Image: Brown Forman

(Image: Brown Forman)

United States: Brown-Forman posts moderate growth despite fourth quarter decline

Brown-Forman ended the fiscal year with a 1% increase in organic sales, though total net sales dropped 5% to €2.7 billion. A weak fourth quarter, where net sales declined 7%, and ongoing political uncertainty have clouded the company's outlook.

Despite the poor final quarter, annual organic sales slightly exceeded 2023–24 levels. However, fourth-quarter revenue missed analysts' expectations, leading to a 17% drop in the company’s stock, now at its lowest point since 2013 and down 50% since last fall.

CEO Lawson Whiting acknowledged the tough environment but expressed confidence in the company's ability to adapt, innovate, and pursue sustainable long-term growth in fiscal 2026: “While our results did not meet our long-term growth aspirations, we made important progress in an exceptionally challenging macroeconomic environment. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, we expect continued headwinds. Still, we are confident that with agility, innovation, and a clear focus on execution, we are well positioned to navigate uncertainty and unlock new opportunities for sustainable long-term growth.”

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