>>> Brown-Forman misses by $0.07, misses on revs; lowers FY15 EPS below consensu

Brown-Forman misses by $0.07, misses on revs; lowers FY15 EPS below consensus (96.00)
Reports Q2 (Oct) earnings of $0.97 per share, $0.07 worse than the Capital IQ Consensus Estimate of $1.04; revenues rose 5.2% year/year to $1.14 bln vs the $1.15 bln consensus.

Co issues downside guidance for FY15, lowers EPS to $3.15-3.35 from $3.25-3.45 vs. $3.35 Capital IQ Consensus, which incorporates an anticipated negative impact from foreign exchange of ~$0.15 per share compared to the first quarter outlook for a $0.06 per share negative impact from foreign exchange.
  • After considering current spot rates versus the prior year rates, as well as the company's hedge positions, the company anticipates a mid-single digit currency headwind on reported operating income growth for the full year.
  • The geopolitical environment remains fragile, particularly in Russia.
  • Assuming no further deterioration in current global market conditions, the co is reaffirming its underlying growth outlook for fiscal 2015, including 6-8% growth in underlying net sales, and 9-11% growth in underlying operating income.
  • After a favorable consumer and trade response to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire in its limited test, the company is announcing the nation-wide roll-out of the brand in the United States during 4Q15.
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