Constellation Brands Inc  (STZ)     Rate STZ  -  Discuss STZ  -  Add to Watch List        

"Even in bad times, folks are often not prepared to relinquish their 'pleasures'," says small cap growth stock specialist Ian Cooper.

 in SC Trading Pit, he explians, "Even in shaky economic times, 'vice' stocks can generate  astonishing gains." Here, he looks at a trio of  issues catering to "sins" that he feels offers investors downside protection.

"When people start to worry - as they're doing right this minute - they inherently seek certain (somewhat self-destructive) outlets for comfort and hope. 

"Most of the time, they're in the form of alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and other comfort and

One of the few good-news stories of last week came from wine-maker Constellation Brands (STZ) - which reported a 50% jump in FQ1 net income, and gross margins that rose more than 5% to 35%. Its shares still trade at a substantial bargain to its peers, Barron's The Trader notes: 

At about $21, Constellation shares trade at 12.2 times projected 2009 profits -- compared with about 18.8 times for Brown Forman (BF.B), 13.4 times for Diageo (DIA) and the 15.5 times average for distillers and vintners. 

Filed under: Earnings reports, Diageo plc (DEO), Fortune Brands (FO), Technical Analysis, Stocks to Buy

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) produces and markets more than 250 brands of wine, spirits and beer, in about 150 countries. The Wines division, the largest maker of wine by volume in the world, is responsible for such brands as Robert Mondavi, Inniskillin, Simi, Arbor Mist and Blackthorn (cider). The Spirits division distills such brands as Black Velvet, Chi-Chi's, Fleischmann's, Canadian LTD and Mr. Boston. The Imports division has the right to import, market, and sell Corona Extra, Cor