The Corona owner reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter earnings
The shares of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) are up 2.8% at $230.07 at last check, after its upbeat fiscal third-quarter report, with the company reporting better-than-expected earnings. The beverage alcohol producer said business picked up in this quarter despite the pandemic, and forecasts a fiscal 2021 net beer sales growth of as much as 9%. Furthermore, Constellation noted that its board has authorized a $2 billion share repurchase program.
On the charts, STZ hit new record levels earlier in the day, trading up as high as $240.76 before pulling back to its current gains. Now on track for its third-straight win, with yesterday's 3.1% pre-earnings pop surpassing pressure at the $220 level, the stock is up 21.1% year-over-year.
Analysts are leaning bullish on Constellation stock, with 10 of the 15 analysts in coverage at a "buy" or better rating. Meanwhile, the 12-month consensus price target of $230.55 is in line with current levels.
Today's news has options traders chiming in at full force, with overall volume running at four times what's typically seen at this point. More specifically, 11,000 calls and 5,869 puts across the tape so far, with the new positions being opened at the most active option -- the weekly 1/8 240-strike call.