 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 64.16 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 66.37 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for BF.A.

Brown Forman A Risk Analysis

Brown Forman A disclosed 24 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Brown Forman A reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Brown Forman A Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
68
Neutral
$2.49B27.289.58%-1.13%24.34%
67
Neutral
$27.10B24.6414.29%2.92%-5.57%119.49%
64
Neutral
$13.70B17.4120.67%3.41%-4.59%-19.19%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
60
Neutral
$8.21B14.2414.82%5.64%2.71%4.90%
60
Neutral
$52.63B22.3622.33%4.80%0.22%-38.76%
54
Neutral
$10.07B-4.46-18.35%4.08%-4.01%-339.22%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BF.A
Brown Forman A
30.70
-1.37
-4.28%
SAM
Boston Beer
224.16
-10.13
-4.32%
CPB
Campbell Soup
27.11
-12.54
-31.63%
STZ
Constellation Brands
159.42
-14.09
-8.12%
DEO
Diageo
99.88
-5.69
-5.39%
TAP
Molson Coors
49.47
-9.17
-15.63%
Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 13, 2026