Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) is one of 10 consumer defensive stocks to buy now.
Barclays analyst Lauren Lieberman has modestly reduced her price target on Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) to $202 from $207, while reaffirming an Overweight rating on the stock ahead of the company’s fiscal first-quarter results. In her preview note, Lieberman expressed surprise that, despite Constellation “doing all the right things,” the impressive operating performance hasn’t translated into meaningful stock price gains.
A winemaker examining a glass of red wine from a barrel in a cellar.
Barclays highlighted several areas of strength within Constellation’s operations. The firm praised its disciplined pricing strategies, persistent control over input costs, and robust demand across its wine and spirit labels. Constellation also continues to benefit from expanding distribution and brand investment in its core markets, including its trend-forward premium offerings. Yet, Lieberman noted, these positives are not fully reflected in current market sentiment. The stock has lagged behind peers despite top-line momentum and margin improvements. She suggested the discrepancy may stem from macroeconomic anxieties or broader sector rotation, rather than any weakness in Constellation’s business model.
Barclays sees the shares as undervalued relative to both its peers and the quality of its evidence-based strategy. The firm believes that once Constellation releases its Q1 earnings and clarifies forward guidance—especially around cost management and volume trends—the market may adjust its view. For investors focused on steady growth and execution, Barclays maintains a constructive stance on the beverage giant.
While we acknowledge the potential of STZ to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than STZ and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 15 Best Dividend Stocks of 2025 and 10 Best Wide Moat Dividend Stocks to Invest in.
Disclosure: None.
