Constellation Brands (STZ) reported what I thought was a dismal third quarter. The market wasn't too worried about it, though. The stock closed down about one percent. Yes, that's a decline, but I honestly thought the numbers would have been worth a bit more in terms of selling pressure (volume was strong, however).

Then again, the real name of the game is beating the analyst projections. On that count, Constellation was a winner. The company made an adjusted 54 cents per share, two cents better than predictions, according to Earnings.com. So, I suppose Wall Street had to give credit to management for at least achieving some amount of success. This most likely kept the selling in check.

Continue reading Constellation Brands Experiences Drops in Sales and Profits in Q3

Constellation Brands Experiences Drops in Sales and Profits in Q3 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A friend of mine recently started a business and she is joined by her sister. So far, things are going fairly well. But, my friend realizes there are lots of potential problems when mixing family with business.

Well, this week, the founder of one of the most famous family businesses -- Robert Mondavi -- died this week. He was 94.

Mondavi launched his winery in 1966 and turned it into a global powerhouse. While he was innovative (by adding new computer technologies), he also realized there were some key European techniques that would be key for his success (such as stainless-steel fermentation tanks). He was also a marketing genius (hey, establishing a winery in California was certainly gutsy).

Actually, in 1943, Robert wanted his father to purchase the Charles Krug Winery. He agreed - so long as Robert would run it with his brother, Peter. The operation was in bad shape. But the brothers worked quickly to improve things (for example, they had the smart idea of having a tasting room for visitors).

Continue reading Robert Mondavi: The perils of the family business

Robert Mondavi: The perils of the family business originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 17 May 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In vino veritas. Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is entering the wine business, but it may find it a difficult market. According to the FT, the company will "start selling wine in the US, entering a business fraught with regulatory complexities and littered with the wreckage of previous failures."

Some states don't like wine shipped from one place to another. It is alcohol and who can tell if a 12-year-old is ordering a bottle of the good stuff. There are also state tax implications. Each state wants every penny of its tax on liquor.

Perhaps just as difficult is the issue of whether wine drinkers would like to have a look at the bottle and the label. They can do that at the local wine store. If they aren't happy, they can take it back. They may not get a refund, but the store owner might invite them for a drink.

Amazon now sells everything from books to music downloads. Maybe it should draw the line at booze. State authorities don't watch for DVDs through the mail, but bottles of chianti are a different matter.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Amazon (AMZN) enters wine market originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Will Martha Stewart's new wine be a 'good thing?' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Grapes on Asphalt: How Bronco Wine's Fred Franzia Made 'Two Buck Chuck' Possible

Grapes on Asphalt: How Bronco Wine's Fred Franzia Made 'Two Buck Chuck' Possible originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In an effort to fight back against shifting consumer trends to spirits and wine, the Wall Street Journal reported that Coors Brewing Co. (NYSE: TAP) has created a new subsidiary to "introduce above-premium beers to the marketplace," according to an email sent to beer wholesalers last week.

The move comes at a time when the American beer business is facing considerable headwinds, including slower growth due to upscale "craft" beers and a strong push for market share by imports. Anheuser-Busch Cos. (NYSE: BUD), the largest American beer maker, and SABMiller PLC's (NYSE: SAB) Miller Brewing Co., the second-largest, have already introduced new beverages to combat these headwinds.

Continue reading Molson Coors (TAP) to brew new high-end beer

Molson Coors (TAP) to brew new high-end beer originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The future of alternative investments: wine and art? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Charles Shaw's 20-dime wine claims top prize originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tired of seeing your expensive and carefully chosen gifts end up months later as the flotsam and jetsam of post-holiday shores?

It's fun to buy stuff. But remember last year's failures -- that robotic pet that broke two weeks after Christmas and the pricey pale pink cashmere sweater your husband will never wear. And now he wants another iPod, like the one that went missing a few months ago?

This year choose gifts that will keep on giving. For your immediate family -- especially your kids -- make finding a gift that will actually appreciate in value a priority. Even if you end up buying them some cheap junk to fill up all the space under the Christmas tree, be sure to choose at least one gem that will last and hopefully grow in value.

The following is a range of gift ideas could apply to spouses, kids, mom, dad and even grandma and grandpa. They may not be worth more next year, but you can bet that in 20, 40 or 60 years time, they will all be worth more than that HDTV you're contemplating buying now.

1. Jewelry. Think gold, silver platinum. You can't go wrong.

2. Gold or silver coins. Put one or two in a nice velvet bag. They are pretty and fun as well as excellent stores of value.

3. Savings bonds. It's hard to jazz these up. But get your kids or nieces and nephews some to sock away. They may not squeal with delight when they open the envelope, but they will appreciate them later on.

Continue reading Gifts that keep on giving: These 10 will appreciate in value

Gifts that keep on giving: These 10 will appreciate in value originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple computers could run Windows apps without Windows OS originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Jul 2006 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.