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Constellation Brands

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Industry Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2017 Annual Report · Constellation Brands
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FISCAL YEAR  2017 ANNUAL REPORT

FISCAL 2017  
HIGHLIGHTS

 $1.7B                          

Record Operating  
Cash Flow

$7.3B 

Record Net Sales

24% 

Record Comparable  
Basis EPS Growth (1)

KNOW YOUR CONSUMERS. 

BE BOLD & INNOVATIVE. 

LIVE YOUR VALUES.  

EXECUTE FLAWLESSLY. 

SUSTAIN PROFITABLE GROWTH. 

BUILD SHAREHOLDER VALUE. 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

REPEAT.

The good thing about a winning strategy 

Our strategy is the framework for our 

is that it never gets old. We are pleased 

success, but it takes much more than 

to share that fiscal 2017 was yet another 

just a sound plan to consistently deliver 

year of record-breaking performance and 

exceptional results year after year. It 

unsurpassed Total Beverage Alcohol (TBA) 

takes a great team, “spot on” consumer 

leadership – thanks to a fierce commitment 

insights, top-to-bottom innovation, 

to stay true to what works. And what  

high-margin brands, the resources and 

works at Constellation Brands is a  

expertise to leverage TBA scope and 

dynamic, yet disciplined, approach to 

scale, and a culture that makes it fun 

sustaining profitable growth and building 

and rewarding to make a difference 

shareholder value. 

In fiscal 2017, we achieved impressive 

double-digit growth in sales and  

operating cash flow. Constellation was the 

#1 provider of retail dollar sales growth in 

TBA, propelled by our beer, wine and spirits 

brands that are top industry performers.(2) 

Our powerhouse portfolio was responsible 

for over 25% of TBA growth in the U.S. 

– at work and in our communities. At 

Constellation, we’re proud and privileged 

to have all of this and more. We have 

a great story to tell, and you can read 

all about it in our new company profile 

available at www.cbrands.com. This is  

a digital version of the printed Summary 

Annual Report that we have provided to 

shareholders in the past. 

market last year.(2) This top-line growth  

Thank you for your unwavering support 

was matched by equally impressive 

of our company and our brands. Our 

profitability driven by commercial and 

business has never been stronger, and 

operational excellence realized across our 

the prospects across our beer, wine 

businesses. This best-in-class combination 

and spirits portfolio are robust and 

enabled us to achieve double-digit growth 

compelling. It’s a great time to be a part 

in our stock price in fiscal 2017. Most 

of Constellation Brands, and we’re glad 

importantly we, once again, achieved 

you’ve joined us on our journey to elevate 

outstanding total shareholder returns for 

life with every glass raised.

you, our valued investors – marking a half-

decade of truly extraordinary results. In  

fact, if you’ve had stock in Constellation 

since 2012, your investments have grown  

by more than 700%.(3)

Sincerely, 

Richard Sands 
Chairman of the Board

Rob Sands 
President & CEO

(1) EPS growth on a reported basis is up 45% over fiscal 2016. The comparable basis EPS growth amount contained in this letter is a non-GAAP financial measure.  
   See the reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure in a table following the Form 10-K  
   incorporated in this Annual Report.
(2) IRI and NABCA Channels, 2016 
(3)Yahoo Finance; price appreciation based on closing price as of 4/23/2012 to 4/20/2017, not assuming reinvestment of dividends

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017

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 number 001-08495

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization

207 High Point Drive, Building 100
Victor, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)

16-0716709
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

14564
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (585) 678-7100

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Class A Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)

Class B Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  

    No  

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  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data 
File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months 
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained 
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by 
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

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
Non-accelerated filer

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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  

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sales 
prices of the registrant’s Class A and Class B Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange as of the last business day of the 
registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $28,045,135,841.

The number of shares outstanding with respect to each of the classes of common stock of Constellation Brands, Inc., as of April 21, 2017, is
set forth below:

Class
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

Class 1 Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

Number of Shares Outstanding

171,447,198

23,345,727

7,720

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The Proxy Statement of Constellation Brands, Inc. to be issued for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders which is expected to be held July 18, 
2017 is incorporated by reference in Part III to the extent described therein.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities

Selected Financial Data

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation

PART III

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Form 10-K Summary

PART IV

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Item 7A.
Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Item 10.
Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Item 15.

Item 16.

Page

1

10

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21

23

23

24
26

27

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51

105

105

106

106
106

106
107

107

108

108

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A 

of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These forward-looking 
statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could 
cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.  All 
statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including without 
limitation (I)  the statements under Item 1 “Business” and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations” regarding (i)  our business strategy, future operations, future financial position, 
expected effective tax rates and anticipated tax liabilities, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including the 
duration of reinvestment of earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries, (ii)  information concerning expected or potential 
actions of third parties, including potential changes to international trade agreements, tariffs, taxes and other 
governmental rules and regulations, (iii)  information concerning the future expected balance of supply and demand 
for our products, (iv)  timing and source of funds for operating activities, (v) the manner, timing and duration of the 
share repurchase program and source of funds for share repurchases, and (vi) the amount and timing of future 
dividends, (II)  the statements regarding our beer operations expansion activities, including Mexicali Brewery 
construction, Obregon Brewery optimization, and the expansions of the Nava Brewery and glass plant, including 
anticipated costs and timeframes for completion and (III) the projections regarding the Canadian Divestiture and the 
Obregon Brewery acquisition are forward-looking statements.  When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the 
words “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, 
although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.  All forward-looking statements speak only 
as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-
looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  Although we believe that the 
expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such 
expectations will prove to be correct.  In addition to the risks and uncertainties of ordinary business operations and 
conditions in the general economy and markets in which we compete, our forward-looking statements contained in this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K are also subject to the risk and uncertainty that (i)  the actual balance of supply and 
demand for our products will vary from current expectations due to, among other reasons, actual raw material supply, 
actual shipments to distributors and actual consumer demand, (ii)  the actual demand for our products will vary from 
current expectations due to, among other reasons, actual shipments to distributors and actual consumer demand, 
(iii)  the amount and timing of and source of funds for any share repurchases may vary due to market conditions, our 
cash and debt position, the impact of the beer operations expansion activities, and other factors as determined by 
management from time to time, (iv)  the amount and timing of future dividends may differ from our current expectations 
if our ability to use cash flow to fund dividends is affected by unanticipated increases in total net debt, we are unable to 
generate cash flow at anticipated levels, or we fail to generate expected earnings, (v)  the timeframe and actual costs 
associated with the beer operations expansion activities may vary from management’s current expectations due to 
market conditions, our cash and debt position, receipt of all required regulatory approvals by the expected dates and 
on the expected terms and other factors as determined by management, and (vi) the actual net gain realized and 
income taxes paid in connection with the Canadian Divestiture may vary from management’s estimates.  Additional 
important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by our forward-
looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are those described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and 
elsewhere in this report and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company,” “CBI,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to 

Constellation Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All references to “net sales” refer to gross sales less promotions, 
returns and allowances, and excise taxes consistent with the Company’s method of classification.  All references to 
“Fiscal 2017,” “Fiscal 2016” and “Fiscal 2015” refer to the Company’s fiscal year ended the last day of February of 
the indicated year.  All references to “Fiscal 2018” refer to our fiscal year ending February 28, 2018.  All references to 
“$” are to U.S. dollars and all references to “C$” are to Canadian dollars.  Unless otherwise defined herein, refer to 
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the definition 
of capitalized terms used herein.

Market positions and industry data discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are as of calendar 2016 and 

have been obtained or derived from industry and government publications and our estimates.  The industry and 
government publications include:  Beer Marketers Insights; Beverage Information Group; Impact Databank Review 
and Forecast; International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR); IRI; and National Alcohol Beverage Control 
Association.  We have not independently verified the data from the industry and government publications.  Unless 
otherwise noted, all references to market positions are based on equivalent unit volume.

Item 1.  Business.

Introduction

PART I

We are an international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, 

New Zealand, Italy and Canada and more than 100 brands in our portfolio.  In the U.S., we are the largest multi-
category supplier (beer, wine and spirits) (“Multi-category Supplier”) of beverage alcohol.  We are the third-largest 
beer company in the U.S. market and the world’s leading premium wine company.  Many of our products are 
recognized as leaders in their respective categories.  This, combined with our strong market positions, makes us a 
supplier of choice to many of our customers, who include wholesale distributors, retailers and on-premise locations.

Our vision is to elevate life with every glass raised and our mission is to build brands that people love.  We 

are committed to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the 
world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones.

Our key values are:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

people;
customer focus;
entrepreneurship;
quality; and
integrity.

The Company is a Delaware corporation incorporated on December 4, 1972, as the successor to a business 

founded in 1945.  We have approximately 8,700 employees located primarily in the U.S. and Mexico, with our 
corporate headquarters located in Victor, New York.  We conduct our business through entities we wholly own as 
well as through a variety of joint ventures and other entities.

Strategy

Our overall strategy is to sustain profitable growth and build shareholder value.  We position our portfolio 

to benefit from industry premiumization trends, which we believe will continue to result in faster growth rates in the 
high-end of the beer, wine and spirits categories.  

Certain key U.S. industry trends include:

• 
• 

• 

high-end beer (led by imported and craft) growing faster than total beer;
growth in U.S. per capita consumption of wine and spirits and volume of premium and above wine and 
spirits growing faster than value-priced wine and spirits; and
consolidation of suppliers, wholesalers and retailers.

To capitalize on these trends, become more competitive and grow our business, we have generally 
employed a strategy focused on a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, with an increasing focus on the 
higher-growth, higher-margin premium and above categories of the beverage alcohol industry.  Key elements of our 
strategy include:

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

leveraging our leading position in total beverage alcohol and our scale with wholesalers and retailers to 
expand distribution of our product portfolio and cross promotional opportunities;
strengthening relationships with wholesalers and retailers by providing consumer and beverage alcohol 
insights;
investing in brand building activities;
positioning ourselves for success with consumer-led innovation capabilities;
realizing operating efficiencies through expanding and enhancing production capabilities and 
maximizing asset utilization; and
developing employees to enhance performance in the marketplace.

1

In the beer business, we completed the Beer Business Acquisition in June 2013, which solidified our 
position in the U.S. beer market over the long-term; diversified our profit base and enhanced our margins, results of 
operations and operating cash flow; and provided new avenues for growth.  Since completing this transformational 
acquisition, we have made capital investments and acquisitions to increase beer production capacity to secure 
independence from a supply standpoint and to support the growth of the business.  We enhanced our position in the 
high-end beer segment with the acquisition of Ballast Point, a highly-awarded craft brewer, which provided us with 
a high-growth premium platform to compete in the growing, emerging national craft beer category.

In our wine and spirits business, we have acquired higher-growth, higher-margin premium and above wine 
brands including Meiomi, Prisoner and Charles Smith wine brands, and divested the lower-margin Canadian wine 
business, as part of our efforts to increase our mix of premium and above brands, improve margins and create 
operating efficiencies.  In addition, we have added high-growth, high-end brands to our spirits portfolio through the 
acquisitions of Casa Noble and High West.

For further information on our strategy, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 

and Results of Operations under Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“MD&A”).

Acquisitions, Investments and Divestitures 

As part of our strategy to improve margins, enhance production capabilities and keep an increased focus on 

the higher-growth, higher-margin premium and above categories of the beverage alcohol industry, we have 
completed the following acquisitions, investments and divestitures:

Transaction
Beer Segment
Obregon Brewery acquisition

Ballast Point acquisition

Glass production plant
acquisition through joint
venture with Owens-Illinois

Date

December
2016

December
2015

December
2014

Beer Business Acquisition

June 2013

Strategic Contribution

Provided immediate functioning brewery capacity to support our fast-
growing, high-end Mexican beer portfolio and flexibility for future
innovation initiatives; enabled us to become fully independent from an
interim supply agreement with Modelo.

Provided a high-growth premium platform to compete in the growing,
emerging national craft beer category; further strengthened our position in
the high-end of the U.S. beer market.

State-of-the-art glass production plant located adjacent to our Nava Brewery
in Mexico; solidified our long-term glass sourcing strategy under favorable
terms.

Provided complete, independent control of our U.S. commercial beer
business, the state-of-the-art Nava Brewery and the exclusive perpetual brand
rights to import, market and sell Corona and certain other Mexican beer
brands in the U.S. market; solidified our position in the U.S. beer market for
the long term; made us the third-largest brewer and seller of beer for the U.S.
market; combined with our strong position in wine and spirits, solidified us
as the largest Multi-category Supplier of beverage alcohol in the U.S.

Wine and Spirits Segment
Canadian Divestiture

Charles Smith acquisition

High West acquisition

Prisoner acquisition

Meiomi acquisition

Casa Noble acquisition

December
2016
October
2016
October
2016
April 2016

August
2015
September
2014

Divestiture of the lower-margin Canadian wine business.

Collection of five fast-growing, high-quality super and ultra-premium
Washington State wine brands; strong consumer affinity and demand.
Portfolio of distinctive, award-winning, fast-growing and high-end craft
whiskeys and other select spirits.
Portfolio of five fast-growing, higher-margin, super-luxury wine brands;
strengthened our position in the super-luxury wine category.
Higher-margin, luxury growth brand; further strengthened our position in the
U.S. pinot noir category.
Fast-growing, higher-margin, super-premium tequila business; complements
our Mexican beer portfolio; further strengthened both our on and off-premise
presence as tequila and Mexican beer share similar target consumers and
drinking occasions.

2

For further information about our Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 transactions, refer to (i)  MD&A 

and (ii)  Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K (“Notes to the Financial Statements”).

Business Segments

We report our operating results in three segments:  (i)  Beer, (ii)  Wine and Spirits, and (iii)  Corporate 
Operations and Other.  The business segments reflect how our operations are managed, how resources are allocated, 
how operating performance is evaluated by senior management and the structure of our internal financial reporting.  
We report net sales in two reportable segments, as follows:

For the Year
Ended
February 28,
2017

% of
Net Sales

For the Year
Ended
February 29,
2016

% of
Net Sales

For the Year
Ended
February 28,
2015

% of
Net Sales

$

4,229.3

57.7% $

3,622.6

55.3% $

3,188.6

52.9%

2,739.3

362.9

3,102.2

7,331.5

37.4%

4.9%

42.3%

$

2,591.4

334.4

2,925.8

6,548.4

39.6%

5.1%

44.7%

$

2,523.4

316.0

2,839.4

6,028.0

41.9%

5.2%

47.1%

(in millions)

Beer

Wine and Spirits:

Wine

Spirits

Total Wine and Spirits

Consolidated Net Sales

$

Beer Segment

We are the leader in the high-end segment of the U.S. beer market.  We sell a number of brands in the 

import and craft beer categories.

Within the imported beer category, we have the exclusive right to import, market and sell these Mexican 

beer brands in all 50 states of the U.S.:

•  Corona Extra
•  Corona Light
•  Modelo Especial
•  Modelo Negra
•  Modelo Chelada
•  Pacifico
•  Victoria

In the U.S., we are the leading imported beer company and have six of the 15 top-selling imported beer 
brands.  Corona Extra is the best-selling imported beer and the fifth best-selling beer overall in the U.S.; Corona 
Light is the leading imported light beer; and Modelo Especial is the second-largest and the fastest-growing major 
imported beer brand.  During Fiscal 2017, we unified the Modelo brands under the Casa Modelo brand family as 
part of our effort to drive more effective cross promotion and establish a platform for future product innovation.  
Additionally, we are continuing efforts focused on increasing sales penetration of products in can and draft package 
formats.

Our craft beer products are primarily sold under the Ballast Point brand, which is one of the fastest-growing 

major craft brands in the U.S. beer market.  Ballast Point produces more than 40 different styles of beer, led by its 
popular Sculpin IPA.

Since the Beer Business Acquisition, we have expanded our Nava Brewery from 10 million to 25 million 

hectoliters production capacity, with additional production capacity expansion activities underway.  In addition, we 
are constructing a new, state-of-the-art brewery in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico (the “Mexicali Brewery”), 

3

located near California, which is our largest beer market in the U.S., and we are investing in optimization to 
increase the output from our Obregon Brewery, which we acquired in December 2016.  Expansion, construction and 
optimization efforts continue under our Mexico Beer Expansion Projects to align with our anticipated future growth 
expectations.

Total spend related to the Mexico Beer Expansion Projects is estimated to be approximately $3.9 billion 

through fiscal 2021.  In total, we have invested approximately $2.1 billion for the Mexico Beer Expansion Projects, 
with approximately $700 million during Fiscal 2017.  The majority of the remaining investment is expected to occur 
primarily during the next three fiscal year periods.

Prior to the Beer Business Acquisition, we and Modelo, indirectly, each had an equal interest in Crown 

Imports, which had the exclusive right to import, market and sell the Mexican Beer Brands.

Wine and Spirits Segment

We are the world’s leading premium wine company.  We sell a large number of wine brands across all 

categories - table wine, sparkling wine and dessert wine - and across all price points - popular, premium and luxury 
categories, primarily within the $5 to $25 price range at U.S. retail - and we have a leading market position in the 
U.S.  Our wine portfolio is supported by grapes purchased from independent growers, primarily in the U.S. and 
New Zealand, and vineyard holdings in the U.S., New Zealand and Italy.

Our wine produced in the U.S., New Zealand and Italy is primarily marketed in the U.S.  In addition, we 

export our wine products to Canada and other major world markets.

In our spirits business, SVEDKA Vodka is imported from Sweden and is the largest imported vodka brand 
in the U.S.  Black Velvet Canadian Whisky is the second-largest Canadian whisky brand in the U.S.  Our high-end 
spirits brands include Casa Noble tequila and High West craft whiskeys.

In the U.S., we sell 18 of the 100 top-selling table wine brands and are the leading premium wine company.  

Some of our well-known wine and spirits brands sold in the U.S., which comprised our Fiscal 2017 U.S. Focus 
Brands (“Focus Brands”), included:

Black Box

Clos du Bois

Estancia

Wine Brands

Mark West

Meiomi

Saved

Simi

Mount Veeder

The Dreaming Tree

Franciscan Estate
Inniskillin

Nobilo
Robert Mondavi

The Prisoner
Wild Horse

Kim Crawford

Ruffino

Spirits Brands
SVEDKA Vodka

We dedicate a large share of sales and marketing resources to our Focus Brands as they represent a majority 

of our U.S. wine and spirits revenue and profitability, and generally have strong positions in their respective price 
categories.

We have been increasing resources in support of product innovation as we believe this is one of the key 
drivers of overall beverage alcohol category growth.  In wine, we have launched varietal line extensions behind 
many of our Focus Brands and introduced newer brands like Ravage, 7 Moons and Cooper & Thief.  In spirits, we 
have been introducing flavor extensions for SVEDKA Vodka and Paul Masson Brandy.

Corporate Operations and Other

The Corporate Operations and Other segment includes traditional corporate-related items including 
executive management, corporate development, corporate finance, human resources, internal audit, investor 
relations, legal, public relations and information technology.

4

Further information regarding net sales, operating income and total assets of each of our business segments 

and information regarding geographic areas is set forth in Note 20 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

Marketing and Distribution

To focus on their respective product categories, build brand equity and increase sales, our segments employ 
full-time, in-house marketing, sales and customer service functions.  These functions engage in a range of marketing 
activities and strategies, including market research, consumer and trade advertising, price promotions, point-of-sale 
materials, event sponsorship, on-premise promotions and public relations.  Where opportunities exist, particularly 
with national accounts in the U.S., we leverage our sales and marketing skills across the organization.

In the U.S., our products are primarily distributed by wholesale distributors, with separate distribution 

networks utilized for (i)  our beer portfolio and (ii)  our wine and spirits portfolio, as well as state alcohol beverage 
control agencies.  As is the case with all other beverage alcohol companies, products sold through these agencies are 
subject to obtaining and maintaining listings to sell our products in that agency’s state.  State governments can affect 
prices paid by consumers of our products through the imposition of taxes or, in states in which the government acts 
as the distributor of our products through an alcohol beverage control agency, by directly setting the retail prices.

Trademarks and Distribution Agreements

Trademarks are an important aspect of our business.  We sell products under a number of trademarks, which 
we own or use under license.  Throughout our segments, we also have various licenses and distribution agreements 
for the sale, or the production and sale, of our products and products of third parties.  These licenses and distribution 
agreements have varying terms and durations.

Within the Beer segment, we have an exclusive sub-license to use trademarks related to our Mexican beer 

brands in the U.S.  This sub-license agreement is perpetual.  Prior to the Beer Business Acquisition, Crown Imports 
had exclusive importation agreements with the suppliers of certain imported beer products and had an exclusive 
renewable sub-license to use certain trademarks related to the imported beer brands in the U.S.

Competition

The beverage alcohol industry is highly competitive.  We compete on the basis of quality, price, brand 

recognition and distribution strength.  Our beverage alcohol products compete with other alcoholic and non-
alcoholic beverages for consumer purchases, as well as shelf space in retail stores, restaurant presence and 
wholesaler attention.  We compete with numerous multinational producers and distributors of beverage alcohol 
products, some of which have greater resources than we do.  Our principal competitors include:

Beer

Wine

Anheuser-Busch InBev, Molson Coors, Heineken, Pabst Brewing Company, The Boston Beer Company

E&J Gallo Winery, The Wine Group, Trinchero Family Estates, Treasury Wine Estates, Ste. Michelle Wine
Estates, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, Jackson Family Wines

Spirits

Diageo, Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Sazerac Company, Pernod Ricard

Production

For Fiscal 2017, approximately 80% of our Mexican Beer Brands requirements were produced by our Nava 

Brewery, which is located in Mexico, approximately 10 miles from the Texas border.  The current capacity of the 
Nava Brewery is 25 million hectoliters.  We intend to expand the Nava Brewery’s capacity to 27.5 million 
hectoliters production capacity.  Additionally, the construction of the Mexicali Brewery, which will also be located 
in Mexico, approximately 10 miles from the California border, will initially be built to provide 5 million hectoliters 
production capacity with the ability to scale to 20 million hectoliters production capacity in the future.

5

Previously, to meet our beer supply requirements above the original 10 million hectoliter Nava Brewery 

production capacity, we entered into a three-year interim supply agreement with Modelo in June 2013.  This 
agreement was initially extended for one additional year to June 2017.  However, the purchase of the Obregon 
Brewery enabled us to become fully independent from this interim supply agreement, which was terminated at the 
time of this acquisition.

We currently operate five facilities in the greater San Diego, California area for the production of our 
Ballast Point brand, including Miramar, which serves as the primary production site for the brand.  This facility was 
built in 2014 and may be expanded to accommodate future growth.  Additionally, we are building a Ballast Point 
brewery in Daleville, Virginia.

In the U.S., we operate 18 wineries using many varieties of grapes grown principally in the Napa, Sonoma, 
Monterey and San Joaquin regions of California.  We also operate four wineries in New Zealand and five wineries 
in Italy.  Grapes are crushed at most of our wineries and stored as wine until packaged for sale under our brand 
names or sold in bulk.  The inventories of wine are usually at their highest levels during and after the crush of each 
year’s grape harvest, and are reduced prior to the subsequent year’s crush.  Wine inventories are usually at their 
highest levels in September through November in the U.S. and Italy, and in March through May in New Zealand.

Our Canadian whisky requirements are produced and aged at our Canadian distillery in Lethbridge, Alberta.  

We currently operate two facilities in the U.S. for the production of our High West whiskey brand.  The 
requirements for grains and bulk spirits used in the production of our spirits are purchased from various suppliers.

Certain of our wines and spirits must be aged for more than one year up to multiple years.  Therefore, our 

inventories of wines and spirits may be larger in relation to sales and total assets than in many other businesses.

Sources and Availability of Production Materials

The principal components in the production of our craft and Mexican beer brands include water; 

agricultural products, such as yeast and grains; and packaging materials, which include glass, aluminum and 
cardboard.

For our Mexican beer brands, packaging materials represent the largest cost component of production, with 
glass bottles representing the largest cost component of our packaging materials.  In Fiscal 2017, the package format 
mix of our Mexican beer volume sold in the U.S. was 72% glass bottles, 26% aluminum cans and 2% in stainless 
steel kegs.

The Nava Brewery and the Obregon Brewery receive water originating from aquifers.  We believe we have 

adequate access to water to support the breweries’ on-going requirements, as well as future requirements after the 
completion of planned expansion and optimization activities.

As part of our efforts to solidify our beer glass sourcing strategy over the long-term, we formed an equally-

owned joint venture with Owens-Illinois, the world’s largest glass container manufacturer.  The joint venture 
acquired a state-of-the-art glass production plant that is located adjacent to our Nava Brewery in Mexico, in 
December 2014.  The glass plant currently has two operational glass furnaces and the joint venture intends to 
increase it to four furnaces by early calendar 2018.  When fully operational with four furnaces, the glass plant is 
expected to supply approximately 50% of our glass requirements for the Nava Brewery.  We also have long-term 
glass supply agreements with other glass producers.

The principal components in the production of our wine and spirits products are agricultural products, such 

as grapes and grain, and packaging materials (primarily glass).

Most of our annual grape requirements are satisfied by purchases from each year’s harvest which normally 

begins in August and runs through October in the U.S. and Italy, and begins in February and runs through May in 
New Zealand.  We receive grapes from approximately 950 independent growers in the U.S. and approximately 125 

6

independent growers located primarily in New Zealand.  We enter into purchase agreements with a majority of these 
growers with pricing that generally varies year-to-year and is generally based on then-current market prices.

As of February 28, 2017, we owned or leased approximately 20,900 acres of land and vineyards, either fully 

bearing or under development, primarily in the U.S., New Zealand and Italy.  This acreage supplies only a small 
percentage of our overall total grape needs for wine production.  However, most of this acreage is used to supply a 
large portion of the grapes used for the production of certain of our higher-end wines.  We continue to consider the 
purchase or lease of additional vineyards, and additional land for vineyard plantings, to supplement our grape 
supply.

We believe that we have adequate sources of grape supplies to meet our sales expectations.  However, when 

demand for certain wine products exceeds expectations, we look to source the extra requirements from the bulk 
wine markets around the world.

The distilled spirits manufactured and imported by us require various agricultural products, neutral grain 

spirits and bulk spirits which we fulfill through purchases from various sources by contractual arrangement and 
through purchases on the open market.  We believe that adequate supplies of the aforementioned products are 
available at the present time.

We utilize glass and polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) bottles and other materials such as caps, corks, 

capsules, labels, wine bags and cardboard cartons in the bottling and packaging of our wine and spirits products.  
After grape purchases, glass bottle costs are the largest component of our cost of product sold.  In the U.S., the glass 
bottle industry is highly concentrated with only a small number of producers.  We have traditionally obtained, and 
continue to obtain, our glass requirements from a limited number of producers under long-term supply 
arrangements.  Currently, one producer supplies most of our glass container requirements for our U.S. operations.  
We have been able to satisfy our requirements with respect to the foregoing and consider our sources of supply to be 
adequate at this time.

Government Regulation

We are subject to a range of laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate.  Where we produce 

products, we are subject to environmental laws and regulations, and may be required to obtain environmental and 
alcohol beverage permits and licenses to operate our facilities.  Where we market and sell products, we may be 
subject to laws and regulations on brand registration, packaging and labeling, distribution methods and 
relationships, pricing and price changes, sales promotions, advertising and public relations.  We are also subject to 
rules and regulations relating to changes in officers or directors, ownership or control.

We believe we are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable governmental laws and 

regulations in the countries in which we operate.  We also believe that the cost of administration and compliance 
with, and liability under, such laws and regulations does not have, and is not expected to have, a material adverse 
impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Seasonality

The beverage alcohol industry is subject to seasonality in each major category.  As a result, in response to 

wholesaler and retailer demand which precedes consumer purchases, our beer sales are typically highest during the 
first and second quarters of our fiscal year, which correspond to the Spring and Summer periods in the U.S.  Our 
wine and spirits sales are typically highest during the third quarter of our fiscal year, primarily due to seasonal 
holiday buying.

Employees

As of February 28, 2017, we had approximately 8,700 employees.  Approximately 4,600 employees were in 

the U.S. and approximately 4,100 employees were outside of the U.S., primarily in Mexico.  We may employ 
additional workers during the grape crushing seasons.  Approximately 22% of our employees are covered by 

7

collective bargaining agreements.  Collective bargaining agreements expiring within one year cover approximately 
3% of our employees.  We consider our employee relations generally to be good.

Executive Officers of the Company

Information with respect to our current executive officers is as follows:

NAME
Richard Sands
Robert Sands
William F. Hackett
F. Paul Hetterich
Thomas M. Kane
David Klein
Thomas J. Mullin
William A. Newlands
Christopher Stenzel

AGE
66
58
65
54
56
53
65
58
49

OFFICE OR POSITION HELD
Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President and Chairman, Beer Division
Executive Vice President and President, Beer Division
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President and President, Wine & Spirits Division

Richard Sands, Ph.D., is the Chairman of the Board of the Company.  He has been employed by the 

Company in various capacities since 1979.  He has served as a director since 1982. In September 1999, Mr. Sands 
was elected Chairman of the Board.  He served as Chief Executive Officer from October 1993 to July 2007, as 
Executive Vice President from 1982 to May 1986, as President from May 1986 to December 2002 and as Chief 
Operating Officer from May 1986 to October 1993.  He is the brother of Robert Sands.

Robert Sands is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  He was appointed Chief 

Executive Officer in July 2007 and appointed as President in December 2002.  He has served as a director since 
January 1990.  Mr. Sands also served as Chief Operating Officer from December 2002 to July 2007, as Group 
President from April 2000 through December 2002, as Chief Executive Officer, International from December 1998 
through April 2000, as Executive Vice President from October 1993 through April 2000, as General Counsel from 
June 1986 through May 2000 and as Vice President from June 1990 through October 1993.  He is the brother of 
Richard Sands.

William F. Hackett has served as an Executive Vice President of the Company since June 2013.  Since 

January 2016 he has performed the role of Chairman, Beer Division and from June 2013 through January 2016 he 
performed the role of President, Beer Division.  Crown Imports LLC was previously owned 50% by the Company, 
and as a result of the Beer Business Acquisition, it is now a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company.  
Mr. Hackett is also Chairman of Crown Imports LLC since January 2016 and before that he served as President of 
Crown Imports LLC from January 2007 through January 2016.  Prior to that, he was President of Barton Beers, Ltd. 
(a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company now known as Constellation Beers Ltd.) having served in that 
role from 1993 until January 2007.  Prior to that, Mr. Hackett held several increasingly senior positions in Barton 
Beers, Ltd., having joined that company in 1984.

F. Paul Hetterich has been an Executive Vice President of the Company since June 2003.  Since January 

2016 Mr. Hetterich has performed the role of President, Beer Division and President of Crown Imports LLC, a 
wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company.  From January 2015 through January 2016 he performed the role 
of Executive Vice President, Corporate Development & Beer Operations.  From June 2011 until January 2015 he 
served as Executive Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Strategy, from July 2009 until June 2011 
he served as Executive Vice President, Business Development, Corporate Strategy and International and from June 
2003 until July 2009 he served as Executive Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Strategy.  From 
April 2001 to June 2003 Mr. Hetterich served as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Development.  
Prior to that, Mr. Hetterich held several increasingly senior positions in the Company’s marketing and business 
development groups.  Mr. Hetterich has been with the Company since 1986.

8

Thomas M. Kane joined the Company in May 2013 as Executive Vice President and Chief Human 

Resources Officer.  Mr. Kane previously served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Government 
Relations of Armstrong World Industries, Inc., a global producer of flooring products and ceiling systems, from 
February 2012 to May 2013, he served as its Senior Vice President, Human Resources from August 2010 to 
February 2012 and served as its Chief Compliance Officer from February 2011 to February 2012.  Prior to that, 
Mr. Kane served as Global Vice President, Human Resources for Black & Decker Power Tools, a manufacturer of 
power and hand tools, from 2002 to 2010.  From 1999 to 2002 Mr. Kane served as Global HR leader of GE 
Specialty Materials, a large manufacturer of silicone products.

David Klein has been the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since June 

2015.  Prior to that, Mr. Klein served as the Company’s Senior Vice President Finance, Beer Division, having held 
that position from May 2014 until June 2015.  He served as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Treasurer 
from April 2009 to July 2014 and assumed the additional responsibilities of Controller in October 2013, also serving 
in that role to July 2014.  From March 2007 to March 2009 Mr. Klein served as chief financial officer for the 
Company’s former United Kingdom operations.  Mr. Klein joined the Company in 2004 as Vice President of 
Business Development.

Thomas J. Mullin joined the Company as Executive Vice President and General Counsel in May 2000.  

Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mullin served as President and Chief Executive Officer of TD Waterhouse Bank, 
NA, a national banking association, since February 2000, of CT USA, F.S.B. since September 1998 and of CT USA, 
Inc. since March 1997.  He also served as Executive Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Strategy 
of C.T. Financial Services, Inc. from March 1997 through February 2000.  From 1985 through 1997 Mr. Mullin 
served as Vice Chairman and Senior Executive Vice President of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of 
Rochester, New York and from 1982 through 1985 he was a partner in the law firm of Phillips Lytle LLP.

William A. Newlands has been an Executive Vice President of the Company since he joined in January 

2015 and has been the Company’s Chief Operating Officer since January 2017.  From January 2016 to January 2017 
he performed the role of President, Wine & Spirits Division and from January 2015 through January 2016 he 
performed the role of Chief Growth Officer.  Mr. Newlands served from October 2011 until August 2014 as Senior 
Vice President and President, North America of Beam Inc., as Senior Vice President and President, North America 
of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. from December 2010 to October 2011 and as Senior Vice President and 
President, USA of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. from February 2008 to December 2010.  Beam Inc., a producer 
and seller of branded distilled spirits products, merged with a subsidiary of Suntory Holding Limited, a Japanese 
company, in 2014.  Prior to October 2011, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. was the spirits operating segment of 
Fortune Brands, Inc., which was a leading consumer products company that made and sold branded consumer 
products worldwide in the distilled spirits, home and security, and golf markets.

Christopher Stenzel has been the Company’s Executive Vice President and President, Wine & Spirits 
Division since January 2017.  Prior to that, Mr. Stenzel was Senior Vice President of Finance in the Company’s Beer 
Division, having performed that role from July 2015 through January 2017, and was the Company’s Senior Vice 
President, Treasurer and Controller from July 2014 through July 2015.  Mr. Stenzel joined the Company with the 
Company’s acquisition of Beam Wine Estates, Inc. in December 2007, serving as a Senior Vice President of Finance 
in the Company’s Wine Division until July 2014.  Before that, he held various financial positions of increasing 
responsibility with other beverage alcohol companies.

Executive officers of the Company are generally chosen or elected to their positions annually and hold 

office until the earlier of their removal or resignation or until their successors are chosen and qualified.

Company Information

Our Internet website is http://www.cbrands.com.  Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission 

(“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K 
and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934, are accessible free of charge at http://www.cbrands.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we 
electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains 

9

reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, such as ourselves, that file 
electronically with the SEC.  The Internet address of the SEC’s site is http://www.sec.gov.  Also, the public may 
read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., 
Washington, D.C. 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by 
calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330.

We have adopted a Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Executive Code of Ethics that specifically 

applies to our chief executive officer, our principal financial officer and our controller, and is available on our 
Internet site.  This Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Executive Code of Ethics meets the requirements 
as set forth in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Item 406 of Regulation S-K.

We also have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all employees, directors and 
officers, including each person who is subject to the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Executive Code 
of Ethics.  The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our Internet website, together with our Global 
Code of Responsible Practices for Beverage Alcohol Advertising and Marketing, our Board of Directors Corporate 
Governance Guidelines and the Charters of the Board’s Audit Committee, Human Resources Committee (which 
serves as the Board’s compensation committee) and Corporate Governance Committee (which serves as the Board’s 
nominating committee).  All of these materials are accessible on our Internet website at http://www.cbrands.com/
investors/corporate-governance.  Amendments to, and waivers granted to our directors and executive officers under 
our codes of ethics, if any, will be posted in this area of our website.  Copies of these materials are available in print 
to any shareholder who requests them.  Shareholders should direct such requests in writing to Investor Relations 
Department, Constellation Brands, Inc., 207 High Point Drive, Building 100, Victor, New York 14564, or by 
telephoning our Investor Center at 1-888-922-2150.

The information regarding our website and its content is for your convenience only.  The content of our 

website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference in this report or filed with the SEC.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the following 

factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.  The risks described 
below are not the only risks we face.  Additional factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem to be 
immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, cash flows, financial condition or results of 
operations in future periods.

International operations, currency rate fluctuations, interest rate fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainty

Our products are produced and sold in numerous countries throughout the world, we have employees in 

various countries throughout the world and we have production facilities currently in the U.S., Mexico, New 
Zealand, Italy and Canada.

Risks associated with international operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our 

business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations, include:

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

changes in local political, economic, social and labor conditions;
potential disruption from socio-economic violence, including terrorism and drug-related violence;
restrictions on foreign ownership and investments or on repatriation of cash earned in countries outside 
the U.S.;
changes in laws, governmental regulations and policies in the U.S. and in many countries outside the 
U.S., including changes in tax laws and regulations;
import and export requirements;
currency exchange rate fluctuations;
a less developed and less certain legal and regulatory environment in some countries, which among 
other things can create uncertainty with regard to liability issues;
laws regarding the enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights;

10

• 

• 

inadequate levels of compliance with applicable anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt 
Practices Act; and
other challenges caused by distance, language and cultural differences.

Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to overcome the challenges we encounter with respect to 

these factors and other matters generally affecting U.S. companies with international operations.  Although we have 
implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, 
including anti-corruption and privacy laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that our employees, business 
partners or agents will not violate our policies or take action determined to be in violation of the law.  Any 
determination that our operations or activities did not comply with applicable U.S. or foreign laws or regulations 
could result in the imposition of fines and penalties, interruptions of business, terminations of necessary licenses 
and permits, and other legal and equitable sanctions.

We are also exposed to risks associated with currency fluctuations and risks associated with interest rate 

fluctuations.  Currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies in the markets in which we do 
business have fluctuated in recent years and are likely to continue to do so in the future.  We manage our exposure 
to foreign currency and interest rate risks utilizing derivative instruments and other means to reduce those risks.  We 
could experience changes in our ability to hedge against or manage fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates 
or interest rates and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in reducing those risks.  We 
could also be affected by nationalization of our international operations, unstable governments, unfamiliar or biased 
legal systems or intergovernmental disputes.  These currency, economic and political uncertainties may have a 
material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, especially to the extent these matters, or 
the decisions, policies or economic strength of our suppliers and distributors, affect our international operations.

Competition

We are in a highly competitive industry and the dollar amount and unit volume of our sales could be 

negatively affected by numerous factors including:

• 
• 
• 
• 

our inability to maintain or increase prices, particularly in our beer business;
new entrants in our market or categories;
a general decline in beverage alcohol consumption; or
the decision of wholesalers, retailers or consumers to purchase a competitor’s product instead of ours.

Unit volume and dollar amount of sales could also be affected by pricing, purchasing, financing, 
operational, advertising or promotional decisions made by wholesalers, state and provincial agencies, and retailers 
which could affect their supply of, or consumer demand for, our products.  We could also experience higher than 
expected selling, general and administrative expenses if we find it necessary to increase the number of our 
personnel or our advertising or marketing expenditures to maintain our competitive position or for other reasons.

Worldwide and domestic economic trends and financial market conditions

We are subject to risks associated with adverse economic conditions, including economic slowdown, 
inflation, and the disruption, volatility and tightening of credit and capital markets.  Unfavorable global or regional 
economic conditions could adversely impact our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.  
Unemployment, tax increases, governmental spending cuts or a return of high levels of inflation could affect 
consumer spending patterns and purchases of our products.  These could also create or exacerbate credit issues, cash 
flow issues and other financial hardships for us and our suppliers, distributors, retailers and consumers.  The 
inability of suppliers, distributors and retailers to access liquidity could impact our ability to produce and distribute 
our products.  We have a committed credit facility and additional liquidity facilities available to us.  While to date 
we have not experienced problems with accessing these facilities, to the extent that the financial institutions that 
participate in these facilities were to default on their obligation to fund, those funds would not be available to us.

11

Dependence on sales of our Mexican beer brands

Sales of our Mexican beer brands in the U.S. are a significant portion of our business.  Accordingly, a 

decline in the growth rate, amount or profitability of our sales of the Mexican beer brands in the U.S. could 
adversely affect our business.  Further, consumer preferences and tastes may shift away from the Mexican beer 
brands, the categories in which they compete, or beer generally due to, among other reasons, changing taste 
preferences, demographics or perceived value.  Consequently, any material shift in consumer preferences and taste 
away from the Mexican beer brands, or from the categories in which they compete, could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, our financial condition and results of operations.

Supply of Mexican beer brands

In order to fulfill our current and projected Mexican beer brands product requirements, we are currently 

dependent on our Nava Brewery located in Nava, Coahuila, Mexico and our Obregon Brewery located in Obregon, 
Sonora, Mexico.  Although we are in the process of optimizing our Obregon Brewery and constructing an additional 
brewery in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, our Nava Brewery and our Obregon Brewery are currently our sole 
source of supply for our Mexican beer brands.  The Nava Brewery currently has the capacity to fill approximately 
80% of our current product requirements with the balance able to be filled by our Obregon Brewery.

Our supply of Mexican beer brands is also dependent upon an adequate supply of glass bottles.  We formed 
the Mexican glass plant joint venture which acquired and is expanding the glass plant adjacent to our Nava Brewery 
in order to increase bottle output to support increased production at our Nava Brewery.

We may not be able to satisfy all of our product supply requirements for the Mexican beer brands in the 

event of a significant partial destruction or the total destruction of the Nava Brewery or the Obregon Brewery.  Also, 
if the contemplated Nava Brewery and glass plant expansions, Obregon Brewery optimization and Mexicali 
Brewery construction activities are not completed by their targeted completion dates, we may not be able to produce 
sufficient Mexican beer brands to satisfy our needs.  Under such circumstances, we may be unable to obtain 
Mexican beer brands at a reasonable price from another source, if at all.  A significant disruption at our Nava 
Brewery or our Obregon Brewery, even on a short-term basis, could impair our ability to produce and ship products 
to market on a timely basis.  Alternative facilities with sufficient capacity or capabilities may not readily be 
available, may cost substantially more or may take a significant time to start production, any of which could 
negatively affect our business and financial performance.  Similarly, although we have additional sources of supply 
of glass bottles, a significant partial destruction or the total destruction of the Mexican glass plant or the failure of 
the joint venture to complete the glass plant expansion could impair our ability to bottle and ship our Mexican beer 
products to market.  Additionally, our general insurance policies may not cover certain types of catastrophes that 
might affect our supply of the Mexican beer brands.  A major uninsured catastrophe could result in significant 
unrecoverable losses.

Expansion issues, construction issues and operational disruptions

We are currently expanding our Nava Brewery, optimizing our Obregon Brewery and constructing our 

Mexicali Brewery and our joint venture with Owens-Illinois is expanding the glass plant.  While these multi-million 
dollar expansion and construction activities are progressing consistent with our plans, there is always the potential 
risk of completion delays and cost overruns.

Expansion and optimization of current production facilities and construction of new production facilities are 

subject to various regulatory and developmental risks, including but not limited to: (i)  our ability to obtain timely 
certificate authorizations, necessary approvals and permits from regulatory agencies and on terms that are 
acceptable to us; (ii)  potential changes in federal, state and local statutes and regulations, including environmental 
requirements, that prevent a project from proceeding or increase the anticipated cost of the project; (iii)  inability to 
acquire rights-of-way or land or water rights on a timely basis on terms that are acceptable to us; and (iv)  inability 
to acquire the necessary energy supplies, including electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel.  Any of these events could 
delay the expansion, construction or optimization of our production facilities.

12

Many of our production facilities, such as our breweries, wineries, distilleries and the glass plant are asset 
intensive.  Our profitability could be affected by operational disruption of any of our production or bottling lines or 
the glass furnace.  In such event we may experience an adverse effect to our business operations and profitability 
due to higher maintenance charges, unexpected capital spending or product supply constraints.

Supply of quality water, agricultural and other raw materials, certain raw materials and packaging materials 
purchased under short-term supply contracts, limited group of suppliers of glass bottles

The quality and quantity of water available for use is important to the supply of our agricultural raw 

materials and our ability to operate our business.  Water is a limited resource in many parts of the world and if 
climate patterns change and droughts become more severe, there may be a scarcity of water or poor water quality 
which may affect our production costs or impose capacity constraints.  We are dependent on sufficient amounts of 
quality water for operation of our breweries, our wineries and our distilleries, as well as to irrigate our vineyards and 
conduct our other operations.  The suppliers of the agricultural raw materials we purchase are also dependent upon 
sufficient supplies of quality water for their vineyards and fields.

We have substantial wine operations in the state of California.  Although certain areas in California have 
recently experienced flooding, the state had endured an extended period of drought and instituted restrictions on 
water usage.  While we have undertaken a number of water saving initiatives and we currently believe we have 
sufficient water available for our California vineyards and wineries, a recurrence of severe drought conditions in 
California could have an adverse effect upon those operations, which effect could become more significant 
depending upon actual future drought conditions.  Our Nava Brewery and the glass plant receive water originating 
from a mountain aquifer.  Our Obregon Brewery receives its allocation of water originating from an aquifer and we 
expect our Mexicali Brewery will receive an allocation of water originating from an aquifer.  Although we 
anticipate our breweries and the glass plant will receive water adequate to support their on-going requirements, 
including as a result of the anticipated optimization and expansions, there is no guarantee that the water available to 
them, our expectations as to the source of water, methods of water delivery, or their water requirements will not 
change materially in the future.

Growing agricultural raw materials also requires adequate water supplies.  If water available to our 
operations or the operations of our suppliers becomes scarcer or the quality of that water deteriorates, we may incur 
increased production costs or face manufacturing constraints which could negatively affect our business and 
financial performance.  Even if quality water is widely available, including to our breweries, our wineries, our 
distilleries and our vineyards, water purification and waste treatment infrastructure limitations could increase costs 
or constrain operation of our production facilities and vineyards.  A substantial reduction in water supplies could 
result in material losses of grape crops and vines or other crops, which could lead to a shortage of our product 
supply.  Any of these factors could have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of 
operations.

Our breweries, the glass plant, our wineries and our distilleries also use a large volume of agricultural and 

other raw materials to produce their products.  As to the Nava Brewery and the Obregon Brewery, these include 
corn starch, malt, hops and water; the glass plant uses large amounts of soda ash and silica sand; the Ballast Point 
breweries use large amounts of malt, hops, yeast and water, as well as corn sugars, spices and fruits; the wineries 
use large amounts of grapes and water; and the distilleries use large amounts of grain and water.  Our breweries, our 
wineries and our distilleries all use large amounts of various packaging materials, including glass, aluminum, 
cardboard and other paper products.  Our production facilities, including the glass plant, also use a significant 
amount of energy in their operations, including electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel.  Certain raw materials and 
packaging materials are purchased under contracts of varying maturities.  The supply and price of raw materials, 
packaging materials and energy can be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including market 
demand, global geopolitical events (especially as to their impact on crude oil prices), droughts and other weather 
conditions, economic factors affecting growth decisions, inflation, plant diseases and theft.  To the extent any of the 
foregoing factors, including supply of goods and energy, affect the prices of ingredients or packaging or we do not 
effectively or completely hedge changes in commodity price risks, or are unable to recoup costs through increases in 
the price of our finished products, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and 
adversely impacted.

13

Glass bottle costs are one of our largest components of cost of product sold.  We currently have a small 

number of suppliers of glass bottles for our Mexican beer brands.  In the U.S., glass bottles have only a small 
number of producers.  Currently, one producer supplies most of our glass container requirements for our U.S. wine 
and spirits operations and a different supplier supplies our glass bottles for our craft beer.  The inability of any of 
our glass bottle suppliers to satisfy our requirements could adversely affect our business.

Catastrophic loss to wineries, production facilities or distribution systems

Throughout the years, we have consolidated several of our winery and production facility operations.  

Approximately 80% of our total annual wine and spirits product volume is produced in the U.S., and three of our 
largest wineries are the Woodbridge Winery in Acampo, CA, the Canandaigua Winery in Canandaigua, NY, and the 
Mission Bell Winery in Madera, CA.  These three facilities produce approximately 40.6 million cases (or 
approximately 75% of our U.S. production) which is approximately 60% of the total annual Constellation wine and 
spirits product volume globally.  Currently, our entire Mexican beer brands product supply is produced at our 
breweries in Nava, Coahuila, Mexico and Obregon, Sonora, Mexico.

Additionally, many of our vineyards and production and distribution facilities, such as our California 

wineries, our Lodi Distribution Center in Lodi, CA, certain of our Ballast Point operations, and our planned 
Mexicali Brewery are located in areas which are prone to seismic activity.  If any of these vineyards and facilities 
were to experience a catastrophic loss, it could disrupt our operations, delay production, shipments and revenue, and 
result in potentially significant expenses to repair or replace the vineyard or facility.  If such a disruption were to 
occur, we could breach agreements, our reputation could be harmed, and our business and operating results could be 
adversely affected.  In addition, since we have consolidated certain of our operations and various production and 
distribution facilities, we are more likely to experience an interruption of our operations in the event of a 
catastrophic event in any one location, such as through acts of war or terrorism, fires, floods, earthquakes, 
hurricanes or other natural or man-made disasters.  Although we carry insurance for property damage and business 
interruption, certain catastrophes are not covered by our insurance policies as we believe this to be a prudent 
financial decision.  Economic conditions and uncertainties in global markets may adversely affect the cost and other 
terms upon which we are able to obtain insurance.  If our insurance coverage is adversely affected, or to the extent 
we have elected to self-insure, we may be at greater risk that we may experience an adverse impact to our financial 
results.  We take steps to minimize the damage that would be caused by a catastrophic event, but there is no 
certainty that our efforts would prove successful.  If one or more significant uninsured events occur, we could suffer 
a major financial loss.

Changes to international trade agreements and tariffs, changes to accounting standards, elections or 
assertions, changes to tax laws, changes to import and excise duties or other taxes or other governmental 
rules and regulations, including significant additional labeling or warning requirements or limitations in the 
marketing or sale of our products, and accounting for tax positions and the resolution of tax disputes

The U.S. and other countries in which we operate impose import and excise duties, tariffs, and other taxes 
on beverage alcohol products in varying amounts which are subject to change.  Significant increases in import and 
excise duties or other taxes on beverage alcohol products could materially and adversely affect our financial 
condition or results of operations.  The U.S. federal budget and individual state, provincial or local municipal 
budget deficits could result in increased taxes on our products, business, customers or consumers.  Various 
proposals to increase taxes on beverage alcohol products have been made at the federal and state or provincial level 
in recent years.  Many U.S. states have considered proposals to increase, and some of these states have increased, 
state alcohol excise taxes.  There may be further consideration by federal, state, provincial, local and foreign 
governmental entities to increase taxes upon beverage alcohol products as governmental entities explore available 
alternatives for raising funds during the current macroeconomic climate.

Comments made during the course of the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign and subsequent to the election 
indicate that the U.S. federal government may propose changes to international trade agreements, tariffs, taxes and 
other government rules and regulations.  The current U.S. administration has indicated that tax reform is among its 
top priorities and the U.S. Congress is reviewing and may, in the future, review tax legislation proposals.  While we 

14

cannot predict what changes will actually occur with respect to any of these items, such changes could affect our 
business and results of operations.

In addition, federal, state, provincial, local and foreign governmental agencies extensively regulate the 

beverage alcohol products industry concerning such matters as licensing, warehousing, trade and pricing practices, 
permitted and required labeling, advertising and relations with wholesalers and retailers.  Certain federal, state or 
provincial regulations also require warning labels and signage.  New or revised regulations or increased licensing 
fees, requirements or taxes could also have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of 
operations.  Additionally, various jurisdictions may seek to adopt significant additional product labeling or warning 
requirements or limitations on the marketing or sale of our products as a result of what they contain or allegations 
that they cause adverse health effects.  If these types of requirements become applicable to one or more of our major 
products under current or future environmental or health laws or regulations, they may inhibit sales of such 
products.

We may also make various accounting elections or assertions or change accounting elections or assertions 

that we have previously made.  Our accounting elections or assertions or changes to our accounting elections or 
assertions are affected by various business factors which, collectively, may have an impact on our financial results 
or our effective tax rate.

Additionally, significant judgment is required to determine our effective tax rate and evaluate our tax 
positions.  We provide for uncertain tax positions when such tax positions do not meet the recognition thresholds or 
measurement criteria prescribed by applicable accounting standards.  Fluctuations in federal, state, local and foreign 
taxes or a change to uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, may impact our effective tax 
rate and our financial results.  When tax matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited 
and finally resolved.  Unfavorable resolution of any tax matter could increase the effective tax rate, which could 
have an adverse effect on our operating results.  Any resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year 
of resolution.

Indebtedness

In recent years, we have incurred substantial indebtedness to finance acquisitions such as our acquisition of 
Ballast Point, The Prisoner Wine Company brand portfolio, the Charles Smith wines collection, High West, and the 
Obregon Brewery, fund the Beer Business Acquisition, expand our Nava Brewery and begin construction of our 
Mexicali Brewery, expand the glass plant, and repurchase shares of our common stock.  In the future, we may 
continue to incur substantial additional indebtedness to finance acquisitions, repurchase shares of our stock and fund 
other general corporate purposes, including the Nava Brewery and glass plant expansions, Obregon Brewery 
optimization and Mexicali Brewery construction.  We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient 
cash flow from operations to meet all our debt service requirements, to pay dividends, to repurchase shares of our 
common stock, and to fund our general corporate and capital requirements.

Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance.  We do not 

have complete control over our future operating performance because it is subject to prevailing economic 
conditions, levels of interest rates and financial, business and other factors.

Our current and future debt service obligations and covenants could have important consequences.  These 

consequences include, or may include, the following:

• 

• 

• 
• 

our ability to obtain financing for future working capital needs or acquisitions or other purposes may be 
limited;
our funds available for operations, expansions, dividends or other distributions, or stock repurchases 
may be reduced because we dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to the 
payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness;
our ability to conduct our business could be limited by restrictive covenants; and
our vulnerability to adverse economic conditions may be greater than less leveraged competitors and, 
thus, our ability to withstand competitive pressures may be limited.

15

Restrictive covenants in our senior credit facility and in our indentures place limits on our ability to conduct 
our business.  Covenants in our senior credit facility include those that restrict our ability to make acquisitions, incur 
debt, encumber or sell assets, pay dividends, engage in mergers and consolidations, enter into transactions with 
affiliates, make investments and permit our subsidiaries to enter into certain restrictive agreements.  It additionally 
contains certain financial covenants, including a net debt coverage ratio test and an interest coverage ratio test.  
Covenants in our indentures are generally less restrictive than those in our senior credit facility but nevertheless, 
among other things, limit our ability under certain circumstances to create liens or enter into sale-leaseback 
transactions and impose conditions on our ability to engage in mergers, consolidations and sales of all or 
substantially all of our assets.

These agreements also contain certain change of control provisions which, if triggered, may result in an 
acceleration of our obligation to repay the debt.  If we fail to comply with the obligations contained in the senior 
credit facility, our existing or future indentures or other loan agreements, we could be in default under such 
agreements, which could require us to immediately repay the related debt and also debt under other agreements that 
may contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions.

Potential decline in the consumption of products we sell

We rely on consumers’ demand for our products.  Consumer preferences may shift due to a variety of 
factors, including changes in demographic or social trends, public health policies, and changes in leisure, dining and 
beverage consumption patterns.  Our continued success will require us to anticipate and respond effectively to shifts 
in consumer behavior and drinking tastes.  If consumer preferences were to move away from our premium brands, 
including our Mexican beer brands, in any of our major markets, our financial results might be adversely affected.

While over the past several years there have been modest increases in the overall consumption of beverage 
alcohol and fluctuations in per capita consumption within categories of beverage alcohol, there have been periods in 
the past in which there were sequential declines in the overall per capita consumption of certain beverage alcohol 
product categories in the U.S. and other markets in which we participate.  A limited or general decline in 
consumption in one or more of our product categories could occur in the future due to a variety of factors, 
including:

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

a general decline in economic or geopolitical conditions;
concern about the health consequences of consuming beverage alcohol products and about drinking and 
driving;
a general decline in the consumption of beverage alcohol products in on-premise establishments, such 
as may result from smoking bans and stricter laws relating to driving while under the influence of 
alcohol;
a decline in the consumption of beverage alcohol products as a result of consumers substituting 
legalized marijuana or other similar products in lieu of our products;
consumer dietary preferences favoring lighter, lower calorie beverages such as diet soft drinks, sports 
drinks and water products;
the increased activity of anti-alcohol groups;
increased federal, state, provincial and foreign excise or other taxes on beverage alcohol products and 
possible restrictions on beverage alcohol advertising and marketing;
increased regulation placing restrictions on the purchase or consumption of beverage alcohol products 
or increasing prices due to the imposition of duties or excise tax or changes to international trade 
agreements or tariffs;
inflation; and

• 
•  wars, pandemics, weather and natural or man-made disasters.

In addition, our continued success depends, in part, on our ability to develop new products.  The launch and 

ongoing success of new products are inherently uncertain especially with regard to their appeal to consumers.  The 
launch of a new product can give rise to a variety of costs and an unsuccessful launch, among other things, can 
affect consumer perception of existing brands and our reputation.  Unsuccessful implementation or short-lived 
popularity of our product innovations may result in inventory write-offs and other costs.

16

Acquisition, divestiture and joint venture strategy

We have made a number of acquisitions and divestitures and may, from time to time, acquire additional 

businesses, assets or securities of companies that we believe would provide a strategic fit with our business.  
Recently, these have included the Meiomi wine brand, the Ballast Point craft beer business, The Prisoner Wine 
Company brand portfolio, the Charles Smith Wines collection, High West, and the Obregon Brewery, as well as 
various minority investments by our Constellation Ventures function.  We will need to integrate acquired businesses 
with our existing operations; our overall internal control over financial reporting processes; and our financial, 
operations and information systems.  If the financial performance of our business, as supplemented by the assets and 
businesses acquired, does not meet our expectations, it may make it more difficult for us to service our debt 
obligations and our results of operations may fail to meet market expectations.  We may also divest ourselves of 
businesses, assets or securities of companies that we believe no longer provide a strategic fit with our business.  For 
example, we recently sold our Canadian wine business.  We may be obligated to provide certain services on a 
transitional basis to divested operations.  We cannot assure you that we will realize the expected benefits of 
divestitures.

We cannot assure you that we will realize the expected benefits of acquisitions or joint ventures, such as 

revenue, earnings or operating efficiency, and we may not effectively assimilate the business or product offerings of 
acquired companies into our business successfully or within the anticipated costs or timeframes.  Complications 
with on-going integration of any acquisition or joint venture, including our Obregon Brewery acquisition or the 
glass plant joint venture, could result from the following circumstances, among others:

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

failure to implement our business plan for the combined business;
unanticipated issues in integrating, migrating or changing manufacturing, logistics, information, 
communications, financial, internal control and other systems;
failure to retain key customers and suppliers;
unanticipated changes in applicable laws and regulations;
failure to retain key employees;
operating risks inherent in the acquired businesses and assets and our business;
dependency upon the operational experience of employees who are relatively new to our organization;
unanticipated issues, expenses and liabilities;
failure to realize fully anticipated cost savings, growth opportunities and other potential synergies; and
unfamiliarity with operating new locations.

Our joint venture to operate a glass plant adjacent to our Nava Brewery is fully consolidated into our 

financial results and the entire output of that facility is being utilized to support our Mexican beer business and the 
production at our Nava Brewery.  The integration of the Mexican glass plant can be further impacted by the 
following circumstances:

•  we share control of the joint venture with Owens-Illinois and while Owens-Illinois has deep experience 

• 

running glass plants, we are not as experienced in that particular business; and
the ability of the joint venture to expand the glass plant capacity as planned in order to support the 
future growth of our beer business.

If any of these circumstances were to occur with respect to any of our acquisitions, including our Beer 
Business Acquisition or the joint venture’s acquisition of the glass plant, our business, financial condition and 
results of operations may be negatively impacted.

We may provide various indemnifications in connection with the sale of assets or portions of our business.  

Additionally, our final determinations and appraisals of the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed in our acquisitions may vary materially from earlier estimates.  We cannot assure you that the fair value of 
acquired businesses will remain constant.

We have entered into various joint ventures and we may enter into additional joint ventures for other 

purposes and with other parties.  We share control of our joint ventures.  We have also acquired or retained 

17

ownership interests in companies which we do not control, such as investments recently made through our 
Constellation Ventures function, such as our minority interests in  Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, The 
Bardstown Bourbon Company, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, and Crafthouse Cocktails.  Our joint venture 
partners or the other parties that hold the remaining ownership interests in companies which we do not control may 
at any time have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with our goals or the goals of the 
joint ventures or those companies.  Our joint venture arrangements and the arrangements through which we 
acquired or hold our other equity or membership interests may require us, among other matters, to pay certain costs, 
to make capital investments, to fulfill alone our joint venture partners’ obligations, or to purchase other parties’ 
interests.  Even though we share control of our glass plant joint venture, that joint venture’s financial results are 
consolidated into our financial results.  Our failure to adequately manage the risks associated with any acquisition, 
or the failure of an entity in which we have an equity or membership interest, could adversely affect our financial 
condition or our valuation of these types of investments.

We cannot assure you that any of our acquisitions, investments or joint ventures will be profitable or that 

forecasts regarding acquisition, divestiture, joint venture or investment activities will be accurate.

Reliance on wholesale distributors, major retailers and government agencies

Local market structures and distribution channels vary worldwide.  Within our primary market in the U.S., 

we offer a range of beverage alcohol products across the imported beer, craft beer, branded wine and spirits 
categories, with separate distribution networks utilized for our imported and craft beer portfolios and our wine and 
spirits portfolio.  In the U.S., we sell our products principally to wholesalers for resale to retail outlets including 
grocery stores, club and discount stores, package liquor stores and restaurants and also directly to government 
agencies and we have entered into exclusive arrangements with certain wholesalers that generate a large portion of 
our U.S. wine and spirits sales.  The replacement or poor performance of our major wholesalers, retailers or 
government agencies could result in temporary or longer-term sales disruptions or could materially and adversely 
affect our results of operations and financial condition for a particular period.  Our inability to collect accounts 
receivable from our major wholesalers, retailers or government agencies could also materially and adversely affect 
our results of operations and financial condition.

Our industry is being affected by the trend toward consolidation in the wholesale and retail distribution 

channels, particularly in the U.S.  If we are unable to adapt successfully to this changing environment, our net 
income, market share and volume growth could be negatively affected.  In addition, wholesalers and retailers of our 
products offer products which compete directly with our products for retail shelf space, promotional support and 
consumer purchases.  Accordingly, wholesalers or retailers may give higher priority to products of our competitors.

Reliance upon complex information systems and third party global networks

We depend on information technology to enable us to operate efficiently and interface with customers and 

suppliers, as well as maintain financial accuracy and efficiency.  If we do not allocate and effectively manage the 
resources necessary to build and sustain the proper technology infrastructure, we could be subject to transaction 
errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of customers, business disruptions, or the loss of or damage to intellectual 
property through security breach.  We recognize that many groups on a world-wide basis have experienced increases 
in cyber attacks and other hacking activity.  We have dedicated internal and external resources to review and address 
such threats.  However, as with all large information technology systems, our systems could be penetrated by 
outside parties intent on extracting confidential or proprietary information, corrupting our information, disrupting 
our business processes, or engaging in the unauthorized use of strategic information about us or our employees, 
customers or consumers.  Such unauthorized access could disrupt our business operations and could result in the 
loss of assets or revenues, litigation, remediation costs, damage to our reputation, or the failure by us to retain or 
attract customers following such an event.  Such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition or results of operations.

We have outsourced various functions to third-party service providers and may outsource other functions in 

the future.  We rely on those third-party service providers to provide services on a timely and effective basis.  
Although we believe we have robust service level agreements with such third parties, closely monitor their 

18

performance and maintain contingency plans in case they are unable to perform as agreed, we do not ultimately 
control their performance.  Their failure to perform as expected or as required by contract could result in significant 
disruptions and costs to our operations, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, operating 
results and cash flow, and could impair our ability to make required filings with various reporting agencies on a 
timely or accurate basis.

Damage to our reputation

Maintaining a good reputation is critical to selling our branded products.  Product contamination or 
tampering or the failure to maintain our standards for product quality, safety and integrity, including with respect to 
raw materials, naturally occurring compounds, packaging materials or product components obtained from suppliers, 
may reduce demand for our products or cause production and delivery disruptions.  Although we maintain standards 
for the materials and product components we receive from our suppliers, and we also audit our suppliers’ 
compliance with our standards, it is possible that a supplier may not provide materials or product components which 
meet our required standards or may falsify documentation associated with the fulfillment of those requirements.  If 
any of our products becomes unsafe or unfit for consumption, is misbranded or causes injury, we may have to 
engage in a product recall and/or be subject to liability and incur additional costs.  A widespread product recall, 
multiple product recalls, or a significant product liability judgment could cause our products to be unavailable for a 
period of time, which could further reduce consumer demand and brand equity.  Our reputation could be impacted 
negatively by public perception, adverse publicity (whether or not valid), negative comments in social media, or our 
responses relating to:

• 

• 
• 

• 

a perceived failure to maintain high ethical, social and environmental standards for all of our operations 
and activities;
a perceived failure to address concerns relating to the quality, safety or integrity of our products;
our environmental impact, including use of agricultural materials, packaging, water and energy use, and 
waste management; or
effects that are perceived as insufficient to promote the responsible use of alcohol.

Failure to comply with local laws and regulations, to maintain an effective system of internal controls, to 
provide accurate and timely financial statement information, or to protect our information systems against service 
interruptions, misappropriation of data or breaches of security, could also hurt our reputation.  Damage to our 
reputation or loss of consumer confidence in our products for any of these or other reasons could result in decreased 
demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of 
operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation, competitive position and brand equity.

Contamination

The success of our brands depends upon the positive image that consumers have of those brands.  
Contamination, whether arising accidentally or through deliberate third-party action, or other events that harm the 
integrity or consumer support for our brands, could adversely affect their sales.  Contaminants in raw materials, 
packaging materials or product components purchased from third parties and used in the production of our beer, 
wine or spirits products or defects in the fermentation or distillation process could lead to low beverage quality as 
well as illness among, or injury to, consumers of our products and may result in reduced sales of the affected brand 
or all of our brands.

Dependence upon trademarks and proprietary rights, failure to protect our intellectual property rights

Our future success depends significantly on our ability to protect our current and future brands and products 
and to defend our intellectual property rights.  We have been granted numerous trademark registrations covering our 
brands and products and have filed, and expect to continue to file, trademark applications seeking to protect newly-
developed brands and products.  We cannot be sure that trademark registrations will be issued with respect to any of 
our trademark applications.  There is also a risk that we could, by omission, fail to timely renew or protect a 
trademark or that our competitors will challenge, invalidate or circumvent any existing or future trademarks issued 
to, or licensed by, us.

19

Intangible assets, such as goodwill and trademarks

We continue to have a significant amount of intangible assets such as goodwill and trademarks and may 

acquire more intangible assets in the future.  Intangible assets are subject to a periodic impairment evaluation under 
applicable accounting standards.  The write-down of any of these intangible assets could materially and adversely 
affect our net income.

Climate change, or legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change

Our business depends upon agricultural activity and natural resources.  There has been much public 

discussion related to concerns that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an 
adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and 
natural disasters.  Severe weather events, such as drought or flooding in California or a prolonged cold winter in 
New York, and climate change may negatively affect agricultural productivity in the regions from which we 
presently source our various agricultural raw materials.  Decreased availability of our raw materials may increase 
the cost of goods for our products.  Severe weather events or changes in the frequency or intensity of weather events 
can also disrupt our supply chain, which may affect production operations, insurance cost and coverage, as well as 
delivery of our products to wholesalers, retailers and consumers.

Various diseases, pests and certain weather conditions

Various diseases, pests, fungi, viruses, drought, frosts and certain other weather conditions could affect the 
quality and quantity of barley, hops, grapes and other agricultural raw materials available, decreasing the supply of 
our products and negatively impacting profitability.  We cannot guarantee that our grape suppliers or our suppliers 
of other agricultural raw materials will succeed in preventing contamination in existing vineyards or fields or that 
we will succeed in preventing contamination in our existing vineyards or future vineyards we may acquire.  Future 
government restrictions regarding the use of certain materials used in growing grapes or other agricultural raw 
materials may increase vineyard costs and/or reduce production of grapes or other crops.

Cost of energy or environmental regulatory compliance

We have experienced increases in energy costs in the past, and energy costs could rise in the future, which 

would result in higher transportation, freight and other operating costs.  We may experience significant future 
increases in the costs associated with environmental regulatory compliance, including fees, licenses, and the cost of 
capital improvements to our operating facilities in order to meet environmental regulatory requirements.  Our future 
operating expenses and margins will be dependent on our ability to manage the impact of cost increases.  We cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to pass along increased energy costs or increased costs associated with environmental 
regulatory compliance to our customers through increased prices.

In addition, we may be party to various environmental remediation obligations arising in the normal course 
of our business or in connection with historical activities of businesses we acquire.  Due to regulatory complexities, 
uncertainties inherent in litigation and the risk of unidentified contaminants in our current and former properties, the 
potential exists for remediation, liability and indemnification costs to differ materially from the costs that we have 
estimated.  We may incur cost associated with environmental compliance arising from events we cannot control, 
such as unusually severe floods, hurricanes or earthquakes.  We cannot assure you that our costs in relation to these 
matters will not exceed our projections or otherwise have an adverse effect upon our business reputation, financial 
condition or results of operations.

Control by the Sands Family

Our Class B Common Stock is principally held by members of the Sands family, either directly or through 
entities controlled by members of the Sands family.  Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per 
share and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to 10 votes per share.  Holders of Class 1 Common Stock 
generally do not have voting rights.  The stock ownership of the Sands family and entities controlled by members of 

20

the Sands family represents a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of our common stock as of 
April 21, 2017, voting as a single class.  Consequently, the Sands family has the power to elect a majority of our 
directors and approve actions requiring the approval of the stockholders of the Company voting as a single class.

Benefit cost increases and labor relations

Our profitability is affected by employee medical costs and other employee benefits.  In recent years, 

employee medical costs have increased due to factors such as the increase in health care costs in the U.S.  These 
factors are expected to continue to put pressure on our business and financial performance due to higher employee 
benefit costs.  Although we actively seek to control increases in employee benefit costs and encourage employees to 
maintain healthy lifestyles to reduce future potential medical costs, there can be no assurance that we will succeed 
in limiting future cost increases.  Continued employee benefit cost increases could have an adverse effect on our 
results of operations and financial condition.

We believe our subsidiaries have good working relations with their employees.  However, if their 

employees were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, they could experience an operational disruption and/or 
experience higher on-going labor costs which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and 
financial condition.

Class action or other litigation relating to alcohol abuse, the misuse of alcohol, product liability, or marketing 
or sales practices

There has been public attention directed at the beverage alcohol industry, which we believe is due to 

concern over problems related to harmful use of alcohol, including drinking and driving, underage drinking and 
health consequences from the misuse of alcohol.  We also could be exposed to lawsuits relating to product liability 
or marketing or sales practices.  Adverse developments in lawsuits concerning these types of matters or a significant 
decline in the social acceptability of beverage alcohol products that may result from lawsuits could have a material 
adverse effect on our business.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not Applicable.

Item 2.  Properties.

We operate breweries, wineries, distilling plants and bottling plants, many of which include warehousing 

and distribution facilities on the premises, and through a joint venture, we operate a glass production plant.  In 
addition to our properties described below, certain of our businesses maintain office space for sales and similar 
activities and offsite warehouse and distribution facilities in a variety of geographic locations.

Our corporate headquarters are located in leased offices in Victor, New York.  Our segments also maintain 

leased office spaces in other locations in the U.S. and internationally.

We believe that our facilities, taken as a whole, are in good condition and working order.  Within the Wine 

and Spirits segment, we have adequate capacity to meet our needs for the foreseeable future.  Within the Beer 
segment, we have adequate capacity to meet our current needs and we have undertaken activities to increase our 
production capacity to address our anticipated future needs.  As of February 28, 2017, our properties include the 
following:

21

Beer Segment
Breweries
U.S.
Mexico

Total breweries

Glass production plant (1)

Mexico

Warehouse, distribution and other production facilities

U.S.
Mexico

Total warehouse, distribution and other production facilities

Total Beer Segment

Wine and Spirits Segment

Wineries
U.S.

California
New York
Washington
New Zealand
Italy

Total wineries

Distilleries
U.S.
Canada

Total distilleries

Warehouse, distribution and other production facilities

U.S.
Italy

Total warehouse, distribution and other production facilities

Total Wine and Spirits Segment

Owned

Leased

2
2

1

1
1
4

15
1
1
3

20

1
1
2

1
1
23

5

5

29

29
34

1

1
5
7

1

1

6
8
14
22

(1)  The glass production plant in Nava, Coahuila, Mexico is owned and operated by an equally-owned joint venture 

with Owens-Illinois and is located adjacent to our Nava Brewery.

Within our Wine and Spirits segment, as of February 28, 2017, we owned, leased or had interests in 

approximately 13,600 acres of vineyards in California (U.S.), 6,400 acres of vineyards in New Zealand and 900 
acres of vineyards in Italy.

As of February 28, 2017, our principal facilities, all of which are owned, consist of:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

the Nava Brewery in Nava, Coahuila, Mexico;
the Obregon Brewery in Obregon, Sonora, Mexico;
the glass production plant in Nava, Coahuila, Mexico;
two wineries in California:  the Woodbridge Winery in Acampo and the Mission Bell winery in Madera;
the Canandaigua winery in Canandaigua, New York; and
the distillery in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

22

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

In the ordinary course of their business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits, 

arbitrations, claims and other legal proceedings in connection with their business.  Some of the legal actions include 
claims for substantial or unspecified compensatory and/or punitive damages.  A substantial adverse judgment or 
other unfavorable resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.  Management believes that the Company has adequate legal 
defenses with respect to the legal proceedings to which it is a defendant or respondent and that the outcome of these 
pending proceedings is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations 
or cash flows of the Company.  However, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these matters.

Regulatory Matters – The Company and its subsidiaries are in discussions with various governmental 

agencies concerning matters raised during regulatory examinations or otherwise subject to such agencies’ inquiry.  
These matters could result in censures, fines or other sanctions.  Management believes the outcome of any pending 
regulatory matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of 
operations or cash flows.  However, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these matters.

As previously reported in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2014, the 
United States District Court for the District of Columbia (“District Court”) signed the Stipulation and Order filed by 
the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”), permitting the Company and Anheuser-
Busch InBev SA/NV (“ABI”) to consummate the Beer Business Acquisition.  After expiration of the 60-day public 
comment period as required under the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, the DOJ moved the District Court for 
entry of the Final Judgment.  The Final Judgment was signed on October 21, 2013, and entered into the District 
Court’s docket on October 24, 2013, without modification to the terms included in the Proposed Final Judgment.  
The Company is operating in accordance with the requirements of the Final Judgment.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

23

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities.

Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange® 

(“NYSE”) under the symbols STZ and STZ.B, respectively.  There is no public trading market for our Class 1 
Common Stock.  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of our 
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as reported on the NYSE, and cash dividends declared for 
those classes of common stock.  For all periods presented, the cash dividends declared for our Class 1 Common 
Stock are the same as those declared for our Class B Common Stock.

Class A Common Stock

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Class B Common Stock

1st Quarter
2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

High

Low

Dividends

High

Low

Dividends

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

165.81

168.68

173.55

162.48

162.68
171.00

175.50

161.91

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

137.85

149.26

146.90

144.00

140.00
151.60

150.91

147.95

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.40

0.36
0.36

0.36

0.36

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

121.92

130.42

144.60

155.68

121.57
129.84

144.36

156.00

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

110.45

114.49

122.35

130.23

109.24
116.22

126.32

134.76

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

0.31

0.31

0.31

0.31

0.28
0.28

0.28

0.28

At April 21, 2017, the number of holders of record of our Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock 

and Class 1 Common Stock were 582, 105 and 3, respectively.

In April 2015, our Board of Directors approved the initiation of a dividend program under which we paid 

quarterly cash dividends during Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016.  Prior to Fiscal 2016, we had not paid any cash 
dividends on our common stock since our initial public offering in 1973 as we had retained all earning to finance the 
development and expansion of our business.  On April 5, 2017, we declared an increased regular quarterly cash 
dividend of $0.52 per share of Class A Common Stock, $0.47 per share of Class B Convertible Common Stock and 
$0.47 per share of Class 1 Common Stock payable on May 24, 2017, to stockholders of record of each class on 
May 10, 2017.

We currently expect to continue to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend to stockholders of our common 

stock in the future, but such payments are subject to approval of our Board of Directors and are dependent upon our 
financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors, including those set forth under 
Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  In addition, the terms of our 2016 Credit Agreement 
may restrict the payment of cash dividends on our common stock under certain circumstances.  Any indentures for 
debt securities issued in the future, the terms of any preferred stock issued in the future and any credit agreements 
entered into in the future may also restrict or prohibit the payment of cash dividends on our common stock.

24

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

2,982,453

2,012,405

$

$

— $

150.88

149.08

—

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of a
Publicly
Announced
Program

2,982,453

2,012,405

Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Program (1) (2)
$ 846,879,288 (3)
$ 546,879,397

— $ 546,879,397

4,994,858

$

150.15

4,994,858

In April 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an aggregate amount 
of $1.0 billion of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock under the 2013 
Authorization.  The Board of Directors did not specify a date upon which the 2013 Authorization would expire.  In 
December 2016, we utilized the remaining $296.9 million available under the 2013 Authorization to repurchase 
1,988,311 shares of Class A Common Stock at an average cost of $149.31 per share, through open market 
transactions, thereby completing the 2013 Authorization. (3)

In November 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an aggregate 
amount of $1.0 billion of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock under the 
2017 Authorization.  The Board of Directors did not specify a date upon which the 2017 Authorization would 
expire.

Period

December 1 – 31, 2016

January 1 – 31, 2017

February 1 – 28, 2017

Total

(1) 

(2) 

(3)  Repurchases were made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan.

25

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with MD&A and our consolidated 

financial statements and notes thereto under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Financial 
Statements”).

February 28, 
2017 (1)

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

February 28, 
2014 (2)

February 28,
2013

For the Years Ended

(in millions, except per share data)

Sales

Less – excise taxes

Net sales

Cost of product sold

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative 
expenses (3)
Gain on sale of business

Gain on remeasurement to fair value of
equity method investment

Operating income

Earnings from unconsolidated
investments
Interest expense

Loss on write-off of debt issuance costs

Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Net (income) loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to CBI

Net income per common share
attributable to CBI:

Basic – Class A Common Stock

Basic – Class B Convertible Common
Stock

Diluted – Class A Common Stock

Diluted – Class B Convertible
Common Stock

Cash dividends declared per common
share:

Class A Common Stock
Class B Convertible Common Stock

Total assets

Long-term debt, including current
maturities

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

8,061.6

$

(730.1)

7,331.5

(3,802.1)

3,529.4

(1,392.4)

262.4

—

2,399.4

27.3
(333.3)

—

2,093.4

(554.2)

1,539.2

(4.1)
1,535.1

7.79

7.07

7.52

6.93

1.60
1.44

18,602.4

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

7,223.8
(675.4)
6,548.4
(3,606.1)
2,942.3

(1,177.2)
—

—

1,765.1

51.1
(313.9)
(1.1)
1,501.2
(440.6)
1,060.6

(5.7)
1,054.9

5.42

4.92

5.18

4.79

1.24
1.12

16,965.0

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

6,672.1
(644.1)
6,028.0
(3,449.4)
2,578.6

(1,078.4)
—

—

1,500.2

21.5
(337.7)
(4.4)
1,179.6
(343.4)
836.2

3.1
839.3

4.40

4.00

4.17

3.83

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,411.0
(543.3)
4,867.7
(2,876.0)
1,991.7

(1,196.0)
—

1,642.0

2,437.7

87.8
(323.2)
—

2,202.3
(259.2)
1,943.1

—
1,943.1

10.45

9.50

9.83

9.04

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $
— $

— $
— $

3,171.4
(375.3)
2,796.1
(1,687.8)
1,108.3

(585.4)
—

—

522.9

233.1
(227.1)
(12.5)
516.4
(128.6)
387.8

—
387.8

2.15

1.96

2.04

1.87

—
—

15,093.0

$

14,302.1

$

7,638.1

8,631.6

$

7,672.9

$

7,244.1

$

6,963.3

$

3,305.4

(1) 

In December 2016, we completed the Canadian Divestiture.  For a detailed discussion of this transaction, 
including the gain on sale of business, refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

26

(2) 

(3) 

In June 2013, we completed the Beer Business Acquisition.  In connection with this acquisition, our preexisting 
50% equity interest in Crown Imports was remeasured to its estimated fair value based upon the estimated fair 
value of the acquired 50% equity interest, and a gain was recognized.

Includes impairment of intangible assets of $46.0 million for the year ended February 28, 2017, and impairment of 
goodwill and intangible assets of $300.9 million for the year ended February 28, 2014.  For a detailed discussion 
of impairment of intangible assets for the year ended February 28, 2017, refer to Note 7 of the Notes to the 
Financial Statements.  For the year ended February 28, 2014, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 
represents impairment losses recorded for certain goodwill and trademarks associated with our Wine and Spirits 
segment.

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Introduction

This MD&A, which should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements, provides additional 
information on our businesses, current developments, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.  It is 
organized as follows:

•  Overview.    This section provides a general description of our business, which we believe is important 

in understanding the results of our operations, financial condition and potential future trends.

• 

Strategy.    This section provides a description of our strategy and a discussion of acquisitions and 
divestitures.

•  Results of operations.    This section provides an analysis of our results of operations presented on a 
business segment basis.  In addition, a brief description of transactions and other items that affect the 
comparability of the results is provided.

•  Financial liquidity and capital resources.    This section provides an analysis of our cash flows and our 
outstanding debt and commitments.  Included in the analysis of outstanding debt is a discussion of the 
amount of financial capacity available to fund our ongoing operations and future commitments, as well 
as a discussion of other financing arrangements.

•  Critical accounting estimates.    This section identifies those accounting policies that are considered 

important to our results of operations and financial condition, require significant judgment and involve 
significant management estimates.  Our significant accounting policies, including those considered to 
be critical accounting policies, are summarized in Note 1 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

Overview

We are an international beverage alcohol company with a broad portfolio of consumer-preferred high-end 

imported and craft beer brands, and premium wine and spirits brands.  We are the third-largest producer and 
marketer of beer for the U.S. market and the world’s leading premium wine company.  We are the largest multi-
category supplier (beer, wine and spirits) of beverage alcohol in the U.S., and a leading supplier of wine from New 
Zealand and Italy to North America.

Our internal management financial reporting consists of two business divisions:  (i)  Beer and (ii)  Wine and 

Spirits, and we report our operating results in three segments:  (i)  Beer, (ii)  Wine and Spirits, and (iii)  Corporate 
Operations and Other.  In the Beer segment, our portfolio consists of high-end imported and craft beer brands.  We 
have an exclusive perpetual brand license to import, market and sell in the U.S. our Mexican beer portfolio.  In the 
Wine and Spirits segment, we sell a large number of wine brands across all categories – table wine, sparkling wine 
and dessert wine – and across all price points – popular, premium and luxury categories, primarily within the 
$5 to $25 price range at U.S. retail – complemented by certain premium spirits brands.  Amounts included in the 
Corporate Operations and Other segment consist of costs of executive management, corporate development, 

27

corporate finance, human resources, internal audit, investor relations, legal, public relations and information 
technology.  The amounts included in the Corporate Operations and Other segment are general costs that are 
applicable to the consolidated group and are therefore not allocated to the other reportable segments.  All costs 
reported within the Corporate Operations and Other segment are not included in our chief operating decision 
maker’s evaluation of the operating income performance of the other reportable segments.  The business segments 
reflect how our operations are managed, how resources are allocated, how operating performance is evaluated by 
senior management and the structure of our internal financial reporting.

Strategy

Our overall strategy is to sustain profitable growth and build shareholder value.  We position our portfolio 

to benefit from industry premiumization trends, which we believe will continue to result in faster growth rates in the 
high-end of the beer, wine and spirits categories.  We focus on developing our expertise in consumer insights and 
category management as well as our strong distributor network, which provides an effective route-to-market.  
Additionally, we leverage our scale across the total beverage alcohol market and our level of diversification hedges 
our portfolio risk.  In addition to growing our existing business, we seek targeted acquisitions of businesses that are 
premium, growing, high-margin, consumer-led, have a low integration risk and/or fill a gap in our portfolio.

We strive to strengthen our portfolio of premium beer, wine and spirits brands and differentiate ourselves 

through:

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

leveraging our leading position in total beverage alcohol and our scale with wholesalers and retailers to 
expand distribution of our product portfolio and cross promotional opportunities;
strengthening relationships with wholesalers and retailers by providing consumer and beverage alcohol 
insights;
investing in brand building activities;
positioning ourselves for success with consumer-led innovation capabilities;
realizing operating efficiencies through expanding and enhancing production capabilities and 
maximizing asset utilization; and
developing employees to enhance performance in the marketplace.

Our business strategy in the Beer segment focuses on leading the high-end of the U.S. beer market and 

includes continued focus on growing our beer portfolio in the U.S. through expanding distribution for key brands, 
as well as new product development and innovation within the existing portfolio of brands, and continued 
construction, expansion and optimization activities for our Mexico beer operations.

In connection with this strategy, we have expanded our Nava Brewery from 10 million to 25 million 

hectoliters production capacity since the acquisition of the Nava Brewery.  Expansion, construction and 
optimization efforts continue under our Mexico Beer Expansion Projects to align with our anticipated future growth 
expectations.  See “Capital Expenditures” below for additional discussion.

Our business strategy in the Wine and Spirits segment is to be the leader in the premium wine category and 
build a portfolio of premium spirits brands.  We are investing to meet the evolving needs of consumers and building 
brands through consumer insights, sensory expertise, innovation and refreshing existing brands.  In this segment, we 
continue to focus on the premiumization of our branded wine and spirits portfolio.  We dedicate a large share of our 
sales and marketing resources to our U.S. Focus Brands as they represent a majority of our U.S. wine and spirits 
revenue and profitability, and generally have strong positions in their respective price categories.  In markets where 
it is feasible, we have a consolidated U.S. distribution network in order to obtain dedicated distributor selling 
resources which focus on our U.S. wine and spirits portfolio to drive organic growth.  This consolidated U.S. 
distribution network currently represents about 70% of our branded wine and spirits volume in the U.S.  Throughout 
the terms of these contracts, we generally expect shipments on an annual basis to these distributors to essentially 
equal the distributors’ shipments to retailers.

28

Marketing, sales and distribution of our products are managed on a geographic basis in order to fully 
leverage leading market positions.  In addition, market dynamics and consumer trends vary across each of our 
markets.  Within our primary market in the U.S., we offer a range of beverage alcohol products across the imported 
beer, craft beer, branded wine and spirits categories, with separate distribution networks utilized for (i)  our beer 
portfolio and (ii)  our wine and spirits portfolio.  The environment for our products is competitive in each of our 
markets.

We remain committed to our long-term financial model of growing sales, expanding margins and increasing 

cash flow in order to achieve earnings per share growth, reduce borrowings and pay quarterly cash dividends.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Beer Segment

Obregon Brewery

In December 2016, we acquired the Obregon Brewery for cash paid of $568.7 million, net of cash acquired, 

subject to estimated working capital adjustments due to seller of $3.1 million.  The transaction primarily included 
the acquisition of operations; goodwill; property, plant and equipment; and inventories.  This acquisition provided 
us with immediate functioning brewery capacity to support our fast-growing, high-end Mexican beer portfolio and 
flexibility for future innovation initiatives.  It also enabled us to become fully independent from an interim supply 
agreement with Modelo, which was terminated at the time of this acquisition.  The results of operations of the 
Obregon Brewery are reported in the Beer segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations 
from the date of acquisition.

Ballast Point Acquisition

In December 2015, we acquired Ballast Point for $998.5 million, net of cash acquired.  The transaction 
primarily included the acquisition of operations, goodwill, trademarks and property, plant and equipment.  This 
acquisition provided us with a high-growth premium platform that enables us to compete in the growing, emerging 
national craft beer category and further strengthened our position in the high-end U.S. beer market.  The results of 
operations of Ballast Point are reported in the Beer segment and have been included in our consolidated results of 
operations from the date of acquisition.

Wine and Spirits Segment

Canadian Divestiture

In December 2016, we sold our Canadian wine business, which included Canadian wine brands such as 

Jackson-Triggs and Inniskillin, wineries, vineyards, offices, facilities and Wine Rack retail stores, at a transaction 
value of C$1.03 billion, or $775.2 million.  Accordingly, our consolidated results of operations include the results of 
operations of our Canadian wine business through the date of divestiture.  We received cash proceeds of $575.3 
million, net of outstanding debt and direct costs to sell, subject to working capital adjustments.  We will continue to 
export certain of our brands into the Canadian market, which remains our largest export market.  This transaction is 
consistent with our strategic focus on premium, high-margin and high-growth brands.  We recognized a net gain on 
the sale of the business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 of $262.4 million.  Additionally, our current estimate of 
the income taxes we expect to pay is approximately $77 million in total during Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2018 in 
connection with the Canadian Divestiture.

29

The following table presents selected financial information included in our historical consolidated financial 

statements that will no longer be part of our consolidated results after the Canadian Divestiture.

(in millions)

Net sales

Gross profit

Depreciation and amortization

Operating income

Income before income taxes

Cash flow from operating activities

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

$

$

$

$

$

$

311.2

131.2

9.1

49.8

46.6

47.2

$

$

$

$

$

$

365.1

152.9

11.1

62.5

61.9

80.0

Additionally, the impact on our historical wine and spirits segment results are the same as the impact on the 

historical consolidated results for net sales, gross profit, and depreciation and amortization.  However, as segment 
results do not include the impact of Comparable Adjustments, amounts reported for our historical wine and spirits 
segment operating income that will no longer be part of the segment’s results after the Canadian Divestiture are 
$50.1 million and $63.3 million for Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively.

High West Acquisition

In October 2016, we acquired High West, which primarily included the acquisition of operations, goodwill, 

trademarks, inventories and property, plant and equipment.  This acquisition included a portfolio of distinctive, 
award-winning, fast-growing and high-end craft whiskeys and other select spirits.  The results of operations of High 
West are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations 
from the date of acquisition.

Charles Smith Acquisition

In October 2016, we acquired Charles Smith, which primarily included the acquisition of goodwill, 
trademarks, inventories and certain grape supply contracts.  This acquisition included a collection of five super and 
ultra-premium wine brands and solidified our position as the second leading supplier of Washington State wines 
with this collection of fast-growing, high quality wines that have strong consumer affinity and demand.  The results 
of operations of Charles Smith are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our 
consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

Prisoner Acquisition

In April 2016, we acquired Prisoner, which primarily included the acquisition of goodwill, inventories, 

trademarks and certain grape supply contracts.  This acquisition, which included a portfolio of five fast-growing, 
higher-margin, super-luxury wine brands, aligned with our portfolio premiumization strategy and strengthened our 
position in the super-luxury wine category.  The results of operations of Prisoner are reported in the Wine and 
Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

Meiomi Acquisition

In August 2015, we acquired Meiomi, which primarily included the acquisition of goodwill, inventories, the 

trademark and certain grape supply contracts.  The acquisition of this higher-margin, luxury growth brand has 
complemented our existing portfolio and further strengthened our position in the U.S. pinot noir category.  The 
results of operations of Meiomi are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our 
consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

For additional information on these acquisitions, refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

30

Results of Operations

Financial Highlights

References to organic throughout the following discussion exclude the impact of acquired brand activity in 

connection with the acquisitions of Meiomi, Prisoner, High West and Charles Smith (wine and spirits), and the 
acquisition of Ballast Point (beer), and divested brand activity in connection with the Canadian Divestiture, as 
appropriate.

Financial Highlights for Fiscal 2017:

•  Our results of operations benefited from improvements in both the Beer and Wine and Spirits 

segments.

•  Net sales increased 12% primarily due to strong consumer demand across both segments and net sales 

from the acquired Ballast Point, Meiomi and Prisoner brands.

•  Operating income increased 36% primarily due to a gain on sale of business recognized in connection 
with the Canadian Divestiture, the strong consumer demand and the benefits from the acquired brands.

•  Net income attributable to CBI and diluted net income per common share attributable to CBI increased 
46% and 45%, respectively, primarily due to the items discussed above and an income tax benefit 
driven largely by a change in our assertion regarding the indefinite reinvestment of certain foreign 
earnings in the third quarter of fiscal 2017.

Comparable Adjustments

Management excludes items that affect comparability from its evaluation of the results of each operating 

segment as these Comparable Adjustments are not reflective of core operations of the segments.  Segment 
operating performance and segment management compensation are evaluated based on core segment operating 
income (loss).  As such, the performance measures for incentive compensation purposes for segment management 
do not include the impact of these Comparable Adjustments.

As more fully described herein and in the related Notes to the Financial Statements, the Comparable 

Adjustments that impacted comparability in our results for each period are as follows:

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

(in millions)

Cost of product sold

Settlements of undesignated commodity derivative contracts
Net gain (loss) on undesignated commodity derivative contracts
Flow through of inventory step-up
Amortization of favorable interim supply agreement
Other losses

Total cost of product sold

$

$

23.4
16.3
(20.1)
(2.2)
—
17.4

$

29.5
(48.1)
(18.4)
(31.7)
—
(68.7)

4.4
(32.7)
—
(28.4)
(2.8)
(59.5)

31

(in millions)

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Impairment of intangible assets

Costs associated with the Canadian Divestiture and related activities

Transaction, integration and other acquisition-related costs

Restructuring and related charges

Other gains (losses)

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

Gain on sale of business

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated investments

Loss on write-off of debt issuance costs

Comparable Adjustments

Cost of Product Sold

Undesignated Commodity Derivative Contracts

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

(37.6)
(20.4)
(14.2)
(0.9)
(2.6)
(75.7)

262.4

(1.7)

—

$

202.4

$

—

—
(15.4)
(16.4)
—
(31.8)

—

24.5

(1.1)
(77.1) $

—

—
(30.5)
—

7.2
(23.3)

—

—

(4.4)
(87.2)

Net gain (loss) on undesignated commodity derivative contracts represents a net gain (loss) from the 

changes in fair value of undesignated commodity derivative contracts.  The net gain (loss) is reported outside of 
segment operating results until such time that the underlying exposure is recognized in the segment operating 
results.  At settlement, the net gain (loss) from the changes in fair value of the undesignated commodity derivative 
contracts is reported in the appropriate operating segment, allowing the results of our operating segments to reflect 
the economic effects of the commodity derivative contracts without the resulting unrealized mark to fair value 
volatility.

Inventory Step-Up

In connection with acquisitions, the allocation of purchase price in excess of book value for certain 

inventories on hand at the date of acquisition is referred to as inventory step-up.  Inventory step-up represents an 
assumed manufacturing profit attributable to the acquired business prior to acquisition.  Flow through of inventory 
step-up was primarily associated with the Prisoner acquisition (Fiscal 2017) and Meiomi acquisition (Fiscal 2017 
and Fiscal 2016).

Favorable Interim Supply Agreement

In connection with the Beer Business Acquisition, a temporary supply agreement was negotiated under a 

favorable pricing arrangement for the required volume of beer needed to fulfill expected U.S. demand in excess of 
the Nava Brewery’s capacity.  Amortization of favorable interim supply agreement reflects amounts associated 
with non-Nava Brewery product purchased from the date of acquisition which has been sold to our U.S. customers 
during the respective period.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Impairment of Intangible Assets

In connection with our continued focus on the premiumization of our branded wine and spirits portfolio, a 

decision was made to discontinue certain small-scale, low-margin U.S. brands within our Wine and Spirits’ 
portfolio.  As a result, trademarks with a carrying value of $37.6 million were written down to their estimated fair 
value, resulting in an impairment of $37.6 million.  In addition, see “Costs Associated With The Canadian 

32

Divestiture and Related Activities” below for information about an additional impairment of intangible assets 
recognized in connection with the Canadian Divestiture.

Costs Associated With The Canadian Divestiture and Related Activities

Costs associated with the Canadian Divestiture and related activities represent costs incurred in connection 
with the evaluation of the merits of executing an initial public offering for a portion of our Canadian wine business 
and net other costs incurred in connection with the sale of the Canadian wine business.

In addition, in connection with the Canadian Divestiture, trademarks with a carrying value of $8.4 million 
were written down to their estimated fair value, resulting in an impairment of $8.4 million.  These trademarks were 
associated with certain U.S. brands within our Wine and Spirits’ portfolio sold exclusively through the Canadian 
wine business, for which we expect future sales of these brands to be minimal subsequent to the Canadian 
Divestiture.

Transaction, Integration and Other Acquisition-Related Costs

Transaction, integration and other acquisition-related costs consist of costs associated with our 

acquisitions.

Restructuring and Related Charges

Restructuring and related charges consist primarily of employee termination benefit costs recognized in 

connection with our plan initiated in May 2015 to streamline and simplify processes, and shift resources and 
investment to long-term, profitable growth opportunities across the business.

Other Gains (Losses)

Other gains (losses) consist primarily of a gain from an adjustment to a certain guarantee originally 

recorded in connection with a prior divestiture (Fiscal 2015) and a net gain on the sale of and the write-down of 
certain property, plant and equipment (Fiscal 2015).

Gain on Sale of Business

Gain on sale of business consists of the net gain recognized in connection with the Canadian Divestiture.

Earnings (Losses) from Unconsolidated Investments

Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated investments consist primarily of dividend income from a retained 

interest in a previously divested business (Fiscal 2016).

33

Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016

Net Sales

(in millions)
Beer

Wine and Spirits:

Wine

Spirits

Total Wine and Spirits

Consolidated net sales

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

% Increase

$

4,229.3

$

3,622.6

2,739.3

362.9

3,102.2

$

7,331.5

$

2,591.4

334.4

2,925.8

6,548.4

17%

6%

9%

6%

12%

Net sales increased $783.1 million due to increases in Beer’s net sales of $606.7 million driven 
predominately by volume growth within our Mexican beer portfolio, and Wine and Spirits’ net sales of $176.4 
million due largely to net sales from acquired brands and organic volume growth, partially offset by a decrease in 
net sales due to the Canadian Divestiture.

Beer Segment

(in millions, branded product, 24-pack, 12-ounce case equivalents)
Net sales

$

4,229.3

$

3,622.6

17%

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

% Increase

Shipment volume (1)

Total

Organic

Depletion volume (1) (2)

246.4

242.3

218.0

218.0

13.0%

11.1%

10.4%

(1)  Previously reported Beer shipment and depletion volumes were restated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 for 
an immaterial error associated with the conversion of 7-ounce Coronita case equivalents to 12-ounce case 
equivalents.

(2)  Depletions represent distributor shipments of our respective branded products to retail customers, based on third-
party data, including acquired brands from the date of acquisition and for the comparable prior year period.

The increase in Beer’s net sales is primarily due to (i)  the volume growth within our Mexican beer 

portfolio of $404.4 million, which benefited from continued consumer demand and increased marketing spend; 
(ii)  net sales from the acquired Ballast Point brand of $124.9 million and (iii)  a favorable impact from pricing in 
select markets within our Mexican beer portfolio of $92.2 million.

34

Wine and Spirits Segment

(in millions, branded product, 9-liter case equivalents)
Net sales

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

% Increase

$

3,102.2

$

2,925.8

6%

Shipment volume

Total

Organic

U.S. Domestic

Organic U.S. Domestic

U.S. Domestic Focus Brands

Organic U.S. Domestic Focus Brands

Depletion volume (2)
U.S. Domestic

U.S. Domestic Focus Brands

69.2

68.4

55.0

54.2

32.0

31.4

68.2

66.2

51.9

51.9

28.4

28.4

1.5%

3.3%

6.0%

4.4%

12.7%

10.6%

2.9%

8.9%

The increase in Wine and Spirits’ net sales is primarily due to net sales from acquired brands, primarily the 

Meiomi and Prisoner brands, of $124.0 million and organic branded wine and spirits volume growth of $95.9 
million, partially offset by a decrease in net sales due to the Canadian Divestiture of $62.6 million.

Gross Profit

(in millions)
Beer

Wine and Spirits

Comparable Adjustments

Consolidated gross profit

NM = Not meaningful

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

% Increase

$

$

2,151.3

$

1,360.7

17.4

3,529.4

$

1,776.0

1,235.0
(68.7)
2,942.3

21%

10%

NM

20%

Gross profit increased $587.1 million primarily due to increases in Beer of $375.3 million and Wine and 

Spirits of $125.7 million.  In addition, the change in Comparable Adjustments resulted in an increase in gross 
profit of $86.1 million.

The increase in Beer is primarily due to (i)  the volume growth and the favorable impact from pricing in 

select markets within our Mexican beer portfolio of $192.9 million and $92.2 million, respectively; (ii)  gross 
profit from the acquired Ballast Point brand of $53.4 million and (iii)  lower cost of product sold for our Mexican 
beer business of $41.7 million.  The lower cost of product sold is primarily due to foreign currency transactional 
benefits within our Mexican beer portfolio of $54.6 million and brewery sourcing benefits of $35.3 million, 
partially offset by higher depreciation expense of $46.9 million.

The increase in Wine and Spirits is primarily due to gross profit from the acquired brands of $69.4 million 
and growth from the organic wine and spirits business driven primarily by branded wine and spirits volume growth 
and favorable product mix shift of $48.8 million and $33.1 million, respectively; partially offset by a decrease in 
gross profit due to the Canadian Divestiture of $27.2 million.

Gross profit as a percent of net sales increased to 48.1% for Fiscal 2017 compared with 44.9% for Fiscal 
2016 primarily due to (i)  a favorable impact from the change in Comparable Adjustments of approximately 120 

35

basis points, (ii)  lower cost of product sold across both segments which contributed approximately 75 basis points, 
(iii)  the favorable impact from Beer pricing in select markets of approximately 65 basis points and (iv)  the 
favorable impact from the acquired higher-margin wine and spirits brands and divestiture of the lower-margin 
Canadian wine business of approximately 25 basis points.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

% Increase

(in millions)
Beer

Wine and Spirits

Corporate Operations and Other

Comparable Adjustments

$

616.9

$

559.9

139.9

75.7

511.9

508.0

125.5

31.8

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses

$

1,392.4

$

1,177.2

21%

10%

11%

138%

18%

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $215.2 million due to increases in Beer of $105.0 
million, Wine and Spirits of $51.9 million, Comparable Adjustments of $43.9 million and Corporate Operations 
and Other of $14.4 million.

The increase in Beer is due to increases in marketing spend of $58.8 million and general and 

administrative expenses of $46.2 million.  The increase in marketing spend is due largely to planned investment to 
support the growth of our Mexican beer portfolio.  The increase in general and administrative expenses is 
predominantly driven by higher compensation and benefits supporting the organic growth of the business of $22.2 
million and general and administrative expenses associated with the acquired Ballast Point business of $19.7 
million.

The increase in Wine and Spirits is primarily due to an increase in marketing spend of $25.7 million and 
general and administrative expenses of $25.0 million.  The increase in marketing spend is due largely to planned 
investment to support the growth of our branded wine and spirits portfolio.  The increase in general and 
administrative expenses is predominantly driven by (i)  higher compensation and benefits of $24.5 million and 
higher consulting expenses supporting the growth of the business and (ii)  an unfavorable overlap of prior year 
foreign currency transaction gains with current year foreign currency transaction losses, partially offset by a 
decrease in general and administrative expenses due to the Canadian Divestiture of $16.4 million.

The increase in Corporate Operations and Other is due to higher general and administrative expenses 

primarily attributable to (i)  higher consulting and information technology expenses, (ii)  higher travel and 
entertainment expenses and (iii)  an unfavorable overlap of prior year foreign currency transaction gains with 
current year foreign currency transaction losses.  The increases in consulting, information technology and travel 
and entertainment expenses are all largely attributable to supporting the growth of the business.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales increased to 19.0% for Fiscal 2017 as 

compared with 18.0% for Fiscal 2016.  The increase is primarily attributable to the growth in Comparable 
Adjustments and Corporate Operations and Other selling, general and administrative expenses, which resulted in 
approximately 70 basis points of rate growth.  Additionally, the growth in Wine and Spirits selling, general and 
administrative expenses having exceeded the growth in Wine and Spirits net sales resulted in approximately 25 
basis points to the rate growth.

36

Operating Income

(in millions)

Beer

Wine and Spirits

Corporate Operations and Other

Comparable Adjustments

Consolidated operating income

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

% Increase
(Decrease)

$

1,534.4

$

800.8
(139.9)
204.1

$

2,399.4

$

1,264.1

727.0
(125.5)
(100.5)
1,765.1

21%

10%

(11%)

NM

36%

Operating income increased $634.3 million primarily due to a favorable impact from the change in 
Comparable Adjustments of $304.6 million and increases in Beer and Wine and Spirits of $270.3 million and $73.8 
million, respectively.  The increase for Beer is primarily attributable to growth in the Mexican beer business of 
$238.9 million driven largely by the factors discussed above.  The increase for Wine and Spirits is due to operating 
income from the acquired brands of $63.0 million and growth from the organic wine and spirits business driven 
primarily by the factors discussed above.

Earnings from Unconsolidated Investments

Earnings from unconsolidated investments decreased to $27.3 million for Fiscal 2017 from $51.1 million 
for Fiscal 2016, a decrease of $23.8 million.  This decrease is primarily attributable to an unfavorable impact from 
the change in Comparable Adjustments for Fiscal 2017.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased to $333.3 million for Fiscal 2017 from $313.9 million for Fiscal 2016, an 

increase of $19.4 million, or 6%.  This increase is primarily due to higher average borrowings of $1.0 billion and 
lower average interest rates of 25 basis points, both driven largely by the $1.1 billion in new term loan facilities 
under our senior credit facility for Fiscal 2017 and issuance of the December 2015 Senior Notes and December 
2016 Senior Notes, partially offset by the repayment of the August 2006 Senior Notes.

Provision for Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 was 26.5% and 29.3%, respectively.  For Fiscal 

2017, our effective tax rate was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to lower effective tax 
rates applicable to our foreign businesses, including a change in our assertion regarding indefinitely reinvesting 
earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries and the tax effects of the Canadian Divestiture.  For Fiscal 2016, our 
effective tax rate was lower than the federal statutory rate primarily due to a decrease in uncertain tax positions and 
lower effective tax rates applicable to our foreign businesses.

We have historically provided deferred income taxes for the repatriation to the U.S. of earnings from our 

foreign subsidiaries.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, in connection with the agreement to divest the 
Canadian wine business and the ongoing Beer capacity expansion activities in Mexico, including the agreement to 
acquire the Obregon Brewery, we changed our assertion regarding our ability and intent to indefinitely reinvest 
undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries.  Approximately $420 million of our Fiscal 2017 earnings and 
all future earnings for these foreign subsidiaries are expected to be indefinitely reinvested.  Accordingly, no 
deferred income taxes have been provided or will be provided, respectively, on the applicable undistributed 
earnings.

Because we intend to use our historical unremitted earnings generated from our existing foreign 

subsidiaries to continue to support our U.S. investments in the future, our intent to repatriate those historical 

37

foreign earnings remains unchanged and accordingly, we continue to provide for anticipated tax liabilities on these 
amounts that are expected to be repatriated.

For additional information, refer to Note 12 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

We expect our effective tax rate for the next fiscal year to be in the range of 21% to 23%.  This includes 

the assertion of our intent for certain foreign earnings to be indefinitely reinvested and a favorable benefit from our 
March 1, 2017, adoption of the FASB’s amended guidance requiring the recognition of the income tax effect of 
stock based compensation awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled.  Through February 
28, 2017, this amount was recognized in additional paid-in capital at the time of vesting or settlement.

For Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, we recognized excess tax benefits of $131.4 million, $203.4 

million and $78.0 million, respectively, in additional paid-in capital.  These amounts may not necessarily be 
indicative of future amounts that may be recognized subsequent to the adoption of this new standard, as any excess 
tax benefits recognized will be dependent upon future stock prices, employee exercise behavior and applicable tax 
rates.  Our current range for next year’s effective tax rate includes an estimated 3% benefit related to the adoption 
of this guidance.  Since this new standard requires recognition of these excess tax benefits in the income statement 
on a discrete basis, we anticipate that our effective tax rate will vary from quarter to quarter depending upon the 
amount of excess tax benefits realized.

Net Income Attributable to CBI

As a result of the above factors, net income attributable to CBI increased to $1,535.1 million for Fiscal 

2017 from $1,054.9 million for Fiscal 2016, an increase of $480.2 million, or 46%.

Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015

Net Sales

(in millions)
Beer

Wine and Spirits:

Wine
Spirits

Total Wine and Spirits

Consolidated net sales

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

% Increase

$

3,622.6

$

3,188.6

14%

2,591.4
334.4

2,925.8

$

6,548.4

$

2,523.4
316.0

2,839.4

6,028.0

3%
6%

3%

9%

Net sales increased $520.4 million due to increases in Beer’s net sales of $434.0 million (driven 

predominately by volume growth within our Mexican beer portfolio) and Wine and Spirits’ net sales of $86.4 
million (due largely to net sales from the acquired Meiomi brand).

Beer Segment

(in millions, branded product, 24-pack, 12-ounce case equivalents)
Net sales

$

3,622.6

$

3,188.6

14%

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

% Increase

Shipment volume (1)

Total
Organic

Depletion volume (1) (2)

218.0
217.1

195.8
195.8

11.3%
10.9%

12.3%

38

(1)  Previously reported Beer shipment and depletion volumes were restated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 for an 

immaterial error associated with the conversion of 7-ounce Coronita case equivalents to 12-ounce case 
equivalents.

(2)  Depletions represent distributor shipments of our respective branded products to retail customers, based on third-
party data, including acquired brands from the date of acquisition and for the comparable prior year period.

The increase in Beer’s net sales is primarily due to (i)  the volume growth within our Mexican beer 

portfolio, which benefited from continued consumer demand and increased marketing spend; (ii)  a favorable 
impact from pricing in select markets and (iii)  net sales from the acquired Ballast Point brand of $27.2 million.

Wine and Spirits Segment

(in millions, branded product, 9-liter case equivalents)

Net sales

Shipment volume

Total

Organic

U.S. Domestic

Organic U.S. Domestic

U.S. Domestic Focus Brands

Organic U.S. Domestic Focus Brands

Depletion volume (2)
U.S. Domestic

U.S. Domestic Focus Brands

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

% Increase

$

2,925.8

$

2,839.4

3%

68.2

67.6

51.9

51.3

27.8

27.2

66.0

66.0

50.5

50.5

25.6

25.6

3.3%

2.4%

2.8%

1.6%

8.6%

6.3%

1.1%

5.0%

The increase in Wine and Spirits’ net sales is primarily due to (i)  net sales from the acquired Meiomi brand 

of $73.8 million, (ii)  organic branded wine and spirits volume growth (due partly to the overlap of a planned 
reduction in inventory levels by one of our exclusive distributors in the U.S. for Fiscal 2015); and (iii)  favorable 
product mix shift (predominantly within the U.S. organic branded wine portfolio); partially offset by (i)  an 
unfavorable year-over-year foreign currency translation impact and (ii)  the unfavorable overlap of the recognition 
of a contractually required payment for Fiscal 2015 from the distributor noted above equal to the approximate profit 
lost on the reduced sales associated with the inventory reduction.

Gross Profit

(in millions)
Beer
Wine and Spirits
Comparable Adjustments

Consolidated gross profit

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

% Increase
(Decrease)

$

$

1,776.0
1,235.0
(68.7)
2,942.3

$

$

1,465.8
1,172.3
(59.5)
2,578.6

21%
5%
(15%)
14%

Gross profit increased $363.7 million primarily due to increases in Beer of $310.2 million and Wine and 
Spirits of $62.7 million.  The increase in Beer is primarily due to (i)  the volume growth within our Mexican beer 
portfolio, (ii)  the favorable impact from pricing in select markets and (iii)  lower organic cost of product sold.  The 
increase in Wine and Spirits is primarily due to (i)  gross profit from the acquired Meiomi brand, (ii)  lower organic 
cost of product sold and (iii)  higher organic branded wine volume; partially offset by the unfavorable year-over-
year foreign currency translation impact.

39

Gross profit as a percent of net sales increased to 44.9% for Fiscal 2016 compared with 42.8% for Fiscal 

2015 primarily due to (i)  lower Beer and Wine and Spirits’ cost of product sold, (ii)  the favorable impact from Beer 
pricing in select markets and (iii)  the acquisitions of Meiomi and Ballast Point.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

% Increase

(in millions)

Beer

Wine and Spirits

Corporate Operations and Other

Comparable Adjustments

$

511.9

$

508.0

125.5

31.8

448.0

498.0

109.1

23.3

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses

$

1,177.2

$

1,078.4

14%

2%

15%

36%

9%

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $98.8 million primarily due to increases in Beer of 

$63.9 million, Corporate Operations and Other of $16.4 million and Wine and Spirits of $10.0 million.

The increases in Beer and Wine and Spirits are both primarily attributable to an increase in marketing spend 
due largely to planned investment behind our Mexican beer and branded wine and spirits portfolios.  The increase in 
Corporate Operations and Other is due to higher general and administrative expenses primarily attributable to (i)  an 
increase in compensation and benefits driven primarily by higher annual management incentive compensation 
expense and an increase in employer payroll taxes related to employee equity award exercise activity during Fiscal 
2016, and (ii)  higher consulting and information technology expenses supporting the growth of the business.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales remained relatively flat at 18.0% for 

Fiscal 2016 as compared to 17.9% for Fiscal 2015.

Operating Income

(in millions)

Beer

Wine and Spirits

Corporate Operations and Other

Comparable Adjustments

Consolidated operating income

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

% Increase
(Decrease)

$

1,264.1

$

727.0
(125.5)
(100.5)
1,765.1

$

$

1,017.8

674.3
(109.1)
(82.8)
1,500.2

24%

8%

(15%)

(21%)

18%

Operating income increased $264.9 million primarily due to increases in Beer and Wine and Spirits of 

$246.3 million and $52.7 million, respectively.  The increases for both segments are primarily attributable to 
(i)  organic volume growth and lower cost of product sold and (ii)  benefits from the acquisitions of Meiomi (Wine 
and Spirits) and Ballast Point (Beer), partially offset by increased marketing spend supporting the growth of the 
businesses.

Earnings from Unconsolidated Investments

Earnings from unconsolidated investments increased to $51.1 million for Fiscal 2016 from $21.5 million for 

Fiscal 2015, an increase of $29.6 million.  This increase is primarily attributable to a favorable impact from the 
change in Comparable Adjustments for Fiscal 2016.

40

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased to $313.9 million for Fiscal 2016 from $337.7 million for Fiscal 2015, a 

decrease of $23.8 million, or (7%).  This decrease was primarily due to lower average interest rates.

Provision for Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 was 29.3% and 29.1%, respectively.  For Fiscal 2016, 

our effective tax rate was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a decrease in uncertain tax 
positions and lower effective tax rates applicable to our foreign businesses.  For Fiscal 2015, our effective tax rate 
was lower than the federal statutory rate primarily due to lower effective tax rates applicable to our foreign 
businesses.

Net Income Attributable to CBI

As a result of the above factors, net income attributable to CBI increased to $1,054.9 million for Fiscal 2016 

from $839.3 million for Fiscal 2015, an increase of $215.6 million, or 26%.

Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our ability to consistently generate cash flow from operating activities is one of our most significant 
financial strengths.  Our strong cash flows enable us to invest in our people and our brands, make appropriate 
capital investments, provide a quarterly cash dividend program, and from time-to-time, repurchase shares of our 
common stock and make strategic acquisitions that we believe will enhance shareholder value.  Our primary source 
of liquidity has been cash flow from operating activities.  Our principal use of cash in our operating activities is for 
purchasing and carrying inventories and carrying seasonal accounts receivable.  Historically, we have used cash 
flow from operating activities to repay our short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures.  We will continue 
to use our short-term borrowings, including our accounts receivable securitization facilities, to support our working 
capital requirements and capital expenditures.

We have maintained adequate liquidity to meet working capital requirements, fund capital expenditures and 
repay scheduled principal and interest payments on debt.  Absent deterioration of market conditions, we believe that 
cash flows from operating activities and financing activities, primarily short-term borrowings, will provide adequate 
resources to satisfy our working capital, scheduled principal and interest payments on debt, anticipated dividend 
payments and anticipated capital expenditure requirements for both our short-term and long-term capital needs, 
including (i)  our Nava Brewery and glass production plant expansions, (ii)  our Mexicali Brewery construction and 
(iii)  our Obregon Brewery optimization (collectively, the “Mexico Beer Expansion Projects”).

Cash Flows

(in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

$

$

1,696.0
(1,461.8)
(134.8)
(5.1)
94.3

$

$

$

1,413.7
(2,207.4)
776.0
(9.3)
(27.0) $

1,081.0
(1,015.9)
(16.4)
(2.5)
46.2

41

Operating Activities

Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $282.3 million for Fiscal 2017 driven largely by strong 

cash flow from the Beer and Wine and Spirits segments.  The increase in Beer was primarily due to the strong 
volume growth and the favorable pricing in the Mexican beer portfolio, partially offset by (i)  the timing of 
collections for recoverable value-added taxes and (ii)  an increase in beer inventory levels to support the continuing 
growth within the Mexican beer portfolio.  The increase in Wine and Spirits resulted primarily from (i)  cash 
collections from strong net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, (ii)  a benefit from accounts payable due 
largely to timing of payments and (iii)  a benefit from the timing of receipt of distributor payments for Fiscal 2017; 
partially offset by an increase in wine and spirits’ inventory levels due predominantly to a larger calendar year grape 
harvest for Fiscal 2017 compared with Fiscal 2016.

Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $332.7 million for Fiscal 2016.  This increase resulted 

primarily from (i)  higher cash provided by Beer (largely due to strong volume growth in the Mexican beer portfolio 
as well as a reduction in prepaid value-added taxes predominantly attributable to timing) and (ii)  lower income tax 
payments.  The lower income tax payments within cash flows from operating activities are primarily due to an 
increase in tax benefits on employee equity award exercise and vesting activity, partially offset by an increase in 
income taxes payable largely attributable to higher taxable income driven by Beer.

Investing Activities

Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $745.6 million for Fiscal 2017.  This decrease resulted 
primarily from proceeds from the sale of the Canadian wine business in December 2016 of $575.3 million and 
lower payments for purchases of businesses for Fiscal 2017 of $205.4 million.  Fiscal 2017 acquisitions consist of 
Prisoner (April 2016), High West and Charles Smith (October 2016), and the Obregon Brewery (December 2016) 
compared with Fiscal 2016 acquisitions of Meiomi (August 2015) and Ballast Point (December 2015).

Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015

Net cash used in investing activities increased $1,191.5 million for Fiscal 2016, primarily due to the Fiscal 

2016 acquisitions of Meiomi and Ballast Point.

Financing Activities

Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016

Net cash used in financing activities increased $910.8 million for Fiscal 2017, primarily from the following:

•  Fiscal 2017 share repurchases under the 2013 Authorization and 2017 Authorization of $1,122.7 

million;

•  Fiscal 2017 principal payments of long-term debt driven largely by the repayment of the August 2006 

Senior Notes of $700.0 million;

•  Lower net proceeds from notes payable of $163.5 million for Fiscal 2017 compared with Fiscal 2016;
•  Higher cash dividend payments of $73.5 million for Fiscal 2017 compared with Fiscal 2016; and
•  Lower excess tax benefits from stock-based payment awards of $72.0 million for Fiscal 2017 compared 

with Fiscal 2016 due to decreased Fiscal 2017 employee equity award exercise activity;

42

partially offset by:

•  Fiscal 2017 proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $1,965.6 million, including (i)  term loan 
borrowings under our senior credit facility of $700.0 million in March 2016 (used to refinance 
borrowings under our then-existing senior credit facility and accounts receivable securitization 
facilities, and for other general corporate purposes) and $400.0 million in October 2016 (used to finance 
the purchase price for the acquisitions of High West and Charles Smith, and for other general corporate 
purposes); (ii)  proceeds from issuance of the December 2016 Senior Notes of $600.0 million (used for 
general corporate purposes) and (iii)  term loan borrowings under the Canadian Credit Agreement of    
C$275.0 million ($214.1 million at issuance) (used for general corporate purposes); compared with
•  Fiscal 2016 proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $610.0 million primarily from the issuance of 
the December 2015 Senior Notes of $400.0 million (used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the 
acquisition of Ballast Point) and from term loan borrowings under our senior credit facility of $200.0 
million (used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of Meiomi).

Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $792.4 million for Fiscal 2016, primarily from the 

following:

•  Higher net proceeds from notes payable of $347.5 million for Fiscal 2016 compared with Fiscal 2015;
•  Higher excess tax benefits from stock-based payment awards of $125.4 million for Fiscal 2016 

compared with Fiscal 2015 due to increased Fiscal 2016 employee equity award exercise and vesting 
activity;

•  Fiscal 2015 payment of delayed purchase price arrangement of $543.3 million in connection with the 

June 2013 Beer Business Acquisition; and

•  Fiscal 2015 principal payments of long-term debt for the repayment of our December 2007 senior notes 

of $500.0 million;

partially offset by:

•  Fiscal 2016 proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $610.0 million primarily from the issuance of 
the December 2015 Senior Notes of $400.0 million (used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the 
acquisition of Ballast Point) and from term loan borrowings under the 2015 Credit Agreement of $200.0 
million (used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of Meiomi) compared with 
Fiscal 2015 proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $905.0 million primarily from the issuance of 
the November 2014 Senior Notes (used primarily to redeem our December 2007 senior notes); and

•  Payment of quarterly cash dividends.

Debt

Total debt outstanding as of February 28, 2017, amounted to $9,238.1 million, an increase of $1,156.9 
million from February 29, 2016.  This increase was largely due to proceeds from the issuance of the European 
Term A-1 and European Term A-2 term loan borrowings under our senior credit facility and the December 2016 
Senior Notes, partially offset by the repayment of the August 2006 Senior Notes.

Senior Credit Facility

In October 2016, we entered into the 2016 Restatement Agreement that amended and restated our 

March 2016 Credit Agreement.  Among other things, the 2016 Restatement Agreement created a new $400.0 million 
European Term A-2 loan facility maturing on March 10, 2021.  Proceeds from the October 2016 borrowings under 
the 2016 Credit Agreement were primarily used to finance the purchase price for the acquisitions of High West and 
Charles Smith, and for other general corporate purposes.

In March 2016, we entered into the March 2016 Restatement Agreement that amended and restated our 
then-existing senior credit facility.  Among other things, the March 2016 Restatement Agreement created a new 

43

$700.0 million European Term A-1 loan facility maturing on March 10, 2021.  Proceeds from the March 2016 
borrowings under the March 2016 Credit Agreement were used to refinance outstanding obligations under our then-
existing senior credit facility and short-term borrowings under our accounts receivable securitization facilities, and 
for other general corporate purposes.

Senior Notes

In December 2016, we issued the December 2016 Senior Notes.  Proceeds from this offering, net of 
discount and debt issuance costs, of $594.4 million were used for general corporate purposes, including the 
repayment of short-term borrowings and the repurchase of shares of our Class A Common Stock.

In August 2016, we repaid the August 2006 Senior Notes primarily with cash flows from operating 

activities.

General

The majority of our outstanding borrowings as of February 28, 2017, consisted of fixed-rate senior 
unsecured notes, with maturities ranging from calendar 2017 to calendar 2026, and variable-rate senior unsecured 
term loan facilities under our 2016 Credit Agreement, with maturities ranging from calendar 2020 to calendar 2021.

We had the following borrowing capacity available under our 2016 Credit Agreement and our accounts 

receivable securitization facilities:

(in millions)

Revolving Credit Facility

CBI Facility
Crown Facility

Remaining Borrowing Capacity

February 28,
2017

April 21,
2017

$

$
$

902.3

88.9
13.0

$

$
$

1,032.5

89.7
70.4

The financial institutions participating in our 2016 Credit Agreement and our accounts receivable 
securitization facilities have complied with prior funding requests and we believe such financial institutions will 
comply with any future funding requests.  However, there can be no assurances that any particular financial 
institution will continue to do so.

As of February 28, 2017, we also have additional credit arrangements totaling $442.8 million, with $269.5 

million outstanding under these arrangements.  These arrangements primarily support the financing needs of our 
domestic and foreign subsidiary operations, as well as our glass production plant joint venture.

We have entered into various interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to the volatility of the 
interest rates associated with our variable-rate senior unsecured term loan facilities.  As a result of these hedges, we 
have fixed our interest rates on $250.0 million of our floating LIBOR rate debt at an average rate of 1.1% (exclusive 
of borrowing margins) from September 1, 2016, through July 1, 2020.

We and our subsidiaries are subject to covenants that are contained in the 2016 Credit Agreement, including 

those restricting the incurrence of additional indebtedness (including guarantees of indebtedness), additional liens, 
mergers and consolidations, the payment of dividends, the making of certain investments, prepayments of certain 
debt, transactions with affiliates, agreements that restrict our non-guarantor subsidiaries from paying dividends, and 
dispositions of property, in each case subject to numerous conditions, exceptions and thresholds.  The financial 
covenants are limited to a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum net debt coverage ratio, both as defined 
in the 2016 Credit Agreement.  As of February 28, 2017, the minimum interest coverage ratio was 2.5x and the 
maximum net debt coverage ratio was 4.0x.

44

Our indentures relating to our outstanding senior notes contain certain covenants, including, but not limited 

to:  (i)  a limitation on liens on certain assets, (ii)  a limitation on certain sale and leaseback transactions and 
(iii)  restrictions on mergers, consolidations and the transfer of all or substantially all of our assets to another person.

As of February 28, 2017, we were in compliance with all of our covenants under both our 2016 Credit 

Agreement and our indentures, and have met all debt payment obligations.

For a complete discussion and presentation of all borrowings and available sources of borrowing, refer to 

Note 11 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

Common Stock Dividends

On April 5, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share of Class A 
Common Stock, $0.47 per share of Class B Convertible Common Stock and $0.47 per share of Class 1 Common 
Stock payable on May 24, 2017, to stockholders of record of each class on May 10, 2017.  We expect to return 
approximately $400 million to stockholders in Fiscal 2018 through cash dividends.

We currently expect to continue to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend to stockholders of our common 

stock in the future, but such payments are subject to approval of our Board of Directors and are dependent upon our 
financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors, including those set forth under 
Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Share Repurchase Program

Our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of our Class A Common Stock and 

Class B Convertible Common Stock under the 2017 Authorization.  Shares repurchased under this authorization 
have become treasury shares.

As of February 28, 2017, total shares repurchased under this authorization are as follows:

(in millions, except share data)

2017 Authorization

Class A Common Shares

Dollar Value
of Shares
Repurchased

Number of
Shares
Repurchased

Repurchase
Authorization

$

1,000.0

$

453.1

3,006,547

Share repurchases under the 2017 Authorization may be accomplished at management’s discretion from 

time to time based on market conditions, our cash and debt position, and other factors as determined by 
management.  Shares may be repurchased through open market or privately negotiated transactions.  We may fund 
future share repurchases with cash generated from operations and/or proceeds from borrowings.  Any repurchased 
shares will become treasury shares.

For additional information, refer to Note 14 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table sets forth information about our contractual obligations outstanding at February 28, 

2017.  It brings together data for easy reference from our balance sheet and Notes to the Financial Statements.  For a 
detailed discussion of the items noted in the following table, refer to Notes 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the Notes to the 
Financial Statements.

45

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD

Total

Less than
1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

After
5 years

(in millions)

Notes payable to banks

$

606.5

$

606.5

$

— $

— $

—

Long-term debt (excluding unamortized
debt issuance costs and unamortized
discount)
Interest payments on long-term debt (1)
Operating leases
Other long-term liabilities (2)
Purchase obligations (3)
Total contractual obligations

8,683.2

1,423.3

497.7

200.8

6,443.4

911.0

271.1

41.6

58.6

807.3

499.8

92.0

94.7

3,731.4

364.5

78.6

12.5

1,624.6

2,458.3

1,360.4

$

17,854.9

$

3,513.4

$

3,952.1

$

5,547.4

$

3,233.5

287.9

285.5

35.0

1,000.1

4,842.0

(1) 

Interest rates on long-term debt obligations range from 2.3% to 7.3% as of February 28, 2017.  Interest payments 
on long-term debt obligations include amounts associated with our outstanding interest rate swap agreements to 
fix LIBOR interest rates on $250.0 million of our floating LIBOR rate debt.  Interest payments on long-term debt 
do not include interest related to capital lease obligations or certain foreign credit arrangements, which represent 
approximately 2.6% of our total long-term debt, as amounts are not material.

(2)  Other long-term liabilities include $32.8 million associated with expected payments for unrecognized tax benefit 
liabilities as of February 28, 2017, $0.5 million of which is expected to be paid in the less than one year period.  
The payments are reflected in the period in which we believe they will ultimately be settled based on our 
experience in these matters.  Other long-term liabilities do not include payments for unrecognized tax benefit 
liabilities of $6.7 million due to the uncertainty of the timing of future cash flows associated with these 
unrecognized tax benefit liabilities.  In addition, other long-term liabilities do not include expected payments for 
interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefit liabilities as amounts are not material.  For a 
detailed discussion of these items, refer to Note 12 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

(3)  Total purchase obligations consist primarily of $5,508.1 million for contracts to purchase certain raw materials 
and supplies over the next thirteen fiscal years and $610.1 million for contracts to purchase equipment and 
services over the next three fiscal years.  For a detailed discussion of our purchase obligations, refer to Note 13 of 
the Notes to the Financial Statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that either have, or are reasonably likely to have, a 

current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of 
operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Capital Expenditures

During Fiscal 2017, we incurred $907.4 million for capital expenditures, including $759.2 million for the 

Beer segment primarily for the Mexico Beer Expansion Projects.  Management reviews the capital expenditure 
program periodically and modifies it as required to meet current business needs.  We plan to spend from $1.2 billion 
to $1.3 billion for capital expenditures for Fiscal 2018, including from $1.0 billion to $1.1 billion for the Beer 
segment associated primarily with the Mexico Beer Expansion Projects.  The remaining Fiscal 2018 capital 
expenditures consist of improvements of existing operating facilities and replacements of existing equipment and/or 
buildings.  We expect to spend the remaining amounts under the previously announced Mexico Beer Expansion 
Projects primarily during fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020.  Upon completion, the total spend from fiscal 2014 through 
fiscal 2021 for the Mexico Beer Expansion Projects is estimated to approximate $3.9 billion.

Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices

Our results of operations and financial condition have not been significantly affected by inflation and 

changing prices.  We intend to pass along rising costs through increased selling prices, subject to normal 

46

competitive conditions.  There can be no assurances, however, that we will be able to pass along rising costs 
through increased selling prices.  In addition, we continue to identify on-going cost savings initiatives.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of our Notes to the Financial 
Statements.  However, certain of our accounting policies are particularly important to the portrayal of our financial 
position and results of operations and require the application of significant judgment by management; as a result, 
they are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty.  In applying those policies, management uses its judgment to 
determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in the determination of certain estimates.  Those estimates are 
based on our historical experience, our observance of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers 
and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate.  On an ongoing basis, we review our estimates 
to ensure that they appropriately reflect changes in our business.  Our critical accounting estimates include:

•  Goodwill and other intangible assets.  We account for goodwill and other intangible assets by 

classifying intangible assets into three categories:  (i)  intangible assets with definite lives subject to 
amortization, (ii)  intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization and (iii)  goodwill.  
For intangible assets with definite lives, impairment testing is required if conditions exist that indicate 
the carrying value may not be recoverable.  For intangible assets with indefinite lives and for goodwill, 
impairment testing is required at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate 
that these assets might be impaired.  We perform annual impairment tests and re-evaluate the useful 
lives of other intangible assets with indefinite lives at the annual impairment test measurement date of 
January 1 or when circumstances arise that indicate a possible impairment or change in useful life might 
exist.  The guidance for goodwill impairment testing allows an entity to assess qualitative factors to 
determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more 
likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or to 
proceed directly to performing the two-step impairment test.  In the first step, the estimated fair value of 
each reporting unit is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill.  The 
estimate of fair value of the reporting unit is generally calculated based on an income approach using 
the discounted cash flow method supplemented by the market approach.  If the estimated fair value of 
the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit, a second step is performed to 
determine the amount of goodwill impairment we should record.  In the second step, an implied fair 
value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of 
its assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets).  The 
resulting implied fair value of the goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the goodwill.  The 
amount of impairment charge for goodwill is equal to the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill 
over the implied fair value of the goodwill.  Our reporting units include the Beer segment and U.S., 
New Zealand and Italy for the Wine and Spirits segment.  In estimating the fair value of the reporting 
units, management must make assumptions and projections regarding such items as future cash flows, 
future revenues, future earnings and other factors.  The assumptions used in the estimate of fair value 
are based on historical trends and the projections and assumptions that are used in current strategic 
operating plans.  These assumptions reflect management’s estimates of future economic and 
competitive conditions and are, therefore, subject to change as a result of changing market conditions.  
If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record an 
impairment loss for these assets.  The recording of any resulting impairment loss could have a material 
adverse impact on our financial statements.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we performed our annual goodwill impairment analysis.  No 
indication of impairment was noted for any of our reporting units, as the estimated fair value of each of 
our reporting units with goodwill exceeded their carrying value.  Based on this analysis, of all of our 
reporting units, the reporting unit with the lowest amount of estimated fair value in excess of its 
carrying value was the Wine and Spirits’ U.S. reporting unit with approximately 81% excess fair value.  
In Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, as a result of our annual goodwill impairment analyses, we concluded 
that there were no indications of impairment for any of our reporting units.

47

The most significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flows calculation to determine the 
estimated fair value of our reporting units in connection with impairment testing are:  (i)  the discount 
rate, (ii)  the expected long-term growth rate and (iii)  the annual cash flow projections.  As of 
January 1, 2017, if we used a discount rate that was 50 basis points higher or used an expected long-
term growth rate that was 50 basis points lower or used annual cash flow projections that were 100 
basis points lower in our impairment testing of goodwill, then the changes individually would not have 
resulted in the carrying value of the respective reporting unit’s net assets, including its goodwill, 
exceeding its estimated fair value, which would indicate the potential for impairment and the 
requirement to measure the amount of impairment, if any.

Our other intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships and trademarks obtained through 
business acquisitions.  Customer relationships are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  The 
trademarks that were determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  The guidance for 
indefinite lived intangible asset impairment testing allows an entity to assess qualitative factors to 
determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that 
the indefinite lived intangible asset is impaired or to proceed directly to performing the quantitative 
impairment test.  Our trademarks are evaluated for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the 
trademarks to their estimated fair value.  The estimated fair value of trademarks is calculated based on 
an income approach using the relief from royalty method.  The estimate of fair value is then compared 
to the carrying value of each trademark.  If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value of the 
trademark, then an impairment charge is recorded by us to reduce the carrying value of the trademark to 
its estimated fair value.  In estimating the fair value of the trademarks, management must make 
assumptions and projections regarding future cash flows based upon future revenues and other factors.  
The assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with historical trends and the 
projections and assumptions that are used in current strategic operating plans.  These assumptions 
reflect management’s estimates of future economic and competitive conditions and are, therefore, 
subject to change as a result of changing market conditions.  If these estimates or their related 
assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record an impairment loss for these assets.  
The recording of any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial 
statements.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Wine and Spirits’ U.S. business recognized a trademark 
impairment loss of $37.6 million in connection with our decision to discontinue certain small-scale, 
low-margin U.S. brands.  Additionally, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Wine and Spirits’ U.S. 
business recognized a trademark impairment loss of $8.4 million in connection with certain U.S. brands 
sold exclusively through the Canadian wine business, for which we expect future sales of these brands 
to be minimal subsequent to the Canadian Divestiture.  No indication of impairment was noted for any 
of our indefinite lived intangible assets for Fiscal 2016 or Fiscal 2015.

The most significant assumptions used in the relief from royalty method to determine the estimated fair 
value of intangible assets with indefinite lives in connection with impairment testing are:  (i)  the 
estimated royalty rate, (ii)  the discount rate, (iii)  the expected long-term growth rate and (iv)  the 
annual revenue projections.  As of January 1, 2017, if we used a royalty rate that was 50 basis points 
lower or used a discount rate that was 50 basis points higher or used an expected long-term growth rate 
that was 50 basis points lower or used annual revenue projections that were 100 basis points lower in 
our impairment testing of intangible assets with indefinite lives, then each change individually would 
not have resulted in any unit of accounting’s carrying value exceeding its estimated fair value. 

•  Accounting for promotional activities.  Sales reflect reductions attributable to consideration given to 

customers in various customer incentive programs, including pricing discounts on single transactions, 
volume discounts, promotional and advertising allowances, coupons and rebates.  Certain customer 
incentive programs require management to estimate the cost of those programs.  The accrued liability 
for these programs is determined through analysis of programs offered, historical trends, expectations 
regarding customer and consumer participation, sales and payment trends, and experience with payment 

48

patterns associated with similar programs that have been offered previously.  If assumptions included in 
our estimates were to change or market conditions were to change, then material incremental reductions 
to revenue could be required, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

•  Accounting for income taxes.  We estimate our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities 
and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits based upon various factors including, but not limited to, 
historical pretax operating income, future estimates of pretax operating income, differences between 
book and tax treatment of items of income and expense, and tax planning strategies.  We are subject to 
income taxes in Canada, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, the U.S. and other jurisdictions.  We 
recognize our deferred tax assets and liabilities based upon the expected future tax outcome of amounts 
recognized in our results of operations.  If necessary, we record a valuation allowance on deferred tax 
assets when it is more likely than not that they will not be realized.  We believe that all tax positions are 
fully supported; however, we record tax liabilities in accordance with the FASB’s guidance for income 
tax accounting.  We recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than 
not that the position will be sustained upon examination.  Due to the complexity of some of these 
uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our 
current estimate of the tax liabilities.  In addition, changes in existing tax laws or rates could 
significantly change our current estimate of our tax liabilities.  These differences will be reflected as 
increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.  Changes in 
current estimates, if significant, could have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Accounting guidance adopted for Fiscal 2017 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 

statements.  For further information on accounting guidance not yet adopted, refer to Note 21 in our Notes to the 
Financial Statements.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

As a result of our global operating, acquisition and financing activities, we are exposed to market risk 

associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates.  To manage the 
volatility relating to these risks, we periodically purchase and/or sell derivative instruments including foreign 
currency forward and option contracts, commodity swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements.  We use 
derivative instruments to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility resulting from shifts in market rates, as well as to 
hedge economic exposures.  We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency and Commodity Price Risk

Foreign currency derivative instruments are or may be used to hedge existing foreign currency denominated 

assets and liabilities, forecasted foreign currency denominated sales/purchases to/from third parties as well as 
intercompany sales/purchases, intercompany principal and interest payments, and in connection with acquisitions, 
divestitures or joint venture investments outside the U.S.  As of February 28, 2017, we had exposures to foreign 
currency risk primarily related to the Mexican peso, euro, New Zealand dollar and Canadian dollar.  Approximately 
54% of our balance sheet exposures and forecasted transactional exposures for the year ending February 28, 2018, 
were hedged as of February 28, 2017.

Commodity derivative instruments are or may be used to hedge forecasted commodity purchases from third 

parties as either economic hedges or accounting hedges.  As of February 28, 2017, exposures to commodity price 
risk which we are currently hedging primarily include heating oil, diesel fuel, aluminum, natural gas and corn 
prices.  Approximately 56% of our forecasted transactional exposures for the year ending February 28, 2018, were 
hedged as of February 28, 2017.

We have performed a sensitivity analysis to estimate our exposure to market risk of foreign exchange rates 

and commodity prices reflecting the impact of a hypothetical 10% adverse change in the applicable market.  The 

49

volatility of the applicable rates and prices is dependent on many factors which cannot be forecasted with reliable 
accuracy.  Losses or gains from the revaluation or settlement of the related underlying positions would substantially 
offset such gains or losses on the derivative instruments.  The aggregate notional value, estimated fair value and 
sensitivity analysis for our open foreign currency and commodity derivative instruments are summarized as follows:

Aggregate
Notional Value

Fair Value,
Net Liability

Increase
in Fair Value – 
Hypothetical 
10% Adverse Change

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

(in millions)

Foreign currency contracts

Commodity derivative contracts

$

$

1,371.6

153.2

$

$

1,707.2

198.7

$

$

57.2

5.8

$

$

57.5

45.2

$

$

88.6

13.1

$

$

73.5

13.7

Interest Rate Risk

The estimated fair value of our fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and foreign 
currency risk.  In addition, we also have variable interest rate debt outstanding (primarily LIBOR-based), certain of 
which includes a fixed margin subject to the same risks identified for our fixed interest rate debt.

As of February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016, we had outstanding cash flow designated interest rate 
swap agreements which fixed LIBOR interest rates (to minimize interest rate volatility) on $250.0 million and 
$600.0 million, respectively, of our floating LIBOR rate debt.  In addition, as of February 29, 2016, we had 
outstanding offsetting undesignated interest rate swap agreements.  There were no undesignated interest rate swap 
agreements outstanding as of February 28, 2017.

We have performed a sensitivity analysis to estimate our exposure to market risk of interest rates reflecting 

the impact of a hypothetical 1% increase in the prevailing interest rates.  The volatility of the applicable rates is 
dependent on many factors which cannot be forecasted with reliable accuracy.  The aggregate notional value, 
estimated fair value and sensitivity analysis for our outstanding fixed and variable interest rate debt, including 
current maturities, and open interest rate derivative instruments are summarized as follows:

Aggregate
Notional Value

Fair Value,
Net Asset (Liability)

Increase (Decrease)
in Fair Value –
Hypothetical
1% Rate Increase

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

(in millions)

Fixed interest rate debt
Variable interest rate debt
Interest rate swap contracts

$
$
$

4,693.6
4,596.1
250.0

$
$
$

4,796.1
3,336.8
1,600.0

$
$
$

(4,933.8) $
(4,515.6) $
$
4.4

(5,016.6) $
(2,643.7) $
(6.6) $

(234.8) $
(124.4) $
$
7.7

(218.1)
(81.5)
(5.1)

For additional discussion on our market risk, refer to Notes 6 and 7 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

50

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FEBRUARY 28, 2017

The following information is presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – KPMG LLP

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – KPMG LLP

Consolidated Balance Sheets - February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016,
and February 28, 2015

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended February 28, 2017,
February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and
February 28, 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

Page

52

53

54

55

56

57

58
60

104

51

 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Constellation Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and 
maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting.  This system is designed to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i)  pertain to 
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 
of the assets of the Company; (ii)  provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that 
receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management 
and directors of the Company; and (iii)  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of 
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable 
assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of 
internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting 
based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission.  Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 28, 2017.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has been audited by KPMG LLP, an 
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

52

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Constellation Brands, Inc.:

We have audited Constellation Brands, Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of 
February 28, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Constellation Brands, Inc.’s 
management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment 
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s 
Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit 
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the 
assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the 
circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting 
includes those policies and procedures that (1)  pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2)  provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made 
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3)  provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may 
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or 
procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Constellation Brands, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of February 28, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the consolidated balance sheets of Constellation Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 28, 2017 and 
February 29, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ 
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended February 28, 2017, and our report dated 
April 27, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Rochester, New York
April 27, 2017

/s/ KPMG LLP

53

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Constellation Brands, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Constellation Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (the 
Company) as of February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of 
comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year 
period ended February 28, 2017.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s 
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our 
audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial position of Constellation Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016, and 
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended February 28, 
2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), Constellation Brands, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2017, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated April 27, 2017 expressed an unqualified 
opinion on the effectiveness of Constellation Brands, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.

Rochester, New York
April 27, 2017

/s/ KPMG LLP

54

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share and per share data)

ASSETS

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Notes payable to banks
Current maturities of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Accrued excise taxes
Other accrued expenses and liabilities

Total current liabilities
Long-term debt, less current maturities
Deferred income taxes
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
CBI stockholders’ equity:

Preferred Stock, $.01 par value – Authorized, 1,000,000 shares; Issued, none
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value – Authorized, 322,000,000 shares; Issued,
257,506,184 shares and 255,558,026 shares, respectively
Class B Convertible Common Stock, $.01 par value – Authorized, 30,000,000 shares;
Issued, 28,358,527 shares and 28,358,529 shares, respectively

Class 1 Common Stock, $.01 par value – Authorized, 25,000,000 shares; Issued, 2,080
shares and 2,000 shares, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Less: Treasury stock –
Class A Common Stock, at cost, 86,262,971 shares and 79,454,011 shares, respectively
Class B Convertible Common Stock, at cost, 5,005,800 shares

Total CBI stockholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests

Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

$

$

$

177.4
737.0
1,955.1
360.5
3,230.0
3,932.8
7,920.5
3,377.7
141.4
18,602.4

606.5
910.9
559.8
44.6
575.8
2,697.6
7,720.7
1,133.6
165.7
11,717.6

—

2.6

0.3

—
2,755.8
7,310.0
(399.8)
9,668.9

(2,775.5)
(2.2)
(2,777.7)
6,891.2
(6.4)
6,884.8
18,602.4

$

$

$

$

83.1
732.5
1,851.6
310.4
2,977.6
3,333.4
7,138.6
3,403.8
111.6
16,965.0

408.3
856.7
429.3
33.6
544.4
2,272.3
6,816.2
1,022.2
162.5
10,273.2

—

2.6

0.3

—
2,589.0
6,090.5
(452.5)
8,229.9

(1,668.1)
(2.2)
(1,670.3)
6,559.6
132.2
6,691.8
16,965.0

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

55

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions, except per share data)

Sales
Less – excise taxes

Net sales

Cost of product sold
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Gain on sale of business
Operating income

Earnings from unconsolidated investments
Interest expense
Loss on write-off of debt issuance costs

Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to CBI

Net income per common share attributable to CBI:

Basic – Class A Common Stock
Basic – Class B Convertible Common Stock

Diluted – Class A Common Stock
Diluted – Class B Convertible Common Stock

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic – Class A Common Stock
Basic – Class B Convertible Common Stock

Diluted – Class A Common Stock
Diluted – Class B Convertible Common Stock

Cash dividends declared per common share:

Class A Common Stock
Class B Convertible Common Stock

Comprehensive income:
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax effect:

Foreign currency translation adjustments
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale debt securities
Pension/postretirement adjustments

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax effect

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to CBI

February 28,
2017

For the Years Ended
February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$
$

8,061.6
(730.1)
7,331.5
(3,802.1)
3,529.4
(1,392.4)
262.4
2,399.4
27.3
(333.3)
—
2,093.4
(554.2)
1,539.2
(4.1)
1,535.1

7.79
7.07

7.52
6.93

175.934
23.353

204.099
23.353

$

$

$
$

$
$

7,223.8
(675.4)
6,548.4
(3,606.1)
2,942.3
(1,177.2)
—
1,765.1
51.1
(313.9)
(1.1)
1,501.2
(440.6)
1,060.6
(5.7)
1,054.9

5.42
4.92

5.18
4.79

173.383
23.363

203.821
23.363

6,672.1
(644.1)
6,028.0
(3,449.4)
2,578.6
(1,078.4)
—
1,500.2
21.5
(337.7)
(4.4)
1,179.6
(343.4)
836.2
3.1
839.3

4.40
4.00

4.17
3.83

169.325
23.397

201.224
23.397

1.60
1.44

$
$

1.24
1.12

$
$

—
—

1,539.2

$

1,060.6

$

836.2

22.1
7.8
0.5
11.6
42.0
1,581.2
6.6
1,587.8

$

(323.3)
(17.2)
(0.3)
0.1
(340.7)
719.9
13.4
733.3

$

(191.0)
(20.2)
(1.0)
(6.0)
(218.2)
618.0
4.4
622.4

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

56

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions)

Common Stock

Class A

Class B

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Balance at February 28, 2014

$

2.5

$

0.3

$ 2,116.6

$ 4,438.2

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
86.0
$

Treasury
Stock

Non-
controlling
Interests

Total

$ (1,662.3) $

— $ 4,981.3

Comprehensive income:

Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive loss, net
of income tax effect

Comprehensive income

Contributions from
noncontrolling interests

Shares issued under equity
compensation plans

Stock-based compensation
Tax benefit on stock-based
compensation

Balance at February 28, 2015

Comprehensive income:

Net income
Other comprehensive loss, net
of income tax effect

Comprehensive income

Repurchase of shares

Dividends declared

Contributions from
noncontrolling interests

Shares issued under equity
compensation plans

Stock-based compensation

Tax benefit on stock-based
compensation

Balance at February 29, 2016

Comprehensive income:

Net income
Other comprehensive income
(loss), net of income tax effect

Comprehensive income

Repurchase of shares

Dividends declared

Conversion of noncontrolling
equity interest to long-term debt

Shares issued under equity
compensation plans

Stock-based compensation
Tax benefit on stock-based
compensation

Balance at February 28, 2017

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

2.5

—

—

—

—

—

0.1

—

—

2.6

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

0.3

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

0.3

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2.6

$

—

0.3

—

—

—

21.5

54.3

77.4

839.3

—

—

—

—

—

—

(216.9)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

13.8

—

—

(3.1)

(1.3)

836.2

(218.2)

618.0

115.0

115.0

—

—

—

35.3

54.3

77.4

2,269.8

5,277.5

(130.9)

(1,648.5)

110.6

5,881.3

—

—

—

—

—

62.3

53.5

203.4

1,054.9

—

—

—

(241.9)

—

—

—

—

(321.6)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(33.8)

—

—

12.0

—

—

5.7

1,060.6

(19.1)

—

—

35.0

—

—

—

(340.7)

719.9

(33.8)

(241.9)

35.0

74.4

53.5

203.4

6,691.8

2,589.0

6,090.5

(452.5)

(1,670.3)

132.2

—

—

—

—

—

(20.1)

55.5

131.4

1,535.1

—

—

(315.6)

—

—

—

—

—

52.7

—

—

— (1,122.7)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

15.3

—

—

4.1

1,539.2

(10.7)

42.0

1,581.2

(1,122.7)

(315.6)

—

—

(132.0)

(132.0)

—

—

—

(4.8)

55.5

131.4

$ 2,755.8

$ 7,310.0

$

(399.8) $ (2,777.7) $

(6.4) $ 6,884.8

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

57

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:

Depreciation
Deferred tax provision
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets
Stock-based compensation
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Gain on sale of business
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from
purchases of businesses:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Accounts payable
Accrued excise taxes
Other accrued expenses and liabilities

Other

Total adjustments

February 28,
2017

For the Years Ended
February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

1,539.2

$

1,060.6

$

836.2

237.5
128.7
56.4
56.1
12.7
(262.4)

(49.4)
(151.0)
(71.6)
115.9
16.2
106.0
(38.3)
156.8

180.3
251.0
40.7
54.0
12.0
—

(129.8)
10.1
45.9
24.7
5.1
(116.8)
(24.1)
353.1

162.0
79.3
40.0
55.0
12.2
—

16.1
(132.5)
(71.2)
(0.8)
1.6
44.7
38.4

244.8

Net cash provided by operating activities

1,696.0

1,413.7

1,081.0

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of business
Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Purchases of treasury stock
Principal payments of long-term debt
Dividends paid
Payments of minimum tax withholdings on stock-based payment awards
Payments of debt issuance and other financing costs
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Net proceeds from notes payable
Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment awards
Proceeds from shares issued under equity compensation plans
Proceeds from noncontrolling interests
Payment of delayed purchase price arrangement

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(1,111.0)
(907.4)
575.3
(18.7)
(1,461.8)

(1,122.7)
(971.8)
(315.1)
(64.9)
(14.1)
1,965.6
197.1
131.4
59.7
—
—
(134.8)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

(5.1)

94.3

83.1
177.4

$

$

58

(1,316.4)
(891.3)
—
0.3
(2,207.4)

(310.3)
(719.4)
—
13.8
(1,015.9)

(33.8)
(208.7)
(241.6)
(38.6)
(13.3)
610.0
360.6
203.4
113.0
25.0
—
776.0

(9.3)

(27.0)
110.1
83.1

$

—
(605.7)
—
(28.4)
(13.8)
905.0
13.1
78.0
63.7
115.0
(543.3)
(16.4)

(2.5)

46.2

63.9
110.1

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the year:

Interest

Income taxes, net of refunds received

February 28,
2017

For the Years Ended
February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

$

300.4

219.6

$

$

310.4

80.2

$

$

325.4

169.5

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

59

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FEBRUARY 28, 2017

1. 

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of business –
Constellation Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate primarily in the beverage alcohol industry.  Unless 
the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company,” “CBI,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Constellation Brands, 
Inc. and its subsidiaries.  We are an international beverage alcohol company with a broad portfolio of consumer-
preferred high-end imported and craft beer brands, and premium wine and spirits brands.

Basis of presentation –
Principles of consolidation:
Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and our majority-owned and controlled 
domestic and foreign subsidiaries, as well as a certain variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which we are the primary 
beneficiary (see Note 2).  All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Equity method investments:
If we are not required to consolidate our investment in another entity, we use the equity method when we 

(i)  can exercise significant influence over the other entity and (ii)  hold common stock and/or in-substance common 
stock of the other entity.  Under the equity method, investments are carried at cost, plus or minus our equity in the 
increases and decreases in the investee’s net assets after the date of acquisition.  Dividends received from the 
investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment.

Management’s use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities 
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of 
revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Summary of significant accounting policies –
Revenue recognition:
We record revenue (referred to in our financial statements as “sales”) when persuasive evidence of an 

arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably 
assured.  Delivery is not considered to have occurred until risk of loss passes to the customer according to the terms 
of the contract between us and our customer.  Risk of loss is usually transferred upon shipment to or receipt at our 
customers’ locations, as determined by the specific sales terms of the transactions.  Our sales terms do not allow for 
a right of return except for matters related to any manufacturing defects on our part.  Amounts billed to customers 
for shipping and handling are included in sales.  Sales reflect reductions attributable to consideration given to 
customers in various customer incentive programs, including pricing discounts on single transactions, volume 
discounts, promotional and advertising allowances, coupons and rebates.

Excise taxes remitted to governmental tax authorities are shown on a separate line item as a reduction of 

sales.  Excise taxes are recognized in our results of operations when the related sale is recorded.

Cost of product sold:
The types of costs included in cost of product sold are raw materials, packaging materials, manufacturing 
costs, plant administrative support and overheads, and freight and warehouse costs (including distribution network 
costs).  Distribution network costs include inbound freight charges and outbound shipping and handling costs, 
purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing and internal transfer costs.

60

Selling, general and administrative expenses:
The types of costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses consist predominately of 

advertising and non-manufacturing administrative and overhead costs.  Distribution network costs are included in 
cost of product sold.  We expense advertising costs as incurred, shown or distributed.  Advertising expense for the 
years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, was $552.8 million, $468.3 million and 
$406.1 million, respectively.

Foreign currency translation:
The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is generally the respective local currency.  The 

translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using 
exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average 
exchange rate for the period.  The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of Accumulated 
Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”).  Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency denominated transactions 
are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity when purchased of three 

months or less and are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Fair value of financial instruments:
We calculate the estimated fair value of financial instruments using quoted market prices whenever 
available.  When quoted market prices are not available, we use standard pricing models for various types of 
financial instruments (such as forwards, options and swaps) which take into account the present value of estimated 
future cash flows (see Note 7).

Derivative instruments:
We enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange 
rates, commodity prices and interest rates.  We enter into derivatives for risk management purposes only, including 
derivatives designated in hedge accounting relationships as well as those derivatives utilized as economic hedges.  
We do not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.  We recognize all derivatives as either assets or 
liabilities and measure those instruments at estimated fair value (see Note 6, Note 7).  We present our derivative 
positions gross on our balance sheets.

Changes in fair values (to the extent of hedge effectiveness) of outstanding cash flow hedges are deferred in 

stockholders’ equity as a component of AOCI.  These deferred gains or losses are recognized in our results of 
operations in the same period in which the hedged items are recognized and on the same financial statement line 
item as the hedged items.  Any ineffectiveness associated with these derivative instruments is recognized 
immediately in our results of operations.

Changes in fair values for derivative instruments not designated in a hedge accounting relationship are 
recognized directly in our results of operations each period and on the same financial statement line item as the 
hedged item.  For purposes of measuring segment operating performance, the net gain (loss) from the changes in 
fair value of our undesignated commodity derivative contracts, prior to settlement, is reported outside of segment 
operating results until such time that the underlying exposure is recognized in the segment operating results.  Upon 
settlement, the net gain (loss) from the changes in fair value of the undesignated commodity derivative contracts is 
reported in the appropriate operating segment, allowing our operating segment results to reflect the economic effects 
of the commodity derivative contracts without the resulting unrealized mark to fair value volatility.

Cash flows from the settlement of derivatives, including both economic hedges and those designated in 

hedge accounting relationships, appear on our statements of cash flows in the same categories as the cash flows of 
the hedged items.

Inventories:
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (primarily computed in accordance with the first-in, first-out 

method) or net realizable value.  Elements of cost include materials, labor and overhead.

61

Bulk wine inventories are included as in-process inventories within current assets, in accordance with the 
general practices of the wine industry, although a portion of such inventories may be aged for periods greater than 
one year.  A substantial portion of barreled whiskey and brandy will not be sold within one year because of the 
duration of the aging process.  All barreled whiskey and brandy are classified as in-process inventories and are 
included in current assets, in accordance with industry practice.  Warehousing, insurance, ad valorem taxes and 
other carrying charges applicable to barreled whiskey and brandy held for aging are included in inventory costs.

We assess the valuation of our inventories and reduce the carrying value of those inventories that are 

obsolete or in excess of our forecasted usage to their estimated net realizable value based on analyses and 
assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements.

Property, plant and equipment:
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost.  Major additions and improvements are recorded as an 

increase to the property accounts, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.  The cost of properties 
sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the balance sheet 
accounts at the time of disposal and resulting gains and losses are included as a component of operating income.

Depreciation:
Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Land improvements

Vineyards

Buildings and improvements

Machinery and equipment

Motor vehicles

Years
15 to 32

16 to 26

10 to 50

3 to 35

3 to 7

Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Goodwill is allocated to the reporting unit in which the business that created the goodwill resides.  A 
reporting unit is an operating segment, or a business unit one level below that operating segment, for which discrete 
financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management.  We review our goodwill and 
indefinite lived intangible assets annually for impairment, or sooner, if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  We use January 1 as our annual impairment test 
measurement date.  Indefinite lived intangible assets consist principally of trademarks.  Intangible assets determined 
to have a finite life, primarily customer relationships, are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject 
to review for impairment in accordance with authoritative guidance for long-lived assets.  Note 9 provides a 
summary of intangible assets segregated between amortizable and nonamortizable amounts.

Indemnification liabilities:
We have indemnified respective parties against certain liabilities that may arise in connection with certain 
acquisitions and divestitures.  Indemnification liabilities are recognized when probable and estimable and included 
in other liabilities (see Note 13).

Income taxes:
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  This method accounts for deferred 
income taxes by applying statutory rates in effect at the balance sheet date to the difference between the financial 
reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities.  We provide for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings 
of foreign subsidiaries were to be remitted to the U.S., except for those earnings that we consider to be indefinitely 
reinvested.  Interest and penalties are recognized as a component of provision for income taxes.

Net income per common share attributable to CBI:
We have two classes of common stock with a material number of shares outstanding:  Class A Common 

Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock (see Note 14).  In addition, we have another class of common stock 

62

with an immaterial number of shares outstanding:  Class 1 Common Stock (See Note 14).  If we pay a cash dividend 
on Class B Convertible Common Stock, each share of Class A Common Stock will receive an amount at least ten 
percent greater than the amount of the cash dividend per share paid on Class B Convertible Common Stock.  Class 
B Convertible Common Stock shares are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-to-one basis at 
any time at the option of the holder.

We use the two-class method for the computation and presentation of net income per common share 
attributable to CBI (hereafter referred to as “net income per common share”) (see Note 16).  The two-class method 
is an earnings allocation formula that calculates basic and diluted net income per common share for each class of 
common stock separately based on dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings as if all 
such earnings had been distributed during the period.  Under the two-class method, Class A Common Stock is 
assumed to receive a ten percent greater participation in undistributed earnings than Class B Convertible Common 
Stock, in accordance with the respective minimum dividend rights of each class of stock.

Net income per common share – basic excludes the effect of common stock equivalents and is computed 

using the two-class method.  Net income per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock reflects the 
potential dilution that could result if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted 
into common stock.  Net income per common share – diluted for Class A Common Stock is computed using the 
more dilutive of the if-converted or two-class method.  Net income per common share – diluted for Class A 
Common Stock is computed using the if-converted method and assumes the exercise of stock options using the 
treasury stock method and the conversion of Class B Convertible Common Stock as this method is more dilutive 
than the two-class method.  Net income per common share – diluted for Class B Convertible Common Stock is 
computed using the two-class method and does not assume conversion of Class B Convertible Common Stock into 
shares of Class A Common Stock.

Stock-based employee compensation:
We have two stock-based employee compensation plans (see Note 15).  We apply a grant date fair-value-

based measurement method in accounting for our stock-based payment arrangements and record all costs resulting 
from stock-based payment transactions ratably over the requisite service period.  Stock-based awards are subject to 
specific vesting conditions, generally time vesting, or upon retirement, disability or death of the employee (as 
defined by the plan), if earlier.  For awards granted to retirement-eligible employees, we recognize compensation 
expense ratably over the period from the date of grant to the date of retirement-eligibility.

2. 

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURE:

Acquisitions –
Obregon Brewery:
In December 2016, we acquired a brewery operation business in Obregon, Sonora, Mexico from Grupo 

Modelo, S. de R.L. de C.V., formerly known as Grupo Modelo, S.A.B. de C.V., (“Modelo”), a subsidiary of 
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV for cash paid of $568.7 million, net of cash acquired, subject to estimated working 
capital adjustments due to seller of $3.1 million (the “Obregon Brewery”).  The transaction primarily included the 
acquisition of operations; goodwill; property, plant and equipment; and inventories.  The purchase accounting has 
not yet been finalized due primarily to an incomplete valuation of property, plant and equipment as a result of the 
recency of the date of the transaction.  Further changes to the preliminary purchase price allocation will be 
recognized as valuations are finalized.  This acquisition provided us with immediate functioning brewery capacity to 
support our fast-growing, high-end Mexican beer portfolio and flexibility for future innovation initiatives.  It also 
enabled us to become fully independent from an interim supply agreement with Modelo, which was terminated at 
the time of this acquisition.  The results of operations of the Obregon Brewery are reported in the Beer segment and 
have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

High West:
In October 2016, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common and preferred membership interests 

of High West Holdings, LLC for $136.6 million, net of cash acquired (“High West”).  This transaction primarily 
included the acquisition of operations, goodwill, trademarks, inventories and property, plant and equipment.  This 
acquisition included a portfolio of craft whiskeys and other select spirits.  The results of operations of High West are 

63

reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the 
date of acquisition.

Charles Smith:
In October 2016, we acquired the Charles Smith Wines, LLC business, a collection of five super and ultra-
premium wine brands, for $120.8 million (“Charles Smith”).  This transaction primarily included the acquisition of 
goodwill, trademarks, inventories and certain grape supply contracts, plus an earn-out over three years based on the 
performance of the brands.  The results of operations of Charles Smith are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment 
and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

Prisoner:
In April 2016, we acquired The Prisoner Wine Company business, including a portfolio of five super-luxury 

wine brands, for $284.9 million (“Prisoner”).  This transaction primarily included the acquisition of goodwill, 
inventories, trademarks and certain grape supply contracts.  The results of operations of Prisoner are reported in the 
Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of 
acquisition.

Ballast Point:
In December 2015, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common and preferred stock of Home 

Brew Mart, Inc. d/b/a/ Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits (“Ballast Point”).  The following table summarizes the 
allocation of the estimated fair value for the significant assets acquired:

(in millions)
Goodwill
Trademarks
Other

Total estimated fair value

Less – cash acquired

Purchase price

$

$

763.2
222.8
14.0
1,000.0
(1.5)
998.5

Goodwill associated with the acquisition is primarily attributable to the future growth opportunities 
associated with the acquisition of a high-growth premium platform that enables us to compete in the growing craft 
beer category and further strengthened our position in the high-end U.S. beer market.  None of the goodwill 
recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.  The results of operations of Ballast Point are 
reported in the Beer segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of 
acquisition.

Meiomi:
In August 2015, we acquired the Meiomi wine business, including the acquisition of a higher-margin, 

luxury growth pinot noir brand, for $316.2 million (“Meiomi”).  This transaction primarily included the acquisition 
of goodwill, inventories, the trademark and certain grape supply contracts.  The results of operations of Meiomi are 
reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the 
date of acquisition.

Glass production plant:
In December 2014, we completed the formation of an equally-owned joint venture with Owens-Illinois and 

the acquisition of a state-of-the-art glass production plant that is located adjacent to our brewery located in Nava, 
Coahuila, Mexico (the “Nava Brewery”).  The joint venture owns and operates the glass production plant which 
provides bottles exclusively for our Nava Brewery.  We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of this 
VIE and accordingly, the results of operations of the joint venture are reported in the Beer segment and have been 
included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.  In addition, we also purchased a 
high-density warehouse, land and rail infrastructure at the same site.  The aggregate purchase price for all of these 
assets was $290.6 million, net of cash acquired, consisting primarily of property, plant and equipment and goodwill.

64

Casa Noble:
In September 2014, we acquired the Casa Noble super-premium tequila business, consisting primarily of 

goodwill and the trademark, plus an earn-out over five years based on the performance of the brands (“Casa 
Noble”).  The results of operations of Casa Noble are reported in the Wine and Spirits segment and have been 
included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

Other:
In June 2013, we acquired (i)  the remaining 50% equity interest in Crown Imports LLC (“Crown Imports”) 

that we did not previously own (the “Crown Acquisition”); and (ii)(a)  all of the issued and outstanding equity 
interests of a company which owns and operates the Nava Brewery, (ii)(b)  all of the issued and outstanding equity 
interests of a company which provides personnel and services for the operation and maintenance of the Nava 
Brewery, and (ii)(c)  an irrevocable, fully-paid license to produce in Mexico (or worldwide under certain 
circumstances) and exclusively import, market and sell primarily Modelo’s Mexican beer portfolio sold in the U.S. 
and Guam as of the date of acquisition (the “Mexican Beer Brands”), and certain extensions (all collectively 
referred to as the “Brewery Purchase”).  The Crown Acquisition and the Brewery Purchase are collectively referred 
to as the “Beer Business Acquisition.”

For the year ended February 28, 2015, we made a final payment of $558.0 million, consisting of an 
additional purchase price payment of $543.3 million plus imputed interest of $14.7 million, in connection with the 
Beer Business Acquisition.  We used $150.0 million of proceeds from borrowings under the revolving credit facility 
under our then-existing senior credit facility, $100.0 million of proceeds from borrowings under our then-existing 
accounts receivable securitization facilities and $308.0 million of cash on hand.

Divestiture –
Canadian Divestiture:
In December 2016, we sold the Wine and Spirits’ Canadian wine business, which included Canadian wine 
brands such as Jackson-Triggs and Inniskillin, wineries, vineyards, offices, facilities and Wine Rack retail stores, at 
a transaction value of C$1.03 billion, or $775.2 million, (the “Canadian Divestiture”).  We received cash proceeds 
of $575.3 million, net of outstanding debt and direct costs to sell of $194.9 million and $9.9 million, respectively, 
subject to estimated working capital adjustments due to buyer of $4.9 million.  The following table summarizes the 
net gain recognized in connection with this divestiture for the year ended February 28, 2017:

(in millions)
Cash received from buyer
Net assets sold
AOCI reclassification adjustments, primarily foreign currency translation
Direct costs to sell
Estimated working capital adjustments to be paid
Other

Gain on sale of business

$

$

585.2
(175.4)
(122.5)
(9.9)
(4.9)
(10.1)
262.4

Additionally, our Wine and Spirits’ U.S. business recognized an impairment of $8.4 million for the fourth 

quarter of fiscal 2017 for trademarks associated with certain U.S. brands sold exclusively through the Canadian 
wine business for which we expect future sales of these brands to be minimal subsequent to the Canadian 
Divestiture.  We also recognized $12.0 million of other costs associated with the Canadian Divestiture for the year 
ended February 28, 2017, primarily in connection with the evaluation of the merits of executing an initial public 
offering for a portion of our Canadian wine business.  These amounts are included in selling, general and 
administrative expenses.  In total, for the year ended February 28, 2017, we recognized a net gain associated with 
the Canadian Divestiture as follows:

(in millions)
Gain on sale of business
Impairment of trademarks
Other net costs

Net gain associated with the Canadian Divestiture and related activities

65

$

$

262.4
(8.4)
(12.0)
242.0

3. 

INVENTORIES:

The components of inventories are as follows:

(in millions)
Raw materials and supplies
In-process inventories
Finished case goods

4. 

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER:

The major components of prepaid expenses and other are as follows:

(in millions)
Prepaid excise, sales and value added taxes
Income taxes receivable
Other

5. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

The major components of property, plant and equipment are as follows:

(in millions)

Land and land improvements

Vineyards

Buildings and improvements

Machinery and equipment

Motor vehicles
Construction in progress

Less – Accumulated depreciation

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

$

$

149.7
1,260.1
545.3
1,955.1

$

$

107.2
1,218.7
525.7
1,851.6

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

$

$

136.1
100.4
124.0
360.5

$

$

82.6
124.5
103.3
310.4

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

$

400.4

$

232.6

736.1

3,079.6

124.2
636.9

5,209.8
(1,277.0)
3,932.8

$

$

338.7

244.4

809.1

2,253.8

74.3
792.4

4,512.7
(1,179.3)
3,333.4

For the years ended February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016, we had noncash additions of $190.3 million 
and $158.0 million, respectively, to property, plant and equipment associated primarily with the expansion projects 
for our Nava Brewery.  These amounts are recorded primarily in accounts payable as of February 28, 2017, and 
February 29, 2016.

6. 

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:

Overview –
We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and 

interest rates that could affect our results of operations and financial condition.  The impact on our results and 
financial position and the amounts reported in our financial statements will vary based upon the currency, 

66

commodity and interest rate market movements during the period, the effectiveness and level of derivative 
instruments outstanding and whether they are designated and qualify for hedge accounting.

The estimated fair values of our derivative instruments change with fluctuations in currency rates, 
commodity prices and/or interest rates and are expected to offset changes in the values of the underlying exposures.  
Our derivative instruments are held solely to manage our exposures to the aforementioned market risks as part of 
our normal business operations.  We follow strict policies to manage these risks and do not enter into derivative 
instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  The aggregate notional value of outstanding derivative instruments 
is as follows:

(in millions)

Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments

Foreign currency contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments

Foreign currency contracts

Commodity derivative contracts

Interest rate swap contracts (see Note 11)

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

$

$

$

$

$

981.7

250.0

389.9

153.2

$

$

$

$

731.6

600.0

975.6

198.7

— $

1,000.0

Cash flow hedges –
Our derivative instruments designated in hedge accounting relationships are designated as cash flow 
hedges.  We are exposed to foreign denominated cash flow fluctuations primarily in connection with third party and 
intercompany sales and purchases.  We primarily use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge certain of these 
risks.  In addition, we utilize interest rate swap contracts to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates.  
Derivatives managing our cash flow exposures generally mature within three years or less, with a maximum 
maturity of five years.

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the details of the hedging relationship must be formally 

documented at inception of the arrangement, including the risk management objective, hedging strategy, hedged 
item, specific risk that is being hedged, the derivative instrument, how effectiveness is being assessed and how 
ineffectiveness will be measured.  The derivative must be highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of 
the risk being hedged.  Throughout the term of the designated cash flow hedge relationship on at least a quarterly 
basis, a retrospective evaluation and prospective assessment of hedge effectiveness is performed based on 
quantitative and qualitative measures.  All components of our derivative instruments’ gains or losses are included in 
the assessment of hedge effectiveness.  Resulting ineffectiveness, if any, is recognized immediately in our results of 
operations.

When we determine that a derivative instrument which qualified for hedge accounting treatment has ceased 
to be highly effective as a hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.  In the event the relationship is no 
longer effective, we recognize the change in the fair value of the hedging derivative instrument from the date the 
hedging derivative instrument became no longer effective immediately in our results of operations.  We also 
discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when (i)  a derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (ii)  it 
is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iii)  we determine that designating the derivative 
as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.  When we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively, but the 
original forecasted transaction continues to be probable of occurring, the existing gain or loss of the derivative 
instrument remains in AOCI and is reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction occurs.  When it 
becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, any remaining gain or loss in AOCI is recognized 
immediately in our results of operations.

We expect $17.1 million of net losses, net of income tax effect, to be reclassified from AOCI to our results 

of operations within the next 12 months.

67

Undesignated hedges –
Certain of our derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; for others, we choose 
not to maintain the required documentation to apply hedge accounting treatment.  These undesignated instruments 
are primarily used to economically hedge our exposure to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency denominated 
receivables and payables; foreign currency investments, primarily consisting of loans to subsidiaries, and cash flows 
related primarily to the repatriation of those loans or investments; and commodity prices, primarily consisting of 
heating oil, diesel fuel, aluminum, natural gas and corn prices.  We primarily use foreign currency forward and 
option contracts, generally less than 12 months in duration, and commodity derivative contracts, generally less than 
36 months in duration, with a maximum maturity of five years, to hedge some of these risks.  Our derivative policy 
permits the use of undesignated derivatives as approved by senior management.

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 derivative 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 agreements which allow for net settlement of the derivative 
contracts.  We have also established counterparty credit guidelines that are regularly monitored.  Because of these 
safeguards, we believe the risk of loss from counterparty default to be immaterial.

In addition, our derivative instruments are not subject to credit rating contingencies or collateral 
requirements.  As of February 28, 2017, the estimated fair value of derivative instruments in a net liability position 
due to counterparties was $61.4 million.  If we were required to settle the net liability position under these 
derivative instruments on February 28, 2017, we would have had sufficient availability under our available liquidity 
on hand to satisfy this obligation.

Results of period derivative activity –
The estimated fair value and location of our derivative instruments on our balance sheets are as follows (see 

Note 7):

Assets

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

Liabilities

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

(in millions)
Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments
Foreign currency contracts:
Prepaid expenses and
other
Other assets

5.2
6.0

$
$

$
$

Interest rate swap contracts:
Prepaid expenses and
other
Other assets

$
$

0.3
4.4

$
$

5.5
1.2

—
0.3

Other accrued expenses
and liabilities
Other liabilities

Other accrued expenses
and liabilities
Other liabilities

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign currency contracts:
Prepaid expenses and
other

2.0

$

4.8

$
Commodity derivative contracts:

Prepaid expenses and
other
Other assets

Interest rate swap contracts:
Prepaid expenses and
other

$
$

$

4.3
1.5

$
$

— $

0.6
0.3

0.7

68

Other accrued expenses
and liabilities

Other accrued expenses
and liabilities
Other liabilities

Other accrued expenses
and liabilities

$
$

$
$

$

$
$

$

30.4
37.4

$
$

0.3
$
— $

33.0
26.2

1.5
0.4

2.6

$

9.8

6.9
4.7

$
$

29.3
16.8

— $

5.7

The principal effect of our derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedging relationships on our 
results of operations, as well as Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), net of income tax effect, is as follows:

Derivative Instruments in
Designated Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships

(in millions)

For the Year Ended February 28, 2017

Foreign currency contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

For the Year Ended February 29, 2016

Foreign currency contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

For the Year Ended February 28, 2015

Foreign currency contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

Net
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in OCI
(Effective
portion)

Location of Net Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI to
Income (Effective portion)

Net
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from AOCI to
Income
(Effective
portion)

$

$

$

$

$

$

(25.8) Sales

Cost of product sold

2.8

Interest expense

(23.0)

(41.7) Sales

Cost of product sold

(1.6)

Interest expense

(43.3)

(22.9) Sales

Cost of product sold
Interest expense

(1.1)

(24.0)

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.1
(28.3)
(4.0)
(31.2)

2.1
(20.0)
(8.1)
(26.0)

1.8

2.6
(8.3)
(3.9)

The effect of our undesignated derivative instruments on our results of operations is as follows:

Derivative Instruments not
Designated as Hedging Instruments

(in millions)

For the Year Ended February 28, 2017

Commodity derivative contracts
Foreign currency contracts

For the Year Ended February 29, 2016
Commodity derivative contracts
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate swap contracts

For the Year Ended February 28, 2015
Commodity derivative contracts
Foreign currency contracts
Interest rate swap contracts

Location of Net Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income

Net
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income

Cost of product sold
Selling, general and administrative expenses

Cost of product sold
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Interest expense

Cost of product sold
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Interest expense

$

$

$

$

$

$

16.3
(26.1)
(9.8)

(48.1)
(21.1)
(0.1)
(69.3)

(32.7)
(2.5)
(0.1)
(35.3)

69

7. 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Authoritative guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair 

value measurements for financial instruments.  This guidance emphasizes that fair value is a market-based 
measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and states that a fair value measurement should be determined 
based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.  It establishes a hierarchy 
for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of 
unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available.  The hierarchy includes 
three levels:

•  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
•  Level 2 inputs include data points that are observable such as quoted prices for similar assets or 

liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or similar assets or liabilities in markets 
that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) such as interest rates and yield curves that are 
observable for the asset and liability, either directly or indirectly; and

•  Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations where there 

is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

Fair value methodology and assumptions –
The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value for each class of our financial 

instruments:

Foreign currency and commodity derivative contracts:  Our foreign currency contracts consist of foreign 
currency forward and option contracts and our commodity derivative contracts consist of swap contracts.  The fair 
value is estimated using market-based inputs, obtained from independent pricing services, into valuation models.  
These valuation models require various inputs, including contractual terms, market foreign exchange prices, market 
commodity prices, interest-rate yield curves and currency volatilities, as applicable (Level 2 fair value 
measurement).

Interest rate swap contracts:  The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices from respective 
counterparties.  Quotes are corroborated by using discounted cash flow calculations based upon forward interest-
rate yield curves, which are obtained from independent pricing services (Level 2 fair value measurement).

Available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities:  The fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows using 

market-based inputs (Level 3 fair value measurement).

Notes payable to banks:  The revolving credit facility under our senior credit facility is a variable interest 

rate bearing note which includes a fixed margin which is adjustable based upon our debt ratio (as defined in our 
senior credit facility).  Its fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows using LIBOR plus a margin reflecting 
current market conditions obtained from participating member financial institutions (Level 2 fair value 
measurement).  The remaining instruments are variable interest rate bearing notes for which the carrying value 
approximates the fair value.

Long-term debt:  The term loans under our senior credit facility are variable interest rate bearing notes 
which include a fixed margin which is adjustable based upon our debt ratio.  The fair value of the term loans is 
estimated by discounting cash flows using LIBOR plus a margin reflecting current market conditions obtained from 
participating member financial institutions (Level 2 fair value measurement).  The fair value of the remaining long-
term debt, which is primarily fixed interest rate, is estimated by discounting cash flows using interest rates currently 
available for debt with similar terms and maturities (Level 2 fair value measurement).

The carrying amounts of certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts 

receivable, accounts payable and notes payable to banks, approximate fair value as of February 28, 2017, and 
February 29, 2016, due to the relatively short maturity of these instruments.  As of February 28, 2017, the carrying 
amount of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $8,631.6 million, compared with an estimated fair 
value of $8,845.5 million.  As of February 29, 2016, the carrying amount of long-term debt, including the current 
portion, was $7,672.9 million, compared with an estimated fair value of $7,252.0 million.

70

Recurring basis measurements –
The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a 

recurring basis:

(in millions)

February 28, 2017

Assets:

Foreign currency contracts

Commodity derivative contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

AFS debt securities

Liabilities:

Foreign currency contracts

Commodity derivative contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

February 29, 2016
Assets:

Foreign currency contracts

Commodity derivative contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

AFS debt securities

Liabilities:

Foreign currency contracts

Commodity derivative contracts

Interest rate swap contracts

Fair Value Measurements Using

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

13.2

5.8

4.7

$

$

$

— $

70.4

11.6

0.3

11.5

0.9

1.0

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

69.0

46.1

7.6

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

9.5

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

4.6

$

— $

— $

— $

13.2

5.8

4.7

9.5

70.4

11.6

0.3

11.5

0.9

1.0

4.6

69.0

46.1

7.6

Nonrecurring basis measurements –
The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring 

basis for which an impairment assessment was performed for the period presented:

Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total Losses

(in millions)

For the Year Ended February 28, 2017
Trademarks

$

— $

— $

— $

46.0

Trademarks:
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, in connection with our continued focus on the premiumization of our 
branded wine and spirits portfolio, a decision was made to discontinue certain small-scale, low-margin U.S. brands 
within our Wine and Spirits’ portfolio.  As a result, trademarks with a carrying value of $37.6 million were written 
down to their estimated fair value, resulting in an impairment of $37.6 million.

71

In addition, in connection with the Canadian Divestiture in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, trademarks 

with a carrying value of $8.4 million were written down to their estimated fair value, resulting in an impairment of 
$8.4 million.  These trademarks were associated with certain U.S. brands within our Wine and Spirits’ portfolio sold 
exclusively through the Canadian wine business, for which we expect future sales of these brands to be minimal 
subsequent to the Canadian Divestiture.

We measured the amount of impairment by calculating the amount by which the carrying value of these 

assets exceeded their estimated fair values.  The estimated fair value was determined based on an income approach 
using the relief from royalty method, which assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay 
a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of trademark assets.  The cash flow projections we use to estimate 
the fair values of our trademarks involve several assumptions, including (i)  projected revenue growth rates, 
(ii)  estimated royalty rates, (iii)  after-tax royalty savings expected from ownership of the trademarks and 
(iv)  discount rates used to derive the estimated fair value of the trademarks.

8. 

GOODWILL:

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

(in millions)

Balance, February 28, 2015

Purchase accounting allocations (1)
Foreign currency translation adjustments

Balance, February 29, 2016

Purchase accounting allocations (2)
Canadian Divestiture (3)
Foreign currency translation adjustments

Balance, February 28, 2017

Beer

Wine and
Spirits

Consolidated

$

3,776.2

$

2,432.0

$

761.8
(7.9)
4,530.1

510.8
—

12.1

203.3
(26.8)
2,608.5

373.7
(126.1)
11.4

6,208.2

965.1
(34.7)
7,138.6

884.5
(126.1)
23.5

$

5,053.0

$

2,867.5

$

7,920.5

(1)  Purchase accounting allocations associated with the acquisitions of Ballast Point (Beer) and Meiomi (Wine and 

Spirits) (see Note 2).

(2)  Preliminary purchase accounting allocations primarily associated with the acquisitions of the Obregon Brewery 

(Beer), and Prisoner, High West and Charles Smith (Wine and Spirits) (see Note 2).

(3) 

Includes accumulated impairment losses associated with goodwill assigned to our Wine and Spirits’ Canadian 
reporting unit of C$289.1 million, or $216.8 million (see Note 2).

72

9. 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

The major components of intangible assets are as follows:

(in millions)

Amortizable intangible assets

Customer relationships

Favorable interim supply agreement

Other

Total

Nonamortizable intangible assets

Trademarks

Other

Total

Total intangible assets

February 28, 2017

February 29, 2016

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Net
Carrying
Amount

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Net
Carrying
Amount

$

$

89.1

$

48.6

$

102.5

$

—

19.9

109.0

—

1.7

50.3

$

68.3

22.3

193.1

3,327.4

—

3,327.4
3,377.7

$

$

60.2

2.2

3.5

65.9

3,333.8

4.1

3,337.9
3,403.8

We did not incur costs to renew or extend the term of acquired intangible assets for the years ended 
February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016.  Net carrying amount represents the gross carrying value net of 
accumulated amortization.  Amortization expense for intangible assets was $10.4 million, $40.7 million and $40.0 
million for the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, respectively.  Estimated 
amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

(in millions)
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter

$
$
$
$
$
$

5.7
5.7
5.5
5.2
4.9
23.3

10. 

OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES:

The major components of other accrued expenses and liabilities are as follows:

(in millions)

Salaries, commissions, and payroll benefits and withholdings
Promotions and advertising
Accrued interest
Income taxes payable
Derivative liabilities
Other

73

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

$

$

148.5
116.9
87.5
60.2
40.2
122.5
575.8

$

$

142.3
109.4
64.1
25.0
79.3
124.3
544.4

11. 

BORROWINGS:

Borrowings consist of the following:

(in millions)
Notes payable to banks

Senior Credit Facility – Revolving Credit Loans
Other

Long-term debt

Senior Credit Facility – Term Loans
Senior Notes
Other

Current

February 28, 2017
Long-term

Total

February 29,
2016
Total

$

$

$

$

231.0
375.5
606.5

192.5
699.9
18.5
910.9

$

$

$

$

— $
—
— $

3,595.0
3,917.1
208.6
7,720.7

$

$

231.0
375.5
606.5

3,787.5
4,617.0
227.1
8,631.6

$

$

$

$

92.0
316.3
408.3

2,856.8
4,716.3
99.8
7,672.9

Senior credit facility –
In July 2015, the Company, CIH International S.à r.l., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of ours (“CIH”), 
Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), and certain other lenders entered into 
an Amendment (“Amendment”) that amended our then existing senior credit facility (as amended, the “2015 Credit 
Agreement”).  The principal changes effected by the Amendment were:

•  The creation of a new $1.27 billion U.S. Term A loan facility into which the existing U.S. Term A and 

Term A-2 loan facilities were combined and increased by $200.0 million;

•  The refinance of the existing U.S. Term A-1 loan facility and extension of its maturity to July 16, 2021;
•  The creation of a new $1.43 billion European Term A loan facility into which the existing European 

Term A and Term B-1 loan facilities were combined;

•  The extension of the maturity date of all tranches, other than the new U.S. Term A-1 loan facility, to 

July 16, 2020; and

•  The increase of the revolving credit facility by $300.0 million to $1.15 billion.

In March 2016, the Company, CIH, CIH Holdings S.à r.l., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of ours 

(“CIHH”), the Administrative Agent, and certain other lenders entered into a Restatement Agreement (the “March 
2016 Restatement Agreement”) that amended and restated the 2015 Credit Agreement (as amended and restated by 
the March 2016 Restatement Agreement, the “March 2016 Credit Agreement”).  The principal changes effected by 
the March 2016 Restatement Agreement were:

•  The creation of a new $700.0 million European Term A-1 loan facility maturing on March 10, 2021;
•  An increase of the European revolving commitment under the revolving credit facility by $425.0 

million to $1.0 billion;

•  The addition of CIHH as a new borrower under the new European Term A-1 loan facility and the 

European revolving commitment; and

•  The entry into a cross-guarantee agreement by CIH and CIHH whereby each guarantees the other’s 

obligations under the March 2016 Credit Agreement.

In October 2016, the Company, CIH, CIHH, CB International Finance S.à r.l., a wholly-owned indirect 

subsidiary of ours (“CB International” and together with CIH and CIHH, the “European Borrowers”), the 
Administrative Agent, and certain other lenders entered into a Restatement Agreement (the “2016 Restatement 
Agreement”) that amended and restated the March 2016 Credit Agreement (as amended and restated by the 2016 
Restatement Agreement, the “2016 Credit Agreement”).  The principal changes effected by the 2016 Restatement 
Agreement were:

•  The creation of a new $400.0 million European Term A-2 loan facility with CIH as the borrower, 

maturing on March 10, 2021;

74

•  An adjustment of the Incremental Facilities (as defined below) from a fixed amount to a flexible 

amount;

•  The addition of CB International as a new borrower under the European revolving commitment; and
•  The entry into an amended and restated cross-guarantee agreement by the European Borrowers whereby 

each guarantees the others’ obligations under the 2016 Credit Agreement.

The 2016 Credit Agreement provides for aggregate credit facilities of $5,004.2 million, consisting of the 

following:

(in millions)
Revolving Credit Facility (1) (2)
U.S. Term A Facility (1) (3)
U.S. Term A-1 Facility (1) (3)
European Term A Facility (1) (3)
European Term A-1 Facility (1) (3)
European Term A-2 Facility (1) (3)

Amount

Maturity

$

1,150.0

1,192.1

July 16, 2020

July 16, 2020

238.9

July 16, 2021

1,340.7

July 16, 2020

682.5 March 10, 2021

400.0 March 10, 2021

$

5,004.2

(1)  Contractual interest rate varies based on our debt ratio (as defined in the 2016 Credit Agreement) and is a function 

of LIBOR plus a margin, or the base rate plus a margin.

(2)  Provides for credit facilities consisting of a $150.0 million U.S. Revolving Credit Facility and a $1,000.0 million 
European Revolving Credit Facility.  Includes two sub-facilities for letters of credit of up to $200.0 million in the 
aggregate.  We are the borrower under the U.S. Revolving Credit Facility and we and/or CIH and/or CIHH and/or 
CB International are the borrowers under the European Revolving Credit Facility.

(3)  We are the borrower under the U.S. Term A and the U.S. Term A-1 loan facilities.  CIH is the borrower under the 
European Term A and the European Term A-2 loan facilities.  CIHH is the borrower under the European Term A-1 
loan facility.

The 2016 Credit Agreement also permits us to elect, subject to the willingness of existing or new lenders to 

fund such increase or term loans and other customary conditions, to increase the revolving credit commitments or 
add one or more tranches of additional term loans (the “Incremental Facilities”).  The Incremental Facilities may be 
an unlimited amount so long as our leverage ratio, as defined and computed pursuant to the 2016 Credit Agreement, 
is no greater than 4.00 to 1.00 for the period defined pursuant to the 2016 Credit Agreement.

The U.S. obligations under the 2016 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our U.S. subsidiaries.  

The European obligations under the 2016 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by us and certain of our U.S. 
subsidiaries.  In addition, the European obligations are cross-guaranteed by the European Borrowers whereby each 
guarantees the others’ obligations.

We and our subsidiaries are subject to covenants that are contained in the 2016 Credit Agreement, including 

those restricting the incurrence of additional indebtedness (including guarantees of indebtedness), additional liens, 
mergers and consolidations, the payment of dividends, the making of certain investments, prepayments of certain 
debt, transactions with affiliates, agreements that restrict our non-guarantor subsidiaries from paying dividends, and 
dispositions of property, in each case subject to numerous conditions, exceptions and thresholds.  The financial 
covenants are limited to a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum net debt coverage ratio.

75

As of February 28, 2017, information with respect to borrowings under the 2016 Credit Agreement is as 

follows:

(in millions)

Outstanding borrowings

Interest rate

LIBOR margin

Outstanding letters of credit

$

$

Remaining borrowing capacity $

Revolving
Credit
Facility

U.S.
Term A
Facility (1)

U.S.
Term A-1
Facility (1)

European
Term A
Facility (1)

European
Term A-1
Facility (1)

European
Term A-2
Facility (1)

231.0

$

1,169.1

$

237.9

$

1,316.7

$

671.0

$

392.8

2.3%

1.5%

2.5%

1.75%

2.3%

1.5%

2.3%

1.5%

2.3%

1.5%

2.3%

1.5%

16.7

902.3

(1)  Outstanding term loan facility borrowings are net of unamortized debt issuance costs.

As of February 28, 2017, the required principal repayments of the term loans under the 2016 Credit 
Agreement (excluding unamortized debt issuance costs of $18.6 million) for each of the five succeeding fiscal years 
and thereafter are as follows:

(in millions)
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter

U.S.
Term A
Facility

U.S.
Term A-1
Facility

European
Term A
Facility

European
Term A-1
Facility

European
Term A-2
Facility

Total

$

$

63.6
63.6
63.6
985.4
—
—
1,176.2

$

$

2.4
2.4
2.4
2.4
228.7
—
238.3

$

$

71.5
71.5
71.5
1,108.3
—
—
1,322.8

$

$

35.0
35.0
35.0
35.0
533.8
—
673.8

$

$

20.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
315.0
—
395.0

$

$

192.5
192.5
192.5
2,151.1
1,077.5
—
3,806.1

Interest rate swap contracts –
In April 2012, we transitioned our then existing interest rate swap agreement to a one-month LIBOR base 

rate versus the existing three-month LIBOR base rate by entering into a new interest rate swap agreement which 
was designated as a cash flow hedge for $500.0 million of our floating LIBOR rate debt.  In addition, our existing 
interest rate swap agreement was dedesignated as a hedge.  We also entered into an additional interest rate swap 
agreement for $500.0 million that was not designated as a hedge to offset the prospective impact of the newly 
undesignated interest rate swap agreement.  As a result of these hedges, we fixed our interest rates on $500.0 million 
of our floating LIBOR rate debt at an average rate of 2.8% (exclusive of borrowing margins) through September 1, 
2016.  The losses in AOCI related to the dedesignated interest rate swap agreement have been reclassified from 
AOCI ratably into earnings in the same period in which the original hedged item was recorded in our results of 
operations.

We have entered into additional interest rate swap agreements, which are designated as cash flow hedges for 

$250.0 million of our floating LIBOR rate debt.  As a result of these hedges, we have fixed our interest rates on 
$250.0 million of our floating LIBOR rate debt at an average rate of 1.1% (exclusive of borrowing margins) from 
September 1, 2016, through July 1, 2020.

For the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, we reclassified net 

losses of $4.0 million, $8.1 million and $8.3 million, net of income tax effect, respectively, from AOCI to interest 
expense.

76

Senior notes –
Our outstanding senior notes are as follows:

Date of

Outstanding Balance (1)

Issuance

Maturity

Interest
Payments

Principal

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

May 2017

April 2012

August 2006

January 2008

September 2016 Mar/Sept

(in millions)
7.25% Senior Notes (2) (3)
7.25% Senior Notes (2) (3) (4)
6% Senior Notes (2) (3)
3.75% Senior Notes (2) (3)
4.25% Senior Notes (2) (3)
May/Nov
3.875% Senior Notes (2) (3) November 2014 November 2019 May/Nov
4.75% Senior Notes (2) (3)
November 2014 November 2024 May/Nov
4.75% Senior Notes (2) (3)
3.70% Senior Notes (2) (5)

December 2015 December 2025

December 2016 December 2026

May 2023

May 2022

May 2021

May 2013

May 2013

May/Nov

May/Nov

May/Nov

June/Dec

June/Dec

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

700.0

700.0

600.0

500.0

1,050.0

400.0

400.0

400.0

600.0

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

699.9

594.9

497.4

1,043.4

396.8

395.4

394.8

594.4

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

699.0

699.0

594.1

496.8

1,042.5

395.7

394.9

394.3

—

(1)  Amounts are net of unamortized discounts, where applicable, and debt issuance costs.

(2)  Senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior 
unsecured indebtedness.  Guaranteed by certain of our U.S. subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis.

(3)  Redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding 
principal amount plus a make whole payment based on the present value of the future payments at the adjusted 
Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points.

(4) 

Issued in exchange for notes originally issued in May 2007.

(5)  Redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time prior to September 6, 2026, at a redemption price equal 
to 100% of the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a make-whole payment based 
on the present value of the future payments at the adjusted Treasury Rate plus 25 basis points.  On or after 
September 6, 2026, redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% 
of the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Indentures –
Our Indentures relating to our outstanding senior notes contain certain covenants, including, but not limited 

to:  (i)  a limitation on liens on certain assets, (ii)  a limitation on certain sale and leaseback transactions, and 
(iii)  restrictions on mergers, consolidations and the transfer of all or substantially all of our assets to another person.

Subsidiary credit facilities –
General:
We have additional credit arrangements totaling $442.8 million and $424.1 million as of February 28, 2017, 

and February 29, 2016, respectively.  As of February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016, amounts outstanding under 
these arrangements were $269.5 million and $157.1 million, respectively, the majority of which is classified as 
long-term as of the respective date.  These arrangements primarily support the financing needs of our domestic and 
foreign subsidiary operations, as well as our glass production plant joint venture (see “other long-term debt” below).  
Interest rates and other terms of these borrowings vary from country to country, depending on local market 
conditions.

Canadian credit agreement:
In June 2016, through a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of ours, we entered into a new secured Canadian 
credit agreement which provided for a C$275.0 million term loan facility ($214.1 million at issuance) and a C$50.0 
million revolving credit facility which was undrawn at issuance (the “Canadian Credit Agreement”).  In connection 
with the Canadian Divestiture in December 2016, our obligations associated with the Canadian Credit Agreement 
terminated.

77

Other long-term debt:
During the year ended February 28, 2017, we recorded an immaterial adjustment related to the prior period 
for the noncash conversion of $132.0 million from noncontrolling equity interests to long-term debt associated with 
our glass production plant joint venture partner, Owens-Illinois.  Additionally, we had incremental borrowings from 
Owens-Illinois under the contractual agreement for the year ended February 28, 2017.  As of February 28, 2017, 
amounts outstanding under the contractual agreement are included in our consolidated balance sheet in accordance 
with our consolidation of this VIE.  These borrowings have a maturity date of December 2064 with both a fixed and 
variable interest rate component.  The variable interest rate is based upon certain performance measures as defined 
in the contractual agreement.  As of February 28, 2017, amounts outstanding under the contractual agreement were 
$183.5 million with a weighted average interest rate of 5.1%.

Debt payments – 
As of February 28, 2017, the required principal repayments under long-term debt obligations (excluding 

unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount of $51.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively) for each 
of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:

(in millions)
2018

2019

2020

2021
2022

Thereafter

$

$

911.0

207.6

599.7

2,153.9
1,577.5

3,233.5

8,683.2

Accounts receivable securitization facilities –
On September 28, 2015, we entered into an amended 364-day revolving trade accounts receivable 
securitization facility (the “2015 CBI Facility”).  Under the 2015 CBI Facility, trade accounts receivable generated 
by us and certain of our subsidiaries are sold by us to our wholly-owned bankruptcy remote single purpose 
subsidiary (the “CBI SPV”), which is consolidated by us for financial reporting purposes.  Such receivables have 
been pledged by the CBI SPV to secure borrowings under the 2015 CBI Facility.  We service the receivables for the 
2015 CBI Facility.  The receivable balances related to the 2015 CBI Facility are reported as accounts receivable on 
our balance sheets, but the receivables are at all times owned by the CBI SPV and are included on our financial 
statements as required by generally accepted accounting principles.  On September 27, 2016, we and the CBI SPV 
amended the 2015 CBI Facility (as amended, the “CBI Facility”) for an additional 364-day term.  Under the CBI 
Facility, there are two lenders, one holding 60% of the aggregate facility and the other holding 40% of the aggregate 
facility.  Any borrowings under the CBI Facility are recorded as secured borrowings and bear interest as follows:  
(i)  60% of the borrowings are charged at that lender’s cost of funds plus a margin of 80 basis points and (ii)  40% of 
the borrowings are charged at one-month LIBOR plus a margin of 80 basis points.  The CBI Facility provides 
borrowing capacity of $235.0 million up to $340.0 million structured to account for the seasonality of our business, 
subject to further limitations based upon various pre-agreed formulas.

Also, on September 28, 2015, Crown Imports, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of ours, entered into an 

amended 364-day revolving trade accounts receivable securitization facility (the “2015 Crown Facility”).  Under the 
2015 Crown Facility, trade accounts receivable generated by Crown Imports are sold by Crown Imports to its 
wholly-owned bankruptcy remote single purpose subsidiary (the “Crown SPV”), which is consolidated by us for 
financial reporting purposes.  Such receivables have been pledged by the Crown SPV to secure borrowings under 
the 2015 Crown Facility.  Crown Imports services the receivables for the 2015 Crown Facility.  The receivable 
balances related to the 2015 Crown Facility are reported as accounts receivable on our balance sheets, but the 
receivables are at all times owned by the Crown SPV and are included on our financial statements to comply with 
generally accepted accounting principles.  On September 27, 2016, Crown Imports and the Crown SPV amended 
the 2015 Crown Facility (as amended, the “Crown Facility”) for an additional 364-day term.  Under the Crown 
Facility, there are two lenders, one holding 60% of the aggregate facility and the other holding 40% of the aggregate 
facility.  Any borrowings under the Crown Facility are recorded as secured borrowings and bear interest as follows:  

78

(i)  60% of the borrowings are charged at that lender’s cost of funds plus a margin of 80 basis points and (ii)  40% of 
the borrowings are charged at one-month LIBOR plus a margin of 80 basis points.  The Crown Facility provides 
borrowing capacity of $120.0 million up to $210.0 million structured to account for the seasonality of Crown 
Imports’ business.

As of February 28, 2017, our accounts receivable securitization facilities are as follows:

(in millions)

CBI Facility

Crown Facility

12. 

INCOME TAXES:

Income before income taxes was generated as follows:

(in millions)

Domestic

Foreign

The income tax provision consisted of the following:

(in millions)

Current

Federal
State

Foreign

Total current

Deferred

Federal
State
Foreign

Total deferred
Income tax provision

Outstanding
Borrowings

Weighted
Average
Interest Rate

Remaining
Borrowing
Capacity

$

$

206.1

127.0

1.7% $

1.7% $

88.9

13.0

February 28,
2017

For the Years Ended
February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

$

788.0

1,305.4
2,093.4

$

$

599.3

901.9
1,501.2

$

$

481.6

698.0
1,179.6

February 28,
2017

For the Years Ended
February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

$

270.8
28.5

126.2

425.5

113.4
7.5
7.8
128.7
554.2

$

$

126.2
19.9

43.5

189.6

232.4
15.6
3.0
251.0
440.6

$

$

195.0
20.1

49.0

264.1

84.6
4.8
(10.1)
79.3
343.4

The foreign provision (benefit) for income taxes is based on foreign pretax earnings.  Earnings of foreign 
subsidiaries would be subject to U.S. income taxation on repatriation to the U.S.  We provide for taxes that may be 
payable if undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries were to be remitted to the U.S., except for those earnings 
that we consider to be indefinitely reinvested.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, in connection with the agreement to divest the Canadian wine 
business and the ongoing Beer capacity expansion activities in Mexico, including the agreement to acquire the 
Obregon Brewery, we changed our assertion regarding our ability and intent to indefinitely reinvest undistributed 
earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries.  Approximately $420 million of our earnings for the year ended 
February 28, 2017, and all future earnings for these foreign subsidiaries are expected to be indefinitely reinvested.  
79

Our current U.S. cash flow estimates and available borrowing capacity are expected to be sufficient to meet future 
domestic cash needs.  Because we intend to use our historical unremitted earnings generated from our existing 
foreign subsidiaries to continue to support our U.S. investments in the future, our intent to repatriate those historical 
foreign earnings remains unchanged.  Therefore, we continue to provide for anticipated tax liabilities on these 
amounts that are expected to be repatriated.

We have not provided for incremental U.S. income taxes on the indefinitely reinvested earnings.  If at some 

future date these earnings cease to be indefinitely reinvested and are repatriated, we may be subject to additional 
U.S. income and other taxes on such amounts of approximately $110 million.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the future income tax effects of temporary differences between the 

financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and are 
measured using enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income.

Significant components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following:

(in millions)

Deferred tax assets

Loss carryforwards

Stock-based compensation

Inventory
Derivative instruments

Insurance accruals

Employee benefits

Unrealized foreign exchange

Other accruals

Gross deferred tax assets

Valuation allowances

Deferred tax assets, net

Deferred tax liabilities

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment

Provision for unremitted earnings

Investments in equity method investees

Unrealized foreign exchange
Derivative instruments

Total deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities, net

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

$

144.0

$

43.2

12.5
—

5.2

2.5

—

28.4
235.8
(134.1)
101.7

74.2

50.1

14.1
5.1

3.8

2.8

1.3

39.4
190.8
(35.7)
155.1

(720.6)
(255.0)
(229.3)
(24.2)
(4.1)
(0.9)
(1,234.1)
(1,132.4) $

(688.1)
(264.2)
(199.9)
(24.3)
—
—
(1,176.5)
(1,021.4)

$

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some 

or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In making this assessment, we consider the projected reversal 
of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income.  Based upon this assessment, we believe it is more 
likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of any valuation allowances.

As of February 28, 2017, operating loss carryforwards totaling $321.2 million are being carried forward in a 

number of jurisdictions where we are permitted to use tax operating losses from prior periods to reduce future 
taxable income.  Of these operating loss carryforwards, $301.6 million will expire in fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2037 
and $19.6 million of operating losses in certain jurisdictions may be carried forward indefinitely.  Additionally, as of 
February 28, 2017, federal capital losses totaling $262.9 million are being carried forward and will expire in fiscal 
2022.

80

We have recognized valuation allowances for operating loss carryforwards, capital loss carryforwards and 

other deferred tax assets when we believe it is more likely than not that these items will not be realized.  The 
increase in our valuation allowances as of February 28, 2017, primarily relates to the recognition of a full valuation 
allowance for the federal capital losses generated for the year ended February 28, 2017.

A reconciliation of the total tax provision (benefit) to the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. 

Federal income tax rate to income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes is as follows:

For the Years Ended

February 28, 2017

February 29, 2016

February 28, 2015

% of
Pretax
Income

Amount

% of
Pretax
Income

Amount

% of
Pretax
Income

Amount

(in millions, except % of pretax income data)

Income tax provision at statutory rate

$

732.7

35.0% $

525.4

35.0% $

412.8

35.0%

State and local income taxes, net of federal
income tax benefit

Earnings of subsidiaries taxed at other than
U.S. statutory rate

Canadian Divestiture

Miscellaneous items, net

Income tax provision at effective rate

$

23.4

1.1%

23.1

1.5%

16.1

1.4%

(160.4)

(25.5)

(16.0)

554.2

(7.6%)

(1.2%)

(0.8%)

26.5% $

(101.2)
—
(6.7)
440.6

(6.7%)

—%

(0.5%)

29.3% $

(75.3)
—
(10.2)
343.4

(6.4%)

—%

(0.9%)

29.1%

For the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, the state and local 
income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit, includes benefits resulting from adjustments to the current and 
deferred state effective tax rates.  These benefits include the recognition of prior period income tax refunds, 
decreases in uncertain tax positions and adjustments to the current and deferred state effective tax rates.  The effect 
of earnings of foreign subsidiaries includes the difference between the U.S. statutory rate and local jurisdiction tax 
rates, as well as the provision for incremental U.S. taxes on unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries offset 
by foreign tax credits and other foreign adjustments.

The liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties, and a 

reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit liabilities is as follows:

(in millions)

Balance as of March 1
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period
Decreases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current period
Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities
Decreases related to lapse of applicable statute of limitations
Balance as of last day of February

February 28,
2017

For the Years Ended
February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

$

30.4
—
(11.5)
21.3
—
(0.7)
39.5

$

$

85.5
0.1
(1.2)
3.7
(54.7)
(3.0)
30.4

$

$

101.5
0.1
(4.0)
7.7
(13.9)
(5.9)
85.5

As of February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016, we had $42.7 million and $32.3 million, respectively, of 
non-current unrecognized tax benefit liabilities, including interest and penalties, recorded on our balance sheets.  
These liabilities are recorded as non-current as payment of cash is not anticipated within one year of the balance 
sheet date.

As of February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016, we had $39.5 million and $30.4 million, respectively, of 

unrecognized tax benefit liabilities that, if recognized, would decrease the effective tax rate.

81

We file U.S. Federal income tax returns and various state, local and foreign income tax returns.  Major tax 

jurisdictions where we are subject to examination by tax authorities include Canada, Luxembourg, Mexico, New 
Zealand and the U.S.  Various U.S. Federal, state and foreign income tax examinations are currently in progress.  It 
is reasonably possible that the liability associated with our unrecognized tax benefit liabilities will increase or 
decrease within the next twelve months as a result of these examinations or the expiration of statutes of limitation.  
As of February 28, 2017, we estimate that unrecognized tax benefit liabilities could change by a range of $1 million 
to $20 million.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. Federal, state, local or foreign income tax 
examinations for fiscal years prior to February 28, 2009.

We provide for additional tax expense based on probable outcomes of ongoing tax examinations and 
assessments in various jurisdictions.  While it is often difficult to predict the outcome or the timing of resolution of 
any tax matter, we believe the reserves reflect the probable outcome of known tax contingencies.  Unfavorable 
settlement of any particular issue would require the use of cash.  Favorable resolution would be recognized as a 
reduction to the effective tax rate in the year of resolution.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) concluded its examination of our fiscal years ended February 28, 

2010, and February 28, 2011.  We received a Revenue Agent’s Report (“RAR”) from the IRS proposing tax 
assessments for those years.  We disagree with certain assessments in this report and are continuing to address these 
matters through the IRS Appeals process.  We believe that our position will be successfully sustained.  For other 
items that were effectively settled, we reduced our liability for uncertain tax positions and recorded a tax benefit of 
$31.9 million for the year ended February 29, 2016.  In addition, during the year ended February 29, 2016, various 
U.S. state and international examinations were finalized.  In total, tax benefits of $51.0 million were recorded for 
the year ended February 29, 2016, related to the resolution of certain tax positions in connection with those 
examinations and the expiration of statutes of limitation.

13. 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Operating leases –
The minimum lease payments for our operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the 

minimum lease term.  Step rent provisions, escalation clauses, capital improvement funding and other lease 
concessions, when present in our leases, are taken into account in computing the minimum lease payments.

Future payments under noncancelable operating leases having initial or remaining terms of one year or 

more are as follows for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter:

(in millions)
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter

$

$

41.6
46.8
45.2
43.2
35.4
285.5
497.7

Rental expense was $59.2 million, $56.1 million and $58.9 million for the years ended February 28, 2017, 

February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, respectively.

82

Purchase commitments and contingencies –
We have entered into various long-term contracts in the normal course of business for the purchase of 
(i)  certain inventory components, (ii)  property, plant and equipment and related contractor and manufacturing 
services, (iii)  processing and warehousing services and (iv)  certain energy requirements.  As of February 28, 2017, 
the estimated aggregate minimum purchase obligations under these contracts are as follows:

Type

Length of Commitment

Amount

(in millions)
Raw materials and supplies (1)
In-process inventories

Capital expenditures (2)

Packaging, grapes and other raw materials

through December 2029

$

5,508.1

Bulk wine

through February 2022

Property, plant and equipment, and contractor
and manufacturing services

through February 2020

57.6

610.1

Other

Processing and warehousing services, energy
contracts

through May 2029

267.6

6,443.4

$

(1)  Grape purchase contracts require the purchase of grape production yielded from a specified number of acres.  The 
actual tonnage and price of grapes that we must purchase will vary each year depending on certain factors, 
including weather, time of harvest, overall market conditions and the agricultural practices and location of the 
growers and suppliers under contract.

(2)  Consists of purchase commitments entered into primarily in connection with the construction of a brewery located 
in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, and the expansion projects for the Nava Brewery and the adjacent glass 
production plant.

Indemnification liabilities –
In connection with a prior divestiture as well as with the Canadian Divestiture, we have indemnified 

respective parties against certain liabilities that may arise, including those related to certain income tax matters, 
certain contracts with certain investees of one of the divested businesses and a certain facility in the U.K.  During 
the year ended February 28, 2015, we were released from one of our guarantees, resulting in a gain of $7.5 million.  
This gain is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  As of February 28, 2017, and February 29, 
2016, the carrying amount of these indemnification liabilities was $9.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively, and is 
included in other liabilities.  If the indemnified party were to incur a liability, pursuant to the terms of the 
indemnification, we would be required to reimburse the indemnified party.  As of February 28, 2017, we estimate 
that these indemnifications could require us to make potential future payments of up to $81.2 million under these 
indemnifications with $57.6 million of this amount able to be recovered by us from third parties under recourse 
provisions.  We do not expect to be required to make material payments under the indemnifications and we believe 
that the likelihood is remote that the indemnifications could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, 
results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

Legal matters –
In the course of our business, we are subject to litigation from time to time.  Although the amount of any 
liability with respect to such litigation cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, such liability will not 
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

14. 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Common stock –
We have two classes of common stock with a material number of shares outstanding:  Class A Common 
Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock.  Class B Convertible Common Stock shares are convertible into 
shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-to-one basis at any time at the option of the holder.  Holders of Class B 
Convertible Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share.  Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to 
one vote per share and a cash dividend premium.  If we pay a cash dividend on Class B Convertible Common Stock, 
each share of Class A Common Stock will receive an amount at least ten percent greater than the amount of the cash 
dividend per share paid on Class B Convertible Common Stock.  In addition, the Board of Directors may declare 
and pay a dividend on Class A Common Stock without paying any dividend on Class B Convertible Common 

83

Stock.  However, our senior credit facility limits the cash dividends that we can pay on our common stock to a fixed 
amount per quarter but the fixed amount may be exceeded subject to various conditions set forth in the senior credit 
facility.

In addition, we have a class of common stock with an immaterial number of shares outstanding:  Class 1 

Common Stock.  Shares of Class 1 Common Stock generally have no voting rights.  Class 1 Common Stock shares 
are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-to-one basis at any time at the option of the holder, 
provided that the holder immediately sells the Class A Common Stock acquired upon conversion.  Because shares of 
Class 1 Common Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock, for each share of Class 1 Common 
Stock issued, we must reserve one share of Class A Common Stock for issuance upon the conversion of the share of 
Class 1 Common Stock.  Holders of Class 1 Common Stock do not have any preference as to dividends, but may 
participate in any dividend if and when declared by the Board of Directors.  If we pay a cash dividend on Class 1 
Common Stock, each share of Class A Common Stock will receive an amount at least ten percent greater than the 
amount of cash dividend per share paid on Class 1 Common Stock.  In addition, the Board of Directors may declare 
and pay a dividend on Class A Common Stock without paying a dividend on Class 1 Common Stock.  The cash 
dividends declared and paid on Class B Convertible Common Stock and Class 1 Common Stock must always be the 
same.

The number of shares of common stock issued and treasury stock, and associated share activity, are as 

follows:

Balance at February 28, 2014

Conversion of shares

Exercise of stock options

Employee stock purchases
Grant of restricted stock awards
Vesting of restricted stock units (1)
Vesting of performance share units (2)
Cancellation of restricted shares

Balance at February 28, 2015
Share repurchases

Conversion of shares

Exercise of stock options

Employee stock purchases
Grant of restricted stock awards
Vesting of restricted stock units (1)
Vesting of performance share units (2)
Cancellation of restricted shares
Balance at February 29, 2016
Share repurchases
Conversion of shares
Exercise of stock options
Employee stock purchases
Grant of restricted stock awards
Vesting of restricted stock units (1)
Vesting of performance share units (2)
Balance at February 28, 2017

Class A

248,264,944

46,957

2,527,458

Common Stock
Class B

28,436,565
(46,957)
—

—
—

—

—

—

250,839,359
—

31,079

4,687,588

—
—
—
—
—
255,558,026
—
2
1,948,156
—
—
—
—

—
—

—

—

—

28,389,608
—
(31,079)
—

—
—
—
—
—
28,358,529
—
(2)
—
—
—
—
—

257,506,184

28,358,527

Treasury Stock

Class 1

Class A

Class B

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—
—

—

2,000

—
—
—
—
—
2,000
—
—
80
—
—
—
—

2,080

80,225,575

5,005,800

—

—
(117,301)
(6,424)
(140,396)
(288,021)
8,426

79,681,859
246,143

—

—
(89,155)
(4,984)
(157,052)
(223,044)
244
79,454,011
7,407,051
—
—
(77,671)
(4,088)
(325,773)
(190,559)
86,262,971

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

5,005,800
—

—

—

—
—
—
—
—
5,005,800
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

5,005,800

(1)  Net of 241,870 shares, 112,851 shares and 101,499 shares withheld for the years ended February 28, 2017, 

February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, respectively, to satisfy tax withholding requirements.

84

(2)  Net of 168,811 shares, 216,396 shares and 248,499 shares withheld for the years ended February 28, 2017, 

February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, respectively, to satisfy tax withholding requirements.

Stock repurchases –
In April 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of our Class A 

Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock (the “2013 Authorization”), which was fully utilized 
during the year ended February 28, 2017.  Shares repurchased under the 2013 Authorization have become treasury 
shares.

Additionally, in November 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of 

our Class A Common Stock and Class B Convertible Common Stock (the “2017 Authorization”).  The Board of 
Directors did not specify a date upon which this authorization would expire.  Shares repurchased under the 
2017 Authorization have become treasury shares.

For the year ended February 28, 2017, we repurchased 4,400,504 shares of Class A Common Stock 
pursuant to the 2013 Authorization at an aggregate cost of $669.6 million and 3,006,547 shares of Class A Common 
Stock pursuant to the 2017 Authorization at an aggregate cost of $453.1 million through open market transactions.

As of February 28, 2017, total shares repurchased under these authorizations are as follows:

(in millions, except share data)

2013 Authorization

2017 Authorization

Class A Common Shares

Dollar Value
of Shares
Repurchased

Number of
Shares
Repurchased

Repurchase
Authorization

$

$

1,000.0

1,000.0

$

$

1,000.0

453.1

18,670,632

3,006,547

Common stock dividends –
In April 2017, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share of Class A 

Common Stock, $0.47 per share of Class B Convertible Common Stock and $0.47 per share of Class 1 Common 
Stock payable in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

15. 

STOCK-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION:

We have two stock-based employee compensation plans (as further discussed below).  Total compensation 

cost and income tax benefits recognized for our stock-based awards are as follows:

(in millions)
Total compensation cost recognized in our results of operations
Total income tax benefit recognized in our results of operations

February 28,
2017

For the Years Ended
February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$
$

56.1
18.5

$
$

54.0
17.8

$
$

55.0
18.7

Long-term stock incentive plan –
Under our Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock 

units, performance share units and other stock-based awards may be granted to our employees, officers and 
directors.  The aggregate number of shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class 1 Common Stock available for 
awards under our Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan is 108,000,000 shares.

The exercise price, vesting period and term of nonqualified stock options granted are established by the 

committee administering the plan (the “Committee”).  The exercise price of any nonqualified stock option may not 
be less than the fair market value of our Class A Common Stock on the date of grant.  Nonqualified stock options 
generally vest and become exercisable over a four-year period from the date of grant and expire as established by 
the Committee, but not later than ten years after the grant date.

85

Grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance share units and other stock-based awards may 
contain such vesting periods, terms, conditions and other requirements as the Committee may establish.  Restricted 
stock and restricted stock unit awards are based on service and generally vest over one to four years from the date of 
grant.  Performance share unit awards are based on service and the satisfaction of certain performance conditions, 
and vest over a required employee service period, generally from one to three years from the date of grant, which 
closely matches the performance period.  The performance conditions include the achievement of specified financial 
or operational performance metrics, or market conditions which require the achievement of specified levels of 
shareholder return relative to other companies as defined in the applicable performance share unit agreement.  The 
actual number of shares to be awarded upon vesting of a performance share unit award will range between 0% and 
200% of the target award, based upon the measure of performance as certified by the Committee.

A summary of stock option activity, primarily under our Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, is as follows:

February 28, 2017

Number
of
Options

9,541,393

648,147

$

$

(1,948,236) $

(170,711) $
(338) $

8,070,255

6,456,382

$

$

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

34.03

157.01

25.79

109.23
31.92

44.31

26.66

Outstanding as of March 1

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited
Expired

Outstanding as of last day of
February

Exercisable

For the Years Ended

February 29, 2016

Number
of
Options

13,613,615

$

838,996
$
(4,689,588) $
(220,433) $
(1,197) $

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

25.46

117.17

22.25

71.75
21.02

February 28, 2015

Number
of
Options

15,314,074

$

$
881,584
(2,527,458) $
(52,779) $
(1,806) $

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

21.82

79.86

22.02

42.79
19.55

25.46

19.45

9,541,393

7,348,309

$

$

34.03

21.37

13,613,615

10,499,030

$

$

As of February 28, 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value of our options outstanding and exercisable was 

$924.1 million and $853.3 million, respectively.  In addition, the weighted average remaining contractual life for 
our options outstanding and exercisable was 4.7 years and 3.8 years, respectively.

The fair value of stock options vested, and the intrinsic value of and tax benefit realized from the exercise 

of stock options, are as follows:

(in millions)

Fair value of stock options vested
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised
Tax benefit realized from stock options exercised

For the Years Ended

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$
$
$

20.3
260.4
106.0

$
$
$

20.1
514.9
193.5

$
$
$

19.6
185.8
62.2

86

The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted and the weighted average assumptions 

used to estimate the fair value on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are as follows:

Grant-date fair value
Expected life (1)
Expected volatility (2)
Risk-free interest rate (3)
Expected dividend yield (4)

For the Years Ended

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

40.09

$

31.14

$

27.77

5.9 years

5.9 years

5.9 years

27.1%

1.6%

1.0%

28.5%

1.6%

1.1%

32.4%

2.1%

0.0%

(1)  Based on historical experience of employees’ exercise behavior for similar type awards.

(2)  Based primarily on historical volatility levels of our Class A Common Stock.

(3)  Based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues with a remaining term equal to 

the expected life.

(4)  Based on the calculated yield on our Class A Common Stock at date of grant using the current fiscal year 

projected annualized dividend distribution rate.

A summary of restricted Class A Common Stock activity under our Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan is as 

follows:

February 28, 2017

For the Years Ended

February 29, 2016

February 28, 2015

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Number

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Number

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Number

4,984

4,088

$

$

(4,984) $

— $

119.37

166.34

119.37

—

117,054

$

4,984
$
(116,810) $
(244) $

25.15

119.37

25.16

20.60

408,744

$

6,424
$
(289,688) $
(8,426) $

20.18

87.13

20.90

20.43

4,088

$

166.34

4,984

$

119.37

117,054

$

25.15

$
917,009
$
174,187
(567,643) $
(67,854) $

70.23
156.74
54.29
108.56

$
1,063,726
$
230,742
(269,903) $
(107,556) $

51.16
122.60
44.48
58.65

$
1,104,580
$
250,923
(241,895) $
(49,882) $

39.87
80.72
32.34
41.05

455,699

$

117.44

917,009

$

70.23

1,063,726

$

51.16

Restricted Stock Awards

Outstanding balance as of
March 1, Nonvested

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding balance as of last
day of February, Nonvested

Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding balance as of
March 1, Nonvested

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Outstanding balance as of last
day of February, Nonvested

87

February 28, 2017

For the Years Ended

February 29, 2016

February 28, 2015

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Number

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Number

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Number

501,261

75,765

105,330

$

$

$

(359,370) $

92.41

190.33

66.50

60.50

(72,653) $

144.26

617,684

155,671

$

$

$
219,720
(439,440) $
(52,374) $

58.21

146.25

38.47

38.47

75.42

798,600

108,290

$

$

$
268,260
(536,520) $
(20,946) $

39.67

99.64

21.65

21.65

47.21

250,333

$

141.91

501,261

$

92.41

617,684

$

58.21

Performance Share Units

Outstanding balance as of
March 1, Nonvested

Granted
Performance achievement (1)
Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding balance as of last
day of February, Nonvested

(1)  Reflects the number of awards achieved above target levels based on actual performance measured at the end of 

the performance period.

The fair value of shares vested for our restricted Class A Common Stock awards is as follows:

(in millions)

Restricted stock awards

Restricted stock units

Performance share units

For the Years Ended

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

$

$

0.8

89.4

57.2

$

$

$

13.7

31.7

51.5

$

$

$

23.6

19.7

43.6

The weighted average grant-date fair value of performance share units granted with a market condition and 

the weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo 
Simulation model are as follows:

Grant-date fair value
Grant-date price

Performance period
Expected volatility (1)
Risk-free interest rate (2)
Expected dividend yield (3)

For the Years Ended

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$
$

204.53
157.33

$
$

153.64
117.08

$
$

101.05
79.61

2.8 years
20.6%
1.0%
0.0%

3.0 years
33.5%
0.9%
0.0%

3.0 years
38.2%
0.8%
0.0%

(1)  Based primarily on historical volatility levels of our Class A Common Stock.

(2)  Based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues with a remaining term equal to 

the performance period.

(3)  No expected dividend yield for the years ended February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016, as units granted earn 

dividend equivalents.

Employee stock purchase plan –
We have a stock purchase plan (the “Employee Stock Purchase Plan”) under which 9,000,000 shares of 

Class A Common Stock may be issued.  Under the terms of the plan, eligible employees may purchase shares of our 
Class A Common Stock through payroll deductions.  The purchase price is the lower of 85% of the fair market value 
of the stock on the first or last day of the purchase period.  For the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 

88

2016, and February 28, 2015, employees purchased 77,671 shares, 89,155 shares and 117,301 shares, respectively, 
under this plan.

Other –
As of February 28, 2017, there was $76.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to 

nonvested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under our stock-based employee compensation plans.  
This cost is expected to be recognized in our results of operations over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.  
With respect to the issuance of shares under any of our stock-based compensation plans, we have the option to issue 
authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.

16. 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CBI:

The computation of basic and diluted net income per common share is as follows:

For the Years Ended

February 28, 2017

February 29, 2016

February 28, 2015

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Class A

Class B

Class A

Class B

Class A

Class B

$

1,370.1

$

165.0

$

940.0

$

114.9

$

745.6

$

93.7

165.0

—

114.9

—

(3.1)

—

—

(3.1)

93.7

—

—

(4.0)

$

1,535.1

$

161.9

$

1,054.9

$

111.8

$

839.3

$

89.7

175.934

23.353

173.383

23.363

169.325

23.397

23.353

4.812

—

—

23.363

7.075

—

—

23.397

8.502

—

—

204.099

23.353

203.821

23.363

201.224

23.397

$

$

7.79

7.52

$

$

7.07

6.93

$

$

5.42

5.18

$

$

4.92

4.79

$

$

4.40

4.17

$

$

4.00

3.83

(in millions, except per share data)
Net income attributable to CBI
allocated – basic

Conversion of Class B common
shares into Class A common shares

Effect of stock-based awards on
allocated net income

Net income attributable to CBI
allocated – diluted

Weighted average common shares
outstanding – basic

Conversion of Class B common
shares into Class A common shares
Stock-based awards, primarily
stock options

Weighted average common shares
outstanding – diluted

Net income per common share
attributable to CBI – basic
Net income per common share
attributable to CBI – diluted

89

17. 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:

Other comprehensive loss attributable to CBI includes the following components:

Before Tax
Amount

Tax (Expense)
Benefit

Net of Tax
Amount

$

$

$

$

(203.3) $
—
(203.3)

13.6

$

—

13.6

(33.6)
6.8
(26.8)

(1.0)
—
(1.0)

(8.1)
—
(8.1)
(239.2) $

(310.7) $
—
(310.7)

(59.8)
37.3
(22.5)

(0.4)
0.1
(0.3)

9.6
(3.0)
6.6

—

—
—

2.1

—

2.1
22.3

6.3
—

6.3

16.5
(11.0)
5.5

—
—
—

$

$

(0.1)
0.5
0.4
(333.1) $

—
(0.3)
(0.3)
11.5

$

(189.7)
—
(189.7)

(24.0)
3.8
(20.2)

(1.0)
—
(1.0)

(6.0)
—
(6.0)
(216.9)

(304.4)
—
(304.4)

(43.3)
26.3
(17.0)

(0.4)
0.1
(0.3)

(0.1)
0.2
0.1
(321.6)

(in millions)

For the Year Ended February 28, 2015

Other comprehensive loss attributable to CBI:

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Net losses

Reclassification adjustments

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges:

Net derivative losses

Reclassification adjustments

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss

Unrealized loss on AFS debt securities:

Net AFS debt securities losses

Reclassification adjustments

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss

Pension/postretirement adjustments:

Net actuarial losses

Reclassification adjustments

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss

Other comprehensive loss attributable to CBI

For the Year Ended February 29, 2016

Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CBI:

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Net losses
Reclassification adjustments

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges:

Net derivative losses

Reclassification adjustments

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
Unrealized loss on AFS debt securities:
Net AFS debt securities losses
Reclassification adjustments

Net loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
Pension/postretirement adjustments:

Net actuarial losses
Reclassification adjustments

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive loss

Other comprehensive loss attributable to CBI

90

(in millions)

For the Year Ended February 28, 2017

Other comprehensive income attributable to CBI:

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Net losses

Reclassification adjustments

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges:

Net derivative losses

Reclassification adjustments

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income

Unrealized gain on AFS debt securities:

Net AFS debt securities gains

Reclassification adjustments

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income

Pension/postretirement adjustments:

Net actuarial gains
Reclassification adjustments

Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income attributable to CBI

Before Tax
Amount

Tax (Expense)
Benefit

Net of Tax
Amount

$

$

(78.3) $
111.5

33.2

(0.7) $
—
(0.7)

(34.7)
45.2

10.5

0.4

—

0.4

0.3
11.5

11.8

55.9

$

11.7
(14.1)
(2.4)

0.1

—

0.1

(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.2)
(3.2) $

(79.0)
111.5

32.5

(23.0)
31.1

8.1

0.5

—

0.5

0.2
11.4

11.6

52.7

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax effect, includes the following components:

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments

Net
Unrealized
Losses on
Derivative
Instruments

Net
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on AFS Debt
Securities

Pension/
Postretirement
Adjustments

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

$

(390.5) $

(46.1) $

(2.8) $

(13.1) $

(452.5)

(in millions)

Balance, February 29, 2016
Other comprehensive income:

Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassification adjustments

Amounts reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive
income

Other comprehensive income

Balance, February 28, 2017

$

(79.0)

(23.0)

0.5

0.2

(101.3)

111.5
32.5
(358.0) $

31.1
8.1
(38.0) $

—
0.5
(2.3) $

11.4
11.6
(1.5) $

154.0
52.7
(399.8)

91

18. 

SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK:

Net sales to our five largest customers represented 32.6%, 31.7% and 33.7% of our net sales for the years 

ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, respectively.  Net sales to our five largest 
customers are expected to continue to represent a significant portion of our revenues.  Net sales to an individual 
customer which amount to 10% or more of our net sales, and the associated amounts receivable from this customer 
as a percentage of our accounts receivable, are as follows:

Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits

Net sales

Accounts receivable

For the Years Ended

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

14.1%

32.1%

13.4%

32.0%

15.4%

24.4%

Net sales for the above customer are primarily reported within the Wine and Spirits segment.  Our 

arrangements with certain of our customers may, generally, be terminated by either party with prior notice.  The 
majority of our accounts receivable balance is generated from sales to independent distributors with whom we have 
a predetermined collection date arranged through electronic funds transfer.  We perform ongoing credit evaluations 
of our customers’ financial position, and management is of the opinion that any risk of significant loss is reduced 
due to the diversity of our customers and geographic sales area.

19. 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

The following information sets forth the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of February 28, 2017, 

and February 29, 2016, the condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the years ended 
February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, and the condensed consolidating statements of cash 
flows for the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, for the parent company, 
our combined subsidiaries which guarantee our senior notes (“Subsidiary Guarantors”), our combined subsidiaries 
which are not Subsidiary Guarantors (primarily foreign subsidiaries) (“Subsidiary Nonguarantors”) and the 
Company.  The Subsidiary Guarantors are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the parent company and the 
guarantees are joint and several obligations of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors.  The guarantees are full and 
unconditional, as those terms are used in Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, except that a Subsidiary Guarantor can be 
automatically released and relieved of its obligations under certain customary circumstances contained in the 
indentures governing our senior notes.  These customary circumstances include, so long as other applicable 
provisions of the indentures are adhered to, the termination or release of a Subsidiary Guarantor’s guarantee of other 
indebtedness or upon the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of our senior notes.  
Separate financial statements for our Subsidiary Guarantors are not presented because we have determined that such 
financial statements would not be material to investors.  The accounting policies of the parent company, the 
Subsidiary Guarantors and the Subsidiary Nonguarantors are the same as those described for the Company in the 
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1.  There are no restrictions on the ability of the Subsidiary 
Guarantors to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.

92

(in millions)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at February 28, 2017

Parent
Company

Subsidiary
Guarantors

Subsidiary
Nonguarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Intercompany receivable

Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investments in subsidiaries

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Intercompany notes receivable

Other assets

Total assets

Current liabilities:

Notes payable to banks

$

$

5.8

$

162.0

$

— $

$

9.6

2.4

162.3

21,927.8

40.4

18.5

1,628.5

28,384.7

74.8

22,142.5

30,112.3

69.5

13,884.2

—

—

5,074.5

17.9

951.1

125.0

6,589.9

955.1

188.3

77.2

716.1

330.9

12,410.6

169.0

13,788.6

2,912.2

—

1,330.6

2,422.6

100.6

46.3

—
(166.6)
(62,723.1)
76.3
(62,813.4)
—
(14,009.2)
—

—
(5,363.4)
—

41,188.6

$

38,998.9

$

20,600.9

$

(82,186.0) $

18,602.4

231.0

$

— $

375.5

$

— $

Current maturities of long-term debt

Accounts payable

Accrued excise taxes

Intercompany payable
Other accrued expenses and liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, less current maturities

Deferred income taxes

Intercompany notes payable
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Total CBI stockholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

767.9

47.6

17.8

27,675.4
252.4

28,992.1

5,260.2

13.3

—
31.8

34,297.4

6,891.2

—

16.3

146.2

26.0

22,786.3
138.8

23,113.6

23.0

823.2

5,334.0
18.9

29,312.7

9,686.2

—

Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $

6,891.2
41,188.6

$

9,686.2
38,998.9

$

126.7

366.0

0.8

12,261.4
153.0

13,283.4

2,437.5

297.1

29.4
115.0

16,162.4

4,444.9
(6.4)
4,438.5
20,600.9

$

—

—

—
(62,723.1)
31.6
(62,691.5)
—

—
(5,363.4)
—
(68,054.9)
(14,131.1)
—
(14,131.1)
(82,186.0) $

93

177.4

737.0

1,955.1

—

360.5

3,230.0

3,932.8

—

7,920.5

3,377.7

—

141.4

606.5

910.9

559.8

44.6

—
575.8

2,697.6

7,720.7

1,133.6

—
165.7

11,717.6

6,891.2
(6.4)
6,884.8
18,602.4

(in millions)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet at February 29, 2016

Parent
Company

Subsidiary
Guarantors

Subsidiary
Nonguarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Intercompany receivable

Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investments in subsidiaries

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Intercompany notes receivable

Other assets

Total assets

Current liabilities:

Notes payable to banks
Current maturities of long-term debt

Accounts payable

Accrued excise taxes

Intercompany payable

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, less current maturities

Deferred income taxes

Intercompany notes payable

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Total CBI stockholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

$

$

4.2

$

72.9

$

— $

$

6.0

0.4

151.6

17,459.3

29.6

22.3

1,483.5

23,758.9

67.8

17,646.9

25,336.7

63.2

13,047.2

—

—

4,705.9

20.0

879.8

19.0

6,376.4

970.9

86.6

69.6

709.8

344.0

9,393.5

281.1

10,801.3

2,390.4

—

762.2

2,430.8

—

22.0

—
(127.5)
(50,611.7)
(68.1)
(50,807.3)
—
(13,066.2)
—

2.1
(4,792.5)
—

83.1

732.5

1,851.6

—

310.4

2,977.6

3,333.4

—

7,138.6

3,403.8

—

111.6

35,483.2

$

33,739.0

$

16,406.7

$

(68,663.9) $

16,965.0

— $

— $

765.6

37.7

14.7

22,293.3

349.1
23,460.4

5,421.4

11.9

—

29.9
28,923.6

6,559.6

—

18.0

100.7

14.7

19,018.6

185.1
19,337.1

26.3

734.8

4,776.6

39.1
24,913.9

8,825.1

—

$

408.3
73.1

290.9

4.2

9,299.8

119.4
10,195.7

1,368.5

275.5

15.9

93.5
11,949.1

4,325.4

132.2

4,457.6
16,406.7

$

— $
—

—

—
(50,611.7)
(109.2)
(50,720.9)
—

—
(4,792.5)
—
(55,513.4)
(13,150.5)
—
(13,150.5)
(68,663.9) $

408.3
856.7

429.3

33.6

—

544.4
2,272.3

6,816.2

1,022.2

—

162.5
10,273.2

6,559.6

132.2

6,691.8
16,965.0

Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $

6,559.6
35,483.2

$

8,825.1
33,739.0

$

94

(in millions)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended February 28, 2017

Parent
Company

Subsidiary
Guarantors

Subsidiary
Nonguarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

Sales

Less – excise taxes

Net sales

Cost of product sold

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative
expenses

Gain on sale of business

Operating income

Equity in earnings (losses) of equity
method investees and subsidiaries

Interest income

Intercompany interest income

Interest expense

Intercompany interest expense

Income before income taxes

(Provision for) benefit from income
taxes

Net income

Net income attributable to
noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to CBI

Comprehensive income attributable to
CBI

$

$

$

2,832.6

$

(351.9)

2,480.7

(1,974.5)

506.2

(417.2)

(23.4)

65.6

1,657.4

0.4

227.1

(280.0)

(311.1)

1,359.4

175.7

1,535.1

$

6,453.2
(321.1)
6,132.1
(4,433.1)
1,699.0

$

3,125.0
(57.1)
3,067.9
(1,653.8)
1,414.1

(4,349.2) $
—
(4,349.2)
4,259.3
(89.9)

(800.8)
(4.3)
893.9

33.3

—

311.5
(1.5)
(226.7)
1,010.5

(396.2)
614.3

(222.8)
290.1

1,481.4

(0.8)
1.4

—
(53.6)
(0.8)
1,427.6

(337.2)
1,090.4

48.4

—
(41.5)

(1,662.6)
—
(538.6)
—

538.6
(1,704.1)

3.5
(1,700.6)

—
1,535.1

$

—
614.3

$

(4.1)
1,086.3

$

—
(1,700.6) $

8,061.6
(730.1)
7,331.5
(3,802.1)
3,529.4

(1,392.4)
262.4

2,399.4

27.3

1.8

—
(335.1)
—

2,093.4

(554.2)
1,539.2

(4.1)
1,535.1

1,587.8

$

614.1

$

1,108.7

$

(1,722.8) $

1,587.8

95

(in millions)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended February 29, 2016

Parent
Company

Subsidiary
Guarantors

Subsidiary
Nonguarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

2,522.8

$

Sales

Less – excise taxes

Net sales

Cost of product sold

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative
expenses

Operating income

Equity in earnings of equity method
investees and subsidiaries

Dividend income

Interest income

Intercompany interest income

Interest expense

Intercompany interest expense

Loss on write-off of debt issuance costs

Income before income taxes
(Provision for) benefit from income
taxes

Net income

Net income attributable to
noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to CBI

Comprehensive income attributable to
CBI

$

$

(332.6)

2,190.2

(1,759.6)

430.6

(378.4)

52.2

1,224.2

—

0.2

191.4

(290.1)

(267.4)

(0.4)

910.1

144.8
1,054.9

$

5,614.9
(281.1)
5,333.8
(3,906.2)
1,427.6

(652.6)
775.0

31.2

—

—

268.0
(0.2)
(191.3)
—

882.7

(346.3)
536.4

$

3,024.5
(61.7)
2,962.8
(1,823.8)
1,139.0

(176.5)
962.5

0.5

24.5

0.6

0.1
(24.4)
(0.8)
(0.7)
962.3

(247.4)
714.9

(3,938.4) $
—
(3,938.4)
3,883.5
(54.9)

30.3
(24.6)

(1,229.3)
—

—
(459.5)
—

459.5

—
(1,253.9)

8.3
(1,245.6)

—

—

1,054.9

$

536.4

$

(5.7)
709.2

$

—
(1,245.6) $

7,223.8
(675.4)
6,548.4
(3,606.1)
2,942.3

(1,177.2)
1,765.1

26.6

24.5

0.8

—
(314.7)
—
(1.1)
1,501.2

(440.6)
1,060.6

(5.7)
1,054.9

733.3

$

531.9

$

383.7

$

(915.6) $

733.3

96

(in millions)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended February 28, 2015

Parent
Company

Subsidiary
Guarantors

Subsidiary
Nonguarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

2,406.4

$

Sales

Less – excise taxes

Net sales

Cost of product sold

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative
expenses

Operating income

Equity in earnings of equity method
investees and subsidiaries

Interest income

Intercompany interest income

Interest expense

Intercompany interest expense
Loss on write-off of debt issuance costs

Income before income taxes

(Provision for) benefit from income
taxes

Net income

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling
interests

Net income attributable to CBI

Comprehensive income attributable to
CBI

$

$

(324.8)

2,081.6

(1,678.4)

403.2

(388.2)

15.0

828.0

0.1

177.8

(296.4)

(222.0)
—

502.5

336.8

839.3

—

$

5,078.3
(251.6)
4,826.7
(3,629.0)
1,197.7

(470.1)
727.6

24.6

—

222.7
(1.4)
(177.6)
—

795.9

(295.5)
500.4

$

3,004.1
(67.7)
2,936.4
(1,870.3)
1,066.1

(273.4)
792.7

1.2

1.3

—
(41.3)
(0.9)
(4.4)
748.6

(395.7)
352.9

—

3.1

(3,816.7) $
—
(3,816.7)
3,728.3
(88.4)

53.3
(35.1)

(832.3)
—
(400.5)
—

400.5
—
(867.4)

11.0
(856.4)

—
(856.4) $

6,672.1
(644.1)
6,028.0
(3,449.4)
2,578.6

(1,078.4)
1,500.2

21.5

1.4

—
(339.1)
—
(4.4)
1,179.6

(343.4)
836.2

3.1

839.3

839.3

$

500.4

$

356.0

$

622.4

$

503.7

$

132.2

$

(635.9) $

622.4

97

(in millions)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended February 28, 2017

Parent
Company

Subsidiary
Guarantors

Subsidiary
Nonguarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

171.9

$

1,152.1

$

1,027.4

$

(655.4) $

1,696.0

Net cash provided by operating
activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of businesses, net of cash
acquired

Purchases of property, plant and
equipment

Proceeds from sale of business

Net proceeds from intercompany
notes

Net returns of capital from equity
affiliates

Other investing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Dividends paid to parent company

Net returns of capital to equity
affiliates

Net proceeds from (repayments of)
intercompany notes

Purchases of treasury stock

Principal payments of long-term debt
Dividends paid

Payments of minimum tax
withholdings on stock-based payment
awards
Payments of debt issuance costs and
other financing costs

Proceeds from issuance of long-term
debt

Net proceeds from (repayments of)
notes payable
Excess tax benefits from stock-based
payment awards
Proceeds from shares issued under
equity compensation plans

—

(284.9)

(826.1)

(12.8)

(9.9)

430.1

470.7

0.7

878.8

—

—

141.2

(1,122.7)

(767.6)
(315.1)

—

(5.0)

600.0

231.0

131.4

59.7

—

—

—

(733.8)

585.2

—

(447.8)

—
(19.3)

(470.7)
—

(1,111.0)

(907.4)

575.3

—

—
(18.7)

(160.8)

—

17.7

—
(0.1)

(428.1)

(994.0)

(918.5)

(1,461.8)

—

(868.7)

(31.2)

(226.2)

(608.7)
—
(20.6)
—

(61.9)

—

—

—

—

—

19.7

—
(183.6)
—

(3.0)

(9.1)

1,365.6

(33.9)

—

—

868.7

257.4

447.8

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
(1,122.7)
(971.8)
(315.1)

(64.9)

(14.1)

1,965.6

197.1

131.4

59.7

Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents

Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

(1,047.1)

(722.4)

60.8

1,573.9

(134.8)

(5.1)

89.1

72.9

—

—

—

$

162.0

$

— $

(5.1)

94.3

83.1

177.4

—

1.6

4.2

5.8

—

3.6

6.0

9.6

$

98

Parent
Company

Subsidiary
Guarantors

Subsidiary
Nonguarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

(in millions)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended February 29, 2016

Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities

$

(476.2) $

1,249.6

$

667.8

$

(27.5) $

1,413.7

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of businesses, net of cash
acquired

Purchases of property, plant and
equipment

Net proceeds from intercompany
notes

Net investments in equity affiliates

Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Dividends paid to parent company

Net contributions from equity
affiliates

Net proceeds from (repayments of)
intercompany notes

Purchases of treasury stock

Principal payments of long-term debt

Dividends paid
Payments of minimum tax
withholdings on stock-based payment
awards

Payments of debt issuance costs and
other financing costs

Proceeds from issuance of long-term
debt

Net proceeds from notes payable
Excess tax benefits from stock-based
payment awards
Proceeds from shares issued under
equity compensation plans

Proceeds from noncontrolling
interests

Net cash provided by financing
activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

—

(1,314.7)

(1.7)

(14.1)

(61.6)

(815.6)

—

—

(188.8)
550.1

—

361.3

(1,316.4)

(891.3)

—

—

0.3
(2,207.4)

—

—
(3.4)
(820.7)

143.9

(550.1)

3.5

(416.8)

—

60.9

250.4

(33.8)

(64.5)

(241.6)

44.9

—

0.2
(1,331.2)

—

266.8

(106.4)
—
(39.4)
—

—

(35.9)

—

—

—

—

—

—

85.1

—

3.5

0.7
4.2

(13.3)

600.0

—

203.4

113.0

—

874.5

—

(18.5)

24.5
6.0

$

99

(88.8)

88.8

283.7

(611.4)

(332.8)
—
(104.8)
—

(2.7)

—

10.0

360.6

—

—

25.0

150.2

(9.3)

(12.0)

84.9
72.9

$

$

188.8

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(333.8)

—

—

—
— $

—

—

—
(33.8)
(208.7)
(241.6)

(38.6)

(13.3)

610.0

360.6

203.4

113.0

25.0

776.0

(9.3)

(27.0)

110.1
83.1

Parent
Company

Subsidiary
Guarantors

Subsidiary
Nonguarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

(in millions)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended February 28, 2015

Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities

$

(553.6) $

784.5

$

850.1

$

— $

1,081.0

—

(310.3)

(83.7)

(612.6)

—

—
(5.6)

—

—

19.5

—

—

(485.4)
2.6

—

(310.3)

(719.4)

—

—

13.8

(89.3)

(903.4)

(482.8)

(1,015.9)

—

(23.1)

485.4

(2.6)

(0.1)

459.6

—

—

(262.8)

(549.2)

—

(31.5)

(618.1)
(19.6)

—

(26.1)

(11.7)

800.0

—

78.0

63.7

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of businesses, net of cash
acquired

Purchases of property, plant and
equipment

Net proceeds from intercompany
notes

Net investments in equity affiliates

Other investing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Dividends paid to parent company

Net contributions from (returns of
capital to) equity affiliates

Net proceeds from (repayments of)
intercompany notes

Principal payments of long-term debt
Payments of minimum tax
withholdings on stock-based payment
awards

Payments of debt issuance costs and
other financing costs

Proceeds from issuance of long-term
debt

Net proceeds from notes payable
Excess tax benefits from stock-based
payment awards
Proceeds from shares issued under
equity compensation plans
Proceeds from noncontrolling
interests
Payment of delayed purchase price
arrangement

Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

(38.8)

72.9

395.5
(36.9)

(2.3)

(2.1)

105.0

13.1

—

—

115.0

(543.3)

38.8

(41.4)

485.4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
(605.7)

(28.4)

(13.8)

905.0

13.1

78.0

63.7

115.0

(543.3)

(16.4)

(2.5)

46.2

63.9
110.1

118.0

(695.3)

78.1

482.8

—

24.0

0.5
24.5

$

—

(0.1)

0.8
0.7

$

(2.5)

22.3

62.6
84.9

$

—

—

—
— $

100

20. 

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION:

Our internal management financial reporting consists of two business divisions:  (i)  Beer and (ii)  Wine and 

Spirits, and we report our operating results in three segments:  (i)  Beer, (ii)  Wine and Spirits, and (iii)  Corporate 
Operations and Other.  In the Beer segment, our portfolio consists of high-end imported and craft beer brands.  We 
have an exclusive perpetual brand license to import, market and sell in the U.S. our Mexican beer portfolio.  In the 
Wine and Spirits segment, we sell a large number of wine brands across all categories – table wine, sparkling wine 
and dessert wine – and across all price points – popular, premium and luxury categories, primarily within the 
$5 to $25 price range at U.S. retail – complemented by certain premium spirits brands.  Amounts included in the 
Corporate Operations and Other segment consist of costs of executive management, corporate development, 
corporate finance, human resources, internal audit, investor relations, legal, public relations and information 
technology.  The amounts included in the Corporate Operations and Other segment are general costs that are 
applicable to the consolidated group and are therefore not allocated to the other reportable segments.  All costs 
reported within the Corporate Operations and Other segment are not included in our chief operating decision 
maker’s evaluation of the operating income performance of the other reportable segments.  The business segments 
reflect how our operations are managed, how resources are allocated, how operating performance is evaluated by 
senior management and the structure of our internal financial reporting.

In addition, management excludes items that affect comparability (“Comparable Adjustments”) from its 

evaluation of the results of each operating segment as these Comparable Adjustments are not reflective of core 
operations of the segments.  Segment operating performance and segment management compensation are evaluated 
based upon core segment operating income (loss).  As such, the performance measures for incentive compensation 
purposes for segment management do not include the impact of these Comparable Adjustments.

We evaluate segment operating performance based on operating income (loss) of the respective business 

units.  Comparable Adjustments that impacted comparability in our segment operating income (loss) for each period 
are as follows:

February 28,
2017

For the Years Ended
February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

(in millions)

Cost of product sold

Settlements of undesignated commodity derivative contracts

$

23.4

$

Net gain (loss) on undesignated commodity derivative contracts
Flow through of inventory step-up

Amortization of favorable interim supply agreement

Other losses

Total cost of product sold

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Impairment of intangible assets
Costs associated with the Canadian Divestiture and related activities
Transaction, integration and other acquisition-related costs
Restructuring and related charges
Other gains (losses)

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

Gain on sale of business

16.3
(20.1)
(2.2)
—

17.4

(37.6)
(20.4)
(14.2)
(0.9)
(2.6)
(75.7)

262.4

$

29.5
(48.1)
(18.4)
(31.7)
—
(68.7)

—
—
(15.4)
(16.4)
—
(31.8)

—

4.4
(32.7)
—
(28.4)
(2.8)
(59.5)

—
—
(30.5)
—
7.2
(23.3)

—

Comparable Adjustments, Operating income (loss)

$

204.1

$

(100.5) $

(82.8)

101

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described for the Company in the Summary 

of Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1.  Segment information is as follows:

(in millions)

Beer

Net sales

Segment operating income

Long-lived tangible assets

Total assets

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

Wine and Spirits

Net sales:

Wine

Spirits
Net sales

Segment operating income

Earnings from unconsolidated investments

Long-lived tangible assets

Investments in equity method investees
Total assets

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

Corporate Operations and Other

Segment operating loss

Losses from unconsolidated investments
Long-lived tangible assets

Investments in equity method investees

Total assets

Capital expenditures
Depreciation and amortization

Comparable Adjustments
Operating income (loss)
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated investments
Depreciation and amortization

Consolidated
Net sales
Operating income
Earnings from unconsolidated investments
Long-lived tangible assets

Investments in equity method investees
Total assets

Capital expenditures
Depreciation and amortization

For the Years Ended

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$
$
$

$
$
$
$

$
$

$
$

4,229.3

1,534.4

2,810.0

11,325.3

759.2

114.9

2,739.3

362.9
3,102.2

800.8

29.2

992.9

77.6
6,976.6

100.0

99.4

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

3,622.6

1,264.1

2,187.8

9,900.7

800.3

61.5

2,591.4

334.4
2,925.8

727.0

26.6

1,039.8

76.2
6,770.4

81.7

100.2

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

(139.9) $
(0.2) $
$

129.9

21.1

300.5

48.2
31.4

$

$

$
$

(125.5) $
— $
$

105.8

6.0

293.9

9.3
27.6

$

$

$
$

204.1

$
(1.7) $
$
2.2

(100.5) $
$
24.5
$
31.7

3,188.6

1,017.8

1,485.6

8,281.0

587.3

45.4

2,523.4

316.0
2,839.4

674.3

21.5

1,071.8

73.5
6,508.2

96.8

100.0

(109.1)
—
124.2

—

303.8

35.3
28.2

(82.8)
—
28.4

7,331.5
2,399.4
27.3
3,932.8

98.7
18,602.4

907.4
247.9

$
$
$
$

$
$

$
$

6,548.4
1,765.1
51.1
3,333.4

82.2
16,965.0

891.3
221.0

$
$
$
$

$
$

$
$

6,028.0
1,500.2
21.5
2,681.6

73.5
15,093.0

719.4
202.0

102

Earnings from unconsolidated investments consist of equity in earnings from equity method investees of 

$27.3 million, $26.6 million and $21.5 million for the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and 
February 28, 2015, respectively, and dividend income from a retained interest in a previously divested business of 
$24.5 million for the year ended February 29, 2016.

Our principal area of operation is in the U.S.  Current operations outside the U.S. are in Mexico for the Beer 
segment and primarily in New Zealand, Italy and Canada for the Wine and Spirits segment.  Revenues are attributed 
to countries based on the location of the customer.

Geographic data is as follows:

(in millions)

Net sales

U.S.

Non-U.S. (primarily Canada)

(in millions)

Long-lived tangible assets

U.S.

Non-U.S. (primarily Mexico)

For the Years Ended

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

February 28,
2015

$

$

6,807.7

523.8

7,331.5

$

$

5,960.9

587.5

6,548.4

$

$

5,360.0

668.0

6,028.0

February 28,
2017

February 29,
2016

$

$

1,037.6

2,895.2

3,932.8

$

$

933.3

2,400.1

3,333.4

21. 

ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE NOT YET ADOPTED:

Revenue recognition –
In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from contracts with 

customers.  Under this guidance, an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to 
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for 
those goods or services.  A five step process will be utilized to recognize revenue, as follows:  (i)  identify the 
contract with a customer, (ii)  identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii)  determine the transaction 
price, (iv)  allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v)  recognize revenue 
when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.  Additionally, this guidance requires improved disclosures 
regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with 
customers.  We are required to adopt this guidance for our annual and interim periods beginning March 1, 2018, 
utilizing one of two methods:  retrospective restatement for each reporting period presented at time of adoption, or a 
modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying this guidance recognized at the date 
of initial application.

We intend to implement this guidance under the retrospective approach.  Based on our preliminary review, 

we expect that the broad definition of variable consideration under this guidance will require us to estimate and 
record certain variable payments resulting from various sales incentives earlier than we currently record them.  We 
do not expect this change to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  We are currently 
preparing to implement changes to our accounting policies, systems and controls to support the new revenue 
recognition and disclosure requirements.

103

Leases –
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance for the accounting for leases.  Under this guidance, a lessee 
will recognize assets and liabilities for most leases, but will recognize expense similar to current lease accounting 
guidance.  For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election 
not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities.  We are required to adopt this guidance for our annual and interim 
periods beginning March 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach.  We are currently assessing the financial 
impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Stock compensation –
In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends, among other items, the accounting for income 

taxes related to share-based compensation and the related classification in the statement of cash flows.  This 
guidance requires the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies (resulting from an increase or decrease in 
the fair value of an award from grant date to the vesting or settlement date) in the provision for income taxes as a 
discrete item in the quarterly period in which they occur.  Through February 28, 2017, these amounts were 
recognized in additional paid-in capital at the time of vesting or settlement.  In addition, these amounts will be 
classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows instead of as a financing activity where they are 
currently recorded.  This guidance will also impact our calculation of diluted earnings per share under the treasury 
stock method, as excess tax benefits and deficiencies resulting from share-based compensation are no longer 
included in the assumed proceeds calculation.

For the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015, we recognized excess 
tax benefits of $131.4 million, $203.4 million and $78.0 million, respectively, in additional paid-in capital.  These 
amounts may not necessarily be indicative of future amounts that may be recognized subsequent to the adoption of 
the amended standard, as any excess tax benefits recognized will be dependent upon future stock prices, employee 
exercise behavior and applicable tax rates.  We adopted this guidance on March 1, 2017, on a prospective basis.

22. 

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):

A summary of selected quarterly financial information is as follows:

QUARTER ENDED

May 31,
2016

August 31,
2016

November 30,
2016

February 28,
2017

Full Year

(in millions, except per share data)

Fiscal 2017
Net sales

Gross profit
Net income attributable to CBI (1)
Net income per common share 
attributable to CBI (1) (2):

Basic – Class A Common Stock
Basic – Class B Convertible Common
Stock
Diluted – Class A Common Stock
Diluted – Class B Convertible
Common Stock

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

1,871.8

881.3

318.3

1.61

1.46
1.55

1.43

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

2,021.2

969.0

358.9

1.81

1.64
1.75

1.61

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

1,810.5

891.4

405.9

2.04

1.85
1.98

1.82

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

1,628.0

787.7

452.0

2.34

2.12
2.26

2.09

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

7,331.5

3,529.4

1,535.1

7.79

7.07
7.52

6.93

104

QUARTER ENDED

May 31,
2015

August 31,
2015

November 30,
2015

February 29,
2016

Full Year

(in millions, except per share data)

Fiscal 2016

Net sales

Gross profit

Net income attributable to CBI

Net income per common share 
attributable to CBI (2):

Basic – Class A Common Stock

Basic – Class B Convertible Common
Stock

Diluted – Class A Common Stock

Diluted – Class B Convertible
Common Stock

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,631.3

737.1

238.6

1.24

1.12

1.18

1.09

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,733.4

775.6

302.4

1.56

1.42

1.49

1.38

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,640.5

733.5

270.5

1.39

1.26

1.33

1.22

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,543.2

696.1

243.4

1.23

1.12

1.19

1.10

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

6,548.4

2,942.3

1,054.9

5.42

4.92

5.18

4.79

(1) 

Includes gain on sale of business, net of income tax effect, of $196.1 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 
in connection with the Canadian Divestiture.

(2)  The sum of the quarterly net income per common share for Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 may not equal the total 

computed for the respective years as the net income per common share is computed independently for each of the 
quarters presented and for the full year.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not Applicable.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as 

of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined 
in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective to ensure that information 
required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i)  is 
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange 
Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii)  is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief 
Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required 
disclosure.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

(a)  See page 52 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over 

Financial Reporting, which is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)  See page 53 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the attestation report of KPMG LLP, our independent 

registered public accounting firm, which is incorporated herein by reference.

(c)  In connection with management’s quarterly evaluation of “internal control over financial reporting” (as 

defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), no changes were identified in 
our internal control over financial reporting during our fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2017 (our fourth 

105

fiscal quarter) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control 
over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information.

Not Applicable.

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

PART III

The information required by this Item (except for the information regarding executive officers required by 

Item 401 of Regulation S-K which is included in Part I hereof in accordance with General Instruction G(3)) is 
incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be issued in connection with the Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders of our Company which is expected to be held on July 18, 2017, under those sections of the Proxy 
Statement to be titled “Director Nominees,” “The Board of Directors and Committees of the Board” and “Section 
16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”  That Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the 
end of our fiscal year.

We have adopted the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Executive Code of Ethics which is a 
code of ethics that applies to our chief executive officer and our senior financial officers.  The Chief Executive 
Officer and Senior Financial Executive Code of Ethics is located on our Internet website at http://
www.cbrands.com/investors/corporate-governance.  Amendments to, and waivers granted under, our Chief 
Executive Officer and Senior Financial Executive Code of Ethics, if any, will be posted to our website as well.  We 
will provide to anyone, without charge, upon request, a copy of such Code of Ethics.  Such requests should be 
directed in writing to Investor Relations Department, Constellation Brands, Inc., 207 High Point Drive, Building 
100, Victor, New York 14564 or by telephoning our Investor Center at 1-888-922-2150.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be 
issued in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of our Company which is expected to be held on 
July 18, 2017,  under those sections of the Proxy Statement to be titled “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation 
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Director Compensation.”  That Proxy Statement will be filed 
within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee 
Report included within the section of the Proxy Statement to be titled “Executive Compensation” is only being 
“furnished” hereunder and shall not be deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to 
the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters.

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be 
issued in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of our Company which is expected to be held on 
July 18, 2017, under that section of the Proxy Statement to be titled “Beneficial Ownership.”  That Proxy Statement 
will be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.  Additional information required by this item is as 
follows:

106

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information with respect to our compensation plans under which our equity 

securities may be issued, as of February 28, 2017.  The equity compensation plans approved by security holders 
include our Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and our 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

(a)

(b)

Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

(c)
Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a))

8,973,565 (1)

—

8,973,565

$

$

$

44.31 (2)

14,901,443 (3)

—

44.31

—

14,901,443

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders

Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders

Total

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Includes 447,611 shares of unvested performance share units and 455,699 shares of unvested restricted stock 
units under our Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.  The unvested performance share units represent the maximum 
number of shares to be awarded, which ranges from 100% to 200% of the target shares granted. We currently 
estimate that 113,740 of the target shares granted will be awarded at 200% of target; 95,057 of the target shares 
granted will be awarded at 100% of target and 41,536 of the target shares granted will be awarded at less than 
100% of target based upon our expectations as of February 28, 2017, regarding the achievement of specified 
performance targets.

Excludes unvested performance share units and unvested restricted stock units under our Long-Term Stock 
Incentive Plan that can be exercised for no consideration.

Includes 1,574,880 shares of Class A Common Stock under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan remaining 
available for purchase, of which approximately 42,500 shares are subject to purchase during the current offering 
period.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be 
issued in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of our Company which is expected to be held on 
July 18, 2017, under those sections of the Proxy Statement to be titled “Director Nominees,” “The Board of 
Directors and Committees of the Board” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”  That Proxy 
Statement will be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be 
issued in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of our Company which is expected to be held on 
July 18, 2017, under that section of the Proxy Statement to be titled “Proposal 2 – Ratification of the Selection of 
KPMG LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”  That Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 
days after the end of our fiscal year.

107

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

1.  Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company are submitted herewith:

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – KPMG LLP

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – KPMG LLP

Consolidated Balance Sheets – February 28, 2017, and February 29, 2016

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended February 28, 
2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended 
February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 28, 2017, 
February 29, 2016, and February 28, 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2.  Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules are not submitted because they are not applicable or not required under Regulation S-X 
or because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3.  Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulations S-K

For the exhibits that are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference, see the Index to Exhibits 
located on page 110 of this Report.  The Index to Exhibits is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary.

None.

108

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

SIGNATURES

April 27, 2017

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.

By:

/s/ Robert Sands
Robert Sands, President and
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by 

the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/s/ Robert Sands
Robert Sands, Director, President and
Chief Executive Officer (principal
executive officer)

April 27, 2017

/s/ Richard Sands

Richard Sands, Director and
Chairman of the Board
April 27, 2017

/s/ Jerry Fowden

Jerry Fowden, Director
April 27, 2017

/s/ Robert L. Hanson
Robert L. Hanson, Director
April 27, 2017

/s/ James A. Locke III

James A. Locke III, Director
April 27, 2017

/s/ Judy A. Schmeling

Judy A. Schmeling, Director
April 27, 2017

/s/ David Klein
David Klein, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer and
principal accounting officer)

April 27, 2017

/s/ Frederic Cumenal
Frederic Cumenal, Director

April 27, 2017

/s/ Barry Fromberg
Barry Fromberg, Director
April 27, 2017

/s/ Ernesto M. Hernández
Ernesto M. Hernández, Director
April 27, 2017

/s/ Daniel J. McCarthy
Daniel J. McCarthy, Director
April 27, 2017

/s/ Keith E. Wandell

Keith E. Wandell, Director
April 27, 2017

109

 
Exhibit 
No.
2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

3.1

3.2

3.3

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2012, among Constellation Beers Ltd.,
Constellation Brands Beach Holdings, Inc., Constellation Brands, Inc. and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (filed
as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated June 28, 2012, filed
November 9, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference). +#

Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 13, 2013, among
Constellation Beers Ltd., Constellation Brands Beach Holdings, Inc., Constellation Brands, Inc. and Anheuser-
Busch InBev SA/NV (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A
dated February 13, 2013, filed February 25, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference). +

First Amendment dated as of April 19, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase
Agreement, dated as of February 13, 2013, among Constellation Beers Ltd., Constellation Brands Beach
Holdings, Inc., Constellation Brands, Inc. and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 19, 2013, filed April 19, 2013 and incorporated herein by
reference). +

Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 13, 2013, between Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and
Constellation Brands, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on
Form 8-K/A dated February 13, 2013, filed February 25, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference). +

First Amendment dated as of April 19, 2013, to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 13, 2013,
between Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and Constellation Brands, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 19, 2013, filed April 19, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference). +

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference). #

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein
by reference). #

Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, amended as of October 4, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2016 and incorporated
herein by reference).

Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2006, by and among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors
and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K dated August 15, 2006, filed August 18, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 1, with respect to 7.25% Senior Notes due 2016 (no longer outstanding), dated as of
August 15, 2006, among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and BNY Midwest Trust
Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 15, 2006,
filed August 18, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of November 30, 2006, by and among the Company, Vincor International
Partnership, Vincor International II, LLC, Vincor Holdings, Inc., R.H. Phillips, Inc., The Hogue Cellars, Ltd.,
Vincor Finance, LLC, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.28 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by
reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of May 4, 2007, by and among the Company, Barton SMO Holdings
LLC, ALCOFI INC., and Spirits Marque One LLC, and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as
Exhibit 4.32 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2007 and
incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 4, with respect to 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2014 (no longer outstanding), dated as
of December 5, 2007, by and among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and The Bank
of New York Trust Company, N.A., (as successor to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit
4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2007, filed December 11, 2007 and
incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of January 22, 2008, by and among the Company, BWE, Inc., Atlas Peak
Vineyards, Inc., Buena Vista Winery, Inc., Clos du Bois Wines, Inc., Gary Farrell Wines, Inc., Peak Wines
International, Inc., and Planet 10 Spirits, LLC, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (successor
trustee to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference). #

110

4.7

4.8

4.9

4.10

4.11

4.12

4.13

4.14

4.15

4.16

4.17

4.18

4.19

4.20

4.21

Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated as of February 27, 2009, by and among the Company, Constellation
Services LLC, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company National Association (successor trustee to
BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 7, dated as of June 7, 2013, among the Company, Constellation Brands Beach
Holdings, Inc., Crown Imports LLC, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association,
as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2013, filed June 11,
2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 8, dated as of May 28, 2014, among the Company, Constellation Marketing
Services, Inc., and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (filed as
Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2014 and
incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 9, dated as of January 15, 2016, among the Company, Home Brew Mart, Inc., and
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (successor trustee to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as
Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

Indenture, with respect to 7.25% Senior Notes due May 2017, dated May 14, 2007, by and among the Company,
as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (filed
as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2007, filed May 14, 2007 and
incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of January 22, 2008, by and among the Company, BWE, Inc., Atlas Peak
Vineyards, Inc., Buena Vista Winery, Inc., Clos du Bois Wines, Inc., Gary Farrell Wines, Inc., Peak Wines
International, Inc., and Planet 10 Spirits, LLC, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (successor
trustee to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of February 27, 2009, by and among the Company, Constellation
Services LLC, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company National Association (successor trustee to
BNY Midwest Trust Company), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of June 7, 2013, among the Company, Constellation Brands Beach
Holdings, Inc., Crown Imports LLC, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association,
as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2013, filed June 11,
2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of May 28, 2014, among the Company, Constellation Marketing
Services, Inc., and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (filed as
Exhibit 4.14 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2014 and
incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of January 15, 2016, among the Company, Home Brew Mart, Inc. and
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (successor trustee to BNY Midwest Trust Company), as
Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

Indenture, dated as of April 17, 2012, by and among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors
and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K dated April 17, 2012, filed April 23, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 1, with respect to 6.0% Senior Notes due May 2022, dated as of April 17, 2012,
among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust
Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 17, 2012,
filed April 23, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference). #

Supplemental Indenture No. 3, with respect to 3.75% Senior Notes due May 2021, dated as of May 14, 2013,
among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust
Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 14, 2013,
filed May 16, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 4, with respect to 4.25% Senior Notes due May 2023, dated as of May 14, 2013,
among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust
Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 14, 2013,
filed May 16, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of June 7, 2013, among the Company, Constellation Brands Beach
Holdings, Inc., Crown Imports LLC, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as
Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2013, filed June 11, 2013 and
incorporated herein by reference).

111

4.22

4.23

4.24

4.25

4.26

4.27

4.28

4.29

4.30

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

Supplemental Indenture No. 6 dated as of May 28, 2014, among the Company, Constellation Marketing Services,
Inc., and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 7, with respect to 3.875% Senior Notes due 2019, dated as of November 3, 2014,
among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust
Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 3,
2014, filed November 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 8, with respect to 4.750% Senior Notes due 2024, dated as of November 3, 2014,
among the Company as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust
Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on form 8-K dated November 3,
2014, filed November 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 9, with respect to 4.750% Senior Notes due 2025, dated December 4, 2015, among
the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors, and Manufacturer’s and Traders Trust Company, as
Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current report on Form 8-K, dated December 4, 2015, filed
December 8, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 10, dated as of January 15, 2016, among the Company, Home Brew Mart, Inc., and
Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016 and incorporated by reference).

Supplemental Indenture No. 11 with respect to 3.700% Senior Notes due 2026, dated as of December 6, 2016,
among the Company, as Issuer, certain subsidiaries, as Guarantors and Manufacturers and Traders Trust
Company, as Trustee, (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6,
2016, filed December 6, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

Restatement Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2016, by and among the Company, CIH International S.à r.l., CIH
Holdings S.à r.l., CI Cerveza S.à r.l., the Guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the
Lenders party thereto, including the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 10,
2016, by and among the Company, CIH International S.à r.l., CIH Holdings S.à r.l., Bank of America, N.A., as
administrative agent, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated March 10, 2016, filed March 15, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

Restatement Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2016, by and among the Company, CIH International S.à r.l.,
CIH Holdings S.à r.l., CB International Finance S.à r.l., CI Cerveza S.à r.l., the Guarantors, Bank of America,
N.A., as administrative agent, and the Lenders thereto, including the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement dated as of October 13, 2016, by and among the Company, CIH International S.à r.l., CIH Holdings
S.à r.l., CB International Finance S.à r.l., Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the Lenders party
thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 13, 2016, filed
October 18, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

Joinder Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2013, between CIH International S.à r.l., and Bank of America, N.A., as
administrative agent and lender (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7,
2013, filed June 11, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Constellation Brands, Inc. Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of July 27, 2012 (filed as
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2012, filed July 31, 2012 and
incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Stock Option Amendment pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (filed as
Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 2007, filed December 12, 2007
and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase
Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 26, 2007, filed July 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by
reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase
Class 1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants before July 26, 2007) (filed as
Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 2007, filed December 12, 2007
and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase
Class 1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after July 26, 2007 and
before April 1, 2008) (filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6,
2007, filed December 12, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

112

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase
Class 1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after April 1, 2008 and
before April 6, 2009) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended August 31, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase
Class 1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after April 6, 2009 and
before April 5, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 6, 2009,
filed April 9, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase
Class 1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after April 5, 2010 and
before April 3, 2012) (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 5, 2010,
filed April 9, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase Class
1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after April 3, 2012 and before
April 28, 2014) (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 3, 2012, filed
April 5, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase Class
1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after April 28, 2014 and before
April 25, 2016) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2014, filed
May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase Class
1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after April 25, 2016 and before
April 21, 2017) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2016, filed
April 28, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Employees with respect to grants of options to purchase Class
1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after April 21, 2017) (filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 21, 2017, filed April 25, 2017 and
incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(grants on or after April 26, 2013 and before April 28, 2014) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2013, filed May 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(grants on or after April 28, 2014 and before April 28, 2015) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2014, filed May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with respect to Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (awards
on or after April 28, 2015 and before April 25, 2016) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated April 28, 2015, filed May 1, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(awards on or after April 25, 2016 and before April 21, 2017) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2016, filed April 28, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(awards on or after April 21, 2017) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
April 21, 2017, filed April 25, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(relating to cliff vested awards) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
July 24, 2013, filed July 26, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(providing for ratable vesting over three years) (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement for Executives with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock
Incentive Plan (awards on or after April 28, 2014 and before April 28, 2015) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2014, filed May 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by
reference). *

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement for Executives with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock
Incentive Plan (awards on or after April 28, 2015 and before April 25, 2016) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2015, filed May 1, 2015 and incorporated herein by
reference). *

113

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

10.27

10.28

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

10.33

10.34

10.35

10.36

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement for Non-Executive Employees with respect to the Company’s Long-
Term Stock Incentive Plan (awards on or after April 28, 2014 and before April 28, 2015) (filed as Exhibit 10.26
to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2015 and incorporated
herein by reference). *

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement for Non-Executive Employees with respect to the Company’s Long-
Term Stock Incentive Plan (awards on or after April 28, 2015 and before April 25, 2016) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2015 and incorporated
herein by reference). *

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(awards on or after April 25, 2016 and before April 21, 2017) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2016, filed April 28, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(awards on or after April 21, 2017) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
April 21, 2017, filed April 25, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement with respect to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
(relating to specified performance criteria) (filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Directors with respect to options to purchase Class A Common
Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 26, 2007, filed July 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Directors with respect to grants of options to purchase Class 1
Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants before July 17, 2008) (filed as
Exhibit 99.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 2007, filed December 12, 2007
and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Directors with respect to grants of options to purchase Class 1
Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after July 17, 2008 and before
July 22, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended August 31, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Directors with respect to a pro rata grant of options to purchase
Class 1 Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 20, 2010, filed April 22, 2010 and incorporated herein by
reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Directors with respect to grants of options to purchase Class 1
Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after July 22, 2010 and before
July 27, 2012) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended August 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Directors with respect to grants of options to purchase Class 1
Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after July 27, 2012 and before
July 23, 2014) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2012, filed
July 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Directors with respect to grants of options to purchase Class 1
Stock pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after July 23, 2014 and before
July 20, 2016) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 23, 2014, filed
July 25, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Form of Terms and Conditions Memorandum for Directors with respect to options to purchase Class 1 Stock
pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (grants on or after July 20, 2016) (filed as Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 20, 2016, filed July 22, 2016 and incorporated
herein by reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Directors with respect to awards of restricted stock pursuant to
the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (awards on or after July 20, 2016) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 20, 2016, filed July 22, 2016 and incorporated herein by
reference). *

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Directors with respect to awards of restricted stock units pursuant
to the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (awards on or after July 20, 2016) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 20, 2016, filed July 22, 2016 and incorporated herein by
reference). *

114

10.37

10.38

10.39

10.40

10.41

10.42

10.43

10.44

10.45

10.46

10.47

10.48

10.49

10.50

10.51

10.52

10.53

10.54

10.55

Constellation Brands, Inc. Annual Management Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of July 27, 2012 (filed
as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2012, filed July 31, 2012 and
incorporated herein by reference). *#

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

First Amendment to the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 10 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 1999 and incorporated herein
by reference). *#

Second Amendment to the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2001 and incorporated herein by
reference). *#

Third Amendment to the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 7, 2005, filed April 13, 2005 and incorporated herein by
reference). *#

2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of the Company (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated April 7, 2005, filed April 13, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

First Amendment to the Company’s 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2007 and incorporated herein
by reference). *#

Second Amendment to the Company’s 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2013 and incorporated
herein by reference). *

Amended and Restated Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2013, made by the subsidiaries of the
Company from time to time party thereto and Constellation Brands, Inc., in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as
Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders party to the Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.4
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 2013, filed June 11, 2013 and incorporated herein
by reference).

Cross-Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 10, 2016, by and among CIH International S.à r.l., CIH Holdings
S.à r.l., and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated March 10, 2016, filed March 15, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

Amended and Restated Cross-Guarantee Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2016, by and among CIH
International S.à r.l., CIH Holdings S.à r.l., CB International Finance S.à r.l., and Bank of America, N.A., as
administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 13,
2016, filed October 18, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

Form of U.S. Pledge Agreement (filed as Exhibit D-1 to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated May 2, 2013, filed May 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Form of Luxembourg Equity Pledge Agreement (filed as Exhibit D-2 to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated May 2, 2013, filed May 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Form of Luxembourg PEC Pledge Agreement (filed as Exhibit D-3 to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated May 2, 2013, filed May 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Form of Barbados Charge Over Shares (filed as Exhibit D-4 to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated May 2, 2013, filed May 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

Form of Mexican Pledge Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.60 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended February 29, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

Form of Executive Employment Agreement between Constellation Brands, Inc. and its Chairman of the Board
and its President and Chief Executive Officer (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K dated and filed May 21, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Form of Executive Employment Agreement between Constellation Brands, Inc. and its Other Executive Officers
(other than Messrs. Wright, Hackett, Kane, Newlands and Klein) (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated and filed May 21, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

Executive Employment Agreement dated November 19, 2010, between Constellation Brands, Inc. and John
Ashforth Wright (filed as Exhibit 10.54 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 29, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference). *#

115

10.56

10.57

10.58

10.59

10.60

10.61

10.62

10.63

12.1

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

99.1

99.2

99.3

99.4

101.1

Executive Employment Agreement effective as of August 1, 2016, between Constellation Brands Canada, Inc.
and John A. Wright (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 14, 2016,
filed June 15, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Retention Bonus Agreement dated November 24, 2016 between Constellation Brands Canada, Inc. and John A.
(Jay) Wright (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 24, 2016,
filed November 28, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Executive Employment Agreement made as of June 17, 2013, among Crown Imports LLC, Constellation Brands,
Inc., and William F. Hackett (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Executive Employment Agreement dated February 27, 2017, among Crown Imports LLC, Constellation Brands,
Inc., and William F. Hackett (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February
25, 2017, filed February 28, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Executive Employment Agreement made as of June 17, 2013, between Constellation Brands, Inc. and
Thomas M. Kane (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended August 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Executive Employment Agreement made as of January 26, 2015, between Constellation Brands, Inc. and
William A. Newlands (filed as Exhibit 10.57 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended February 28, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Executive Employment Agreement made as of June 29, 2015, between Constellation Brands, Inc. and David
Klein (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2015, filed July 2,
2015 and incorporated herein by reference). *

Amended and Restated Sub-license Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2013, between Marcas Modelo, S. de R.L. de
C.V. and Constellation Beers Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
June 7, 2013, filed June 11, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference). +

Statements re computation of ratios (filed herewith).

Subsidiaries of Company (filed herewith).

Consent of KPMG LLP (filed herewith).

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith).

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith).

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith).

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith).

Constellation Brands, Inc. 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (amended and restated as of July 24, 2013) (filed
as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 2013, filed July 26, 2013 and
incorporated herein by reference). *

First Amendment, dated and effective April 25, 2016, to the Company’s 1989 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2016, filed April 28, 2016
and incorporated herein by reference). *

Stipulation and Order dated April 19, 2013, among Constellation Brands, Inc. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV,
Grupo Modelo, S.A.B. de C.V., and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (filed as
Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 19, 2013, filed April 19, 2013 and
incorporated herein by reference).

Final Judgment filed with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on October 24, 2013,
together with Exhibits B and C (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
February 28, 2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) Consolidated Balance
Sheets as of February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016 and February 28, 2015; (iii) Consolidated Statements
of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended February 28, 2017,  February 29, 2016 and February 28,
2015; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 28, 2017, February 29, 2016 and
February 28, 2015; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

116

*  Designates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

#  Company’s Commission File No. 001-08495.  For filings prior to October 4, 1999, use Commission 

File No. 000-07570.

+  Portions of this exhibit were redacted pursuant to a confidential treatment request filed with and 

approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

We agree, upon request of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to furnish copies of each instrument 

that defines the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company or its subsidiaries that is not filed herewith 
pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) because the total amount of long-term debt authorized under such instrument does 
not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

117

Performance Graph 
Set forth below is a line graph comparing, for the fiscal years ended the last day of February 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016  
and 2017, the cumulative total stockholder return of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock 
with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500® Index, the S&P 500 Food & Beverage Index and a peer group index.(1) 
We have selected the S&P 500 Food & Beverage Index to replace the peer group index that we used last year because we 
believe the diversified companies in this index provides a more relevant comparison. The Peer Group Index consists of the 
publicly traded companies which comprised the Company’s executive compensation peer group for compensation decisions 
effective for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017. The graph assumes the investment of $100.00 on February 29, 2012 
in the Company’s Class A Common Stock, the Company’s Class B Common Stock, the S&P 500® Index, the S&P 500® 
Food & Beverage Index and the Peer Group Index, and also assumes the reinvestment of all dividends. 

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return 
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.  
The Company neither makes nor endorses any predictions as to future stock performance.

$800

$700

$600

$500

$400

$300

$200

$100

$0

2/12

2/13

2/14

2/15

2/16

2/17

Constellation 
Brands, Inc. 
Class A

Constellation 
Brands, Inc. 
Class B

S&P 500®

S&P 500® Food  
& Beverage Index

Peer Group(1)

2/12

2/13

2/14

2/15

2/16

2/17

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class A

$ 100.00

$ 202.56

$ 371.02

$ 525.27

$ 653.93

$ 741.73

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class B

   100.00

   203.11

   373.28

   528.82

   659.09

   735.57

S&P 500®

   100.00

   113.46

   142.25

   164.30

   154.13

   192.63

S&P 500® Food & Beverage Index

   100.00

   118.37

   132.42

   160.02

   170.21

   187.11

Peer Group(1)

   100.00

   115.09

   129.57

   150.42

   157.49

   175.51

(1)  The Peer Group Index is weighted according to the respective issuer’s stock market capitalization and is comprised of the following companies: Brown-

Forman Corporation (Class B Shares); Campbell Soup Company; Clorox Company (The); Coach, Inc.; Diageo plc; Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.; Estée 
Lauder Companies Inc. (The); General Mills, Inc.; Harley-Davidson, Inc.; Hershey Company (The); J. M. Smucker Company (The); Kellogg Company; 
Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.; McCormick & Company, Inc.; Mead Johnson Nutrition Company; Molson Coors Brewing Company (Class B Shares); Monster 
Beverage Corporation; Ralph Lauren Corporation; Reynolds American Inc.

Reconciliation of GAAP to  
Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Directors and Executive Officers 
(As of May 1, 2017)

For the Years Ended

2/28/17 2/29/16 Growth

EPS, reported basis

$ 7.52

$ 5.18

45%

Acquisitions, 
divestitures  
and related costs

Restructuring and 
related charges

Other

EPS, comparable 
basis (1)

 (0.77)

0.22

 –

0.05

0.01

(0.01)

 6.76

5.43

24%

(1)May not sum due to rounding as each item is computed   
  independently

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth on 
a comparable basis is provided because we 
believe this information provides investors 
better insight into underlying business trends 
and results in order to evaluate year-over-
year financial performance. Management 
uses this information in evaluating the  
results of our core operations and internal 
goal setting.

Comparable basis EPS reflects the exclusion 
of the following items:

•  Acquisitions, divestitures and related 

costs, consisting primarily of gain on sale  
of the Canadian wine business and 
transaction and associated costs in  
connection with completed acquisitions 
and divestitures, including flow through 
of inventory step-up, amortization of 
favorable interim supply agreement, and 
impairment of certain intangible assets;

•  Restructuring and related charges, 
consisting primarily of employee 
termination benefit costs; and

•  Other, consisting primarily of settlements 
of undesignated commodity derivative 
contracts, net gain (loss) on the mark to 
fair value of undesignated commodity 
derivative contracts, impairment of certain 
intangible and other assets, certain other 
selling, general and administrative costs, 
dividend income from a retained interest 
in a previously divested business and loss 
on write-off of financing costs.

Directors
Richard Sands  
Chairman of the Board,  
Constellation Brands, Inc. 

Robert Sands  
President and Chief  
Executive Officer,  
Constellation Brands, Inc. 

Frederic Cumenal (2) 
Former Chief Executive Officer, 
Tiffany & Co.

Jerry Fowden (1) (3)
Chief Executive Officer,
Cott Corporation

Barry A. Fromberg (2) (3)
Chief Financial Officer,
HNI Healthcare

Robert L. Hanson (1) 
Chief Executive Officer,
John Hardy Global Limited

Executive Officers
Richard Sands
Chairman of the Board, 
Constellation Brands, Inc.

Robert Sands
President and Chief  
Executive Officer,
Constellation Brands, Inc.

William F. Hackett
Executive Vice President  
and Chairman, Beer Division,
Constellation Brands, Inc.

F. Paul Hetterich
Executive Vice President  
and President, Beer Division,
Constellation Brands, Inc.

Thomas M. Kane
Executive Vice President  
and Chief Human  
Resources Officer,
Constellation Brands, Inc.

Ernesto M. Hernández (1)
President and Managing Director,
General Motors de Mexico,  
S. de R.L. de C.V.

David Klein
Executive Vice President  
and Chief Financial Officer,
Constellation Brands, Inc.

Thomas J. Mullin
Executive Vice President  
and General Counsel,
Constellation Brands, Inc.

William A. Newlands
Executive Vice President  
and Chief Operating Officer,
Constellation Brands, Inc.

Christopher Stenzel
Executive Vice President  
and President,  
Wine & Spirits Division,
Constellation Brands, Inc.

James A. Locke III (3)
Senior Counsel to the law firm  
of Nixon Peabody LLP

Daniel J. McCarthy (2)
President and Chief Executive 
Officer,
Frontier Communications 
Corporation

Judy A. Schmeling (2)
President of Cornerstone Brands  
and Chief Operating Officer,
HSN, Inc.

Keith E. Wandell (1)
Retired Chairman of  
the Board, President and  
Chief Executive Officer,
Harley-Davidson, Inc.

(1) Member of Human Resources Committee
(2) Member of Audit Committee
(3) Member of Corporate Governance Committee 

Additional biographical information about the Directors is included in the Proxy Statement 
relating to the Company’s 2017 annual meeting distributed with this Fiscal Year 2017  
Annual Report and posted on www.cbrands.com/investors.

 
Investor Information

Headquarters

Common Stock Trading

Copies of Form 10-K

The Company’s Class A and Class 
B Common Stock trade on the New 
York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under 
the ticker symbols STZ and STZ.B, 
respectively. There is no public 
market for the Company’s Class 
1 Common Stock. As of April 30, 
2017, there were 582 and 105 holders 
of record of Class A and Class B 
Common Stock, respectively, and 
three holders of record of Class 1 
Common Stock. 

Information Regarding  
Forward-Looking Statements

The statements set forth in this 
report, which are not historical facts, 
are forward-looking statements that 
involve risks and uncertainties that 
could cause actual results to differ 
materially from those set forth in, 
or implied by, the forward-looking 
statements. For risk factors associated 
with the Company and its business, 
please refer to the Company’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 
year ended February 28, 2017. 

A copy of our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
February 28, 2017, filed with the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange 
Commission, will be furnished 
without charge to any stockholder 
upon written request to Constellation 
Brands, Inc.’s Investor Relations 
department at our corporate 
headquarters address provided on 
this page. Alternatively, a copy is 
available on our Constellation  
Brands website at www.cbrands.
com, as well as on the Securities  
and Exchange Commission’s  
internet site at www.sec.gov. 

Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

The annual meeting is scheduled to 
be held at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, 
on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at the 
Callahan Theater at the Nazareth 
College Arts Center, 4245 East 
Avenue, Rochester, New York.  
The Nazareth College Arts Center  
is located in the Town of Pittsford,  
New York.

Constellation Brands, Inc. 
207 High Point Drive 
Building 100 
Victor, New York 14564 
585.678.7100 
888.724.2169
www.cbrands.com
Investor Center: 888.922.2150

Stock Transfer Agent 
and Registrar

Computershare 
877.810.2237 
(toll free, U.S. and Canada)
201.680.6578 
(outside U.S. and Canada)

Stockholder Website
www.computershare.com/investor 

Stockholder Online Inquiries
https://www-us.computershare.com/
investor/Contact

Regular Delivery  
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Louisville, KY 40233

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