Brown-Forman is a family-controlled beverage alcohol company manufacturing, marketing, and selling spirits, wine, and RTD cocktails globally, with a strong brand portfolio including Jack Daniel's and other premium brands.

# Brown-Forman Corporation Overview

## Business Operations
- **Industry Focus:** Beverage alcohol (spirits, wine, RTD cocktails)
- **Main Activities:** Manufacture, distillation, bottling, import, export, marketing, and sale of a wide array of beverage alcohol products under recognized brands.
- **Global Reach:** Selling in over **170 countries** worldwide.
- **Employees:** Approximately **5,000** employees across six continents.
  - **U.S. Employees:** About **2,000** (around 7% are unionized).
  - **Louisville, Kentucky (HQ):** Approximately **800** employees.
- **Ownership:** Family-controlled company with the Brown family owning more than 50% of voting stock, making the company a “controlled company” under NYSE rules.

## Revenue and Income
- **Fiscal 2025 Net Sales:** **$3.975 billion**
- **Fiscal 2025 Operating Income:** **$1.107 billion**
- **Fiscal 2025 Net Income:** **$869 million**
- **Diluted Earnings Per Share (2025):** **$1.84**
- **Market Capitalization:** Approximately **$14.7 billion** as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter (approximate market value of equity held by nonaffiliates).

## Key Brands
- **Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey:** Top-selling American whiskey globally, known for its premium positioning.
  - Recognized with World’s Best Awards in 2025 for **Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey** and **Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old**.
- **Other Major Brands include:**
  - Woodford Reserve (super-premium bourbon)
  - Old Forester
  - el Jimador (tequila)
  - Herradura (tequila)
  - Diplomático (rum, acquired 2023)
  - Glendronach, Benriach, and Glenglassaugh (Scotch whiskies)
  - Slane Irish Whiskey
  - Gin Mare (gin, acquired 2022)
  - Korbel California Champagne (until divested June 2025)

## Product Portfolio
- Over **40 brands** including spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, and wines.
- Focus on premium, super-premium, and artisanal categories.
- Evolved product offerings include high-end expressions and line extensions for existing brands.
- RTD (Ready-to-Drink) collaborations especially with Coca-Cola for Jack & Coke.

## Geographic Markets
- **U.S. Market:** 44% of net sales in fiscal 2025.
- **International Markets:** 56%, with notable markets including Mexico, Germany, Australia, the U.K., France, Canada, and emerging markets like Brazil, Turkey, and Poland.
- **Distribution Model:** Mix of owned subsidiaries (e.g., Australia, UK, Japan, Mexico, Italy) and third-party partners. Recently launched owned distribution in Italy (effective May 2025).

## Business Strategy
- Focuses on brand building, marketing innovation, and geographic expansion.
- Emphasizes responsible marketing and promoting alcohol responsibility.
- Investment in sustainability including renewable energy, water stewardship, and sustainable agriculture.
- Long-term growth through organic expansion, innovation, acquisitions (e.g., Diplomático, Gin Mare), and divestitures (e.g., Finlandia vodka, Sonoma-Cutrer wine).

## Customer Base
- Distributes primarily through wholesalers, distributors, and retail outlets.
- Largest customers contribute approximately **13%** and **11%** of net sales (two largest customers in fiscal 2025).

## Corporate Structure
- Has a dual-class stock structure:
  - **Class A (voting):** 169 million shares outstanding.
  - **Class B (nonvoting):** 304 million shares outstanding.
- Family ownership gives significant control over decisions and voting outcomes.

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This summary provides a detailed snapshot of Brown-Forman’s business activities, global reach, key brands, financial performance, and strategic focus based solely on the provided document.

Brown-Forman Corporation is a leading American company engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of a diverse range of beverage alcohol products, including iconic brands such as Jack Daniel's.

# Brown-Forman Corporation Overview

Brown-Forman Corporation is a prominent American-owned company engaged primarily in the manufacturing, distilling, bottling, importing, exporting, marketing, and selling of a diverse range of beverage alcohol products, particularly spirits and wines. Founded in 1870 and incorporated in 1933, Brown-Forman is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and has a significant global presence. 

## Key Facts

- **Incorporation Year**: 1933
- **Headquarters**: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- **Employees**: Approximately 5,700 globally (excluding part-time or temporary staff), with about 2,600 employees in the United States.
- **Controlled Company**: The Brown family holds over 50% of the voting stock, allowing for majority control over corporate decisions.
- **Global Operations**: Sales in over 170 countries.

## Products and Brands

Brown-Forman boasts a portfolio of over 40 brands, prominently featuring:

- **Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey**: The flagship and most iconic brand, recognized as the #1 selling American whiskey globally.
- **Other Significant Brands**:
  - Woodford Reserve and Old Forester (premium bourbons)
  - el Jimador and Herradura (tequilas)
  - Korbel (California champagnes)
  - A selection of Scotch whiskies including The Glendronach and Benriach.

### Key Revenue Details

- **Revenue Sources**: 
  - In fiscal 2024, the United States accounted for **45%** of net sales, while the remaining **55%** came from international markets.
- **Net Sales Breakdown by Region** for fiscal 2024:
  - United States: **45%**
  - Mexico: Not specified in the summary (Note: Prior years indicated significant contributions)
  - Germany: **6%**
  - Australia: **5%**
  - United Kingdom: **4%**
  - Other markets: **40%** (combined)

## Market Strategy and Distribution

Brown-Forman utilizes a varied distribution network tailored to comply with local laws and market conditions. In the United States, they sell through distributors, while in other countries, they combine owned distribution companies with third-party partnerships.

### Marketing Approach

- The company's marketing vision emphasizes building strong, lasting relationships with consumers through diverse platforms, including media advertising, sponsorships, and promotions to drive brand loyalty and consumer demand.

## Financial Highlights

- Specific income and revenue figures were not provided in the summary; however, comparative data indicated consistent growth trends, particularly for flagship brands.
  
### Conclusion

Brown-Forman Corporation is committed to sustainable growth, emphasizing strong brand portfolios, global expansion, and responsible marketing practices. With a robust workforce and strategic oversight from a family-controlled governance structure, the company maintains a significant presence in the competitive beverage alcohol market.

BROWN FORMAN CORP

10-K / June 13, 2025

10-K / June 14, 2024

10-K / June 13, 2025

Brown-Forman Corporation Overview

Business Operations

Revenue and Income

Key Brands

Product Portfolio

Geographic Markets

Business Strategy

Customer Base

Corporate Structure