Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) was weighed down in 2019 by its 37% stake in Canadian cannabis producer Canopy Growth (NYSE: CGC). But Constellation still delivered a respectable gain of 18%, buoyed by the strength of its premium beer brands Corona and Modelo.
I think that the new year should be a happy one for Constellation shareholders. The company's premium beers are likely to continue dominating the market. My take is that Constellation's anticipated launch in spring 2020 of a Corona-branded hard seltzer should add nicely to sales. I also expect the company's focus on premiumization and brand building with its wine and spirits products should pay off.
Better days should also be on the way for Canopy Growth -- which would be good news for Constellation. The lack of retail stores in Canada has been a huge problem for Canopy, but the situation will improve considerably in 2020 as Ontario issues licenses for new stores. Canopy Growth is poised for success in Canada's nascent cannabis derivatives market in 2020 as well.
Last, but not least, a new CEO takes the helm at Canopy Growth in mid-January. David Klein is stepping down as CFO of Constellation to lead Canopy Growth. Klein is the ideal person to bring much-needed fiscal discipline to the cannabis producer and align Canopy with Constellation's interests.
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