10-Q

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

 (Mark One)

þ QUARTERLY REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended OCTOBER 31, 2011

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

Commission File No. 002-26821

Brown-Forman Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

Delaware	61-0143150
(State or other jurisdiction of	(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky	40210
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(502) 585-1100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sec­tion 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ   Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ   Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  þ	Accelerated filero
Non-accelerated filer  o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting companyo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 Yeso     No  þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:  November 30, 2011

Class A Common Stock ($.15 par value, voting)	56,259,065
Class B Common Stock ($.15 par value, nonvoting)	85,647,461

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)

BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	October 31,		October 31,
	2010	2011	2010	2011
Net sales	$905.7	$1,013.7	$1,650.6	$1,854.0
Excise taxes	207.3	232.6	382.8	435.1
Cost of sales	239.6	279.2	430.2	496.7
Gross profit	458.8	501.9	837.6	922.2
Advertising expenses	93.5	106.7	169.8	197.5
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	132.9	146.8	264.9	285.9
Amortization expense	1.3	1.3	2.5	2.5
Other (income) expense, net	(3.9)	0.8	(7.3)	4.1
Operating income	235.0	246.3	407.7	432.2
Interest income	0.6	0.7	1.0	1.5
Interest expense	6.7	7.8	13.4	15.7
Income before income taxes	228.9	239.2	395.3	418.0
Income taxes	74.9	81.6	129.9	142.4
Net income	$154.0	$157.6	$265.4	$275.6
Earnings per share:
Basic	$1.06	$1.10	$1.81	$1.91
Diluted	$1.05	$1.09	$1.80	$1.90
Cash dividends per common share:
Declared	--	--	$0.60	$0.64
Paid	$0.30	$0.32	$0.60	$0.64

 See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions)

	April 30,	October 31,
	2011	2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$567.1	$380.1
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $17.8 and $9.4 at April 30 and October 31, respectively	495.9	641.9
Inventories:
Barreled whiskey	330.1	347.9
Finished goods	149.7	187.1
Work in process	119.8	105.7
Raw materials and supplies	47.1	53.8
Total inventories	646.7	694.5
Current deferred tax assets	48.2	41.9
Other current assets	217.9	187.2
Total current assets	1,975.8	1,945.6
Property, plant and equipment, net	393.4	383.0
Goodwill	625.4	621.8
Other intangible assets	670.1	672.1
Deferred tax assets	11.8	10.4
Other assets	35.6	40.7
Total assets	$3,712.1	$3,673.6
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$411.5	$453.3
Accrued income taxes	31.9	35.7
Current deferred tax liabilities	8.5	7.7
Short-term borrowings	--	2.5
Current portion of long-term debt	254.9	253.5
Total current liabilities	706.8	752.7
Long-term debt	504.5	504.2
Deferred tax liabilities	149.6	162.3
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits	203.3	171.2
Other liabilities	87.5	77.0
Total liabilities	1,651.7	1,667.4
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock:
Class A, voting
(57,000,000 shares authorized;  56,964,000 shares issued)	8.5	8.5
Class B, nonvoting
(100,000,000 shares authorized;  99,363,000 shares issued)	14.9	14.9
Additional paid-in capital	55.3	58.8
Retained earnings	2,710.0	2,893.2
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(130.0)	(158.4)
Treasury stock, at cost (11,337,000 and 14,381,000
shares at April 30 and October 31, respectively)	(598.3)	(810.8)
Total stockholders’ equity	2,060.4	2,006.2
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$3,712.1	$3,673.6

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions)

	Six Months Ended
	October 31,
	2010	2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$265.4	$275.6
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	28.7	25.8
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment	(1.5)	--
Stock-based compensation expense	3.9	4.3
Deferred income taxes	10.2	16.7
Changes in assets and liabilities	(128.9)	(166.9)
Cash provided by operating activities	177.8	155.5
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	12.1	--
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(15.1)	(18.8)
Acquisition of brand names and trademarks	--	(7.2)
Computer software expenditures	(1.3)	(0.7)
Cash used for investing activities	(4.3)	(26.7)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	(58.3)	2.6
Repayment of long-term debt	(1.4)	(1.5)
Net payments related to exercise of stock-based awards	(3.3)	(2.0)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	6.3	4.8
Acquisition of treasury stock	(106.6)	(216.1)
Dividends paid	(87.9)	(92.4)
Cash used for financing activities	(251.2)	(304.6)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1.8	(11.2)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(75.9)	(187.0)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	231.6	567.1
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$155.7	$380.1

See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

In these notes, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Brown-Forman Corporation.

1.         Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

We prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information.  In accordance with those rules and regulations, we condensed or omitted certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  We suggest that you read these condensed financial statements together with the financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Report”).

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of our financial results for the periods covered by this report.

We prepared the accompanying financial statements on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in our 2011 Annual Report.

2.         Inventories

We use the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method to determine the cost of most of our inventories.  If the LIFO method had not been used, inventories at current cost would have been $203.5 million higher than reported as of April 30, 2011, and $212.1 mil­lion higher than reported as of October 31, 2011.  Changes in the LIFO valuation reserve for interim periods are based on a proportionate allocation of the estimated change for the entire fiscal year.

3.         Income Taxes

Our consolidated quarterly effective tax rate is based upon our expected annual operating income, statutory tax rates, and income tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant or unusual items, including adjustments to accruals for tax uncertainties, are recognized in the quarter in which the related event occurs. The effective tax rate of 34.1% for the six months ended October 31, 2011, is based on an expected tax rate of 32.9% on ordinary income for the full fiscal year, the recognition of additional tax expense related to discrete items arising during the period, and interest on previously provided tax contingencies.  Our expected tax rate includes current fiscal year additions for existing tax contingency items.

We believe it is reasonably possible that there may be a net decrease in our gross unrecognized tax benefits of $9.9 million in the next twelve months as a result of tax positions taken in the current period, expirations of statutes of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities.

We file income tax returns in the United States, including several state and local jurisdictions, as well as in several other countries in which we conduct business. The major jurisdictions and their earliest fiscal years that are currently open for tax examinations are 1998 in the United States, 2007 in Australia, Ireland and Italy, 2006 in Poland, 2005 in Finland, 2003 in the U.K., and 2002 in Mexico. Audits of our fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 U.S. federal tax returns commenced during fiscal 2011. The audit of our fiscal 2011 return commenced during fiscal 2012. In addition, we are participating in the Internal Revenue Service’s Compliance Assurance Program for our fiscal 2012 tax year.

4.         Earnings Per Share

We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of all unrestricted common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share further includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock-settled appreciation rights (“SSARs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and deferred stock units (“DSUs”).  We calculate that dilutive effect using the “treasury stock method” (as defined by GAAP).

We have granted restricted shares of common stock to certain employees as part of their compensation.  These restricted shares contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends declared on common stock.  As a result, the restricted shares are considered participating securities in the calculation of earnings per share.

The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	October 31,		October 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	2010	2011	2010	2011
Net income	$154.0	$157.6	$265.4	$275.6
Income allocated to participating securities (restricted shares)	(0.2)	(0.1)	(0.3)	(0.1)
Net income available to common stockholders	$153.8	$157.5	$265.1	$275.5
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding	145,649	143,209	146,113	143,912
Dilutive effect of stock options, SSARs, RSUs, and DSUs	855	975	835	1,007
Diluted average common shares outstanding	146,504	144,184	146,948	144,919
Basic earnings per share	$1.06	$1.10	$1.81	$1.91
Diluted earnings per share	$1.05	$1.09	$1.80	$1.90

SSARs for approximately 407,000 common shares and 388,000 common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.  SSARs for approximately 417,000 common shares and 388,000 common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the six months ended October 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.  The SSARs were excluded because they were not dilutive for those periods under the treasury stock method.

5.         Other Intangible Assets

On June 30, 2011, we acquired the trademarks and related intellectual property rights (“brand name”) to Maximus Vodka for $7.2 million (including transaction costs).  We consider this brand name to have an indefinite life.

6.         Contingencies

We operate in a litigious environment, and we are sued in the normal course of business.  Sometimes plaintiffs seek substantial damages.  Significant judgment is required in predicting the outcome of these suits and claims, many of which take years to adjudicate.  We accrue estimated costs for a contingency when we believe that a loss is probable and we can make a reasonable estimate of the loss, and then adjust the accrual as appropriate to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. We do not believe these loss contingencies, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.  No material accrued loss contingencies are recorded as of October 31, 2011.

7.         Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The following table shows the components of the pension and other postretirement benefit expense recognized for our U.S. benefit plans during the periods covered by this report. Information about similar international plans is not presented due to immateriality.

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	October 31,		October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2010	2011	2010	2011
Pension Benefits:
Service cost	$3.9	$4.0	$7.8	$8.0
Interest cost	8.3	8.5	16.7	17.0
Expected return on plan assets	(9.1)	(10.0)	(18.1)	(20.1)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	0.2	0.2	0.4	0.4
Net actuarial loss	4.7	4.8	9.3	9.7
Net expense	$8.0	$7.5	$16.1	$15.0
Other Postretirement Benefits:
Service cost	$0.3	$0.4	$0.6	$0.7
Interest cost	0.8	0.7	1.6	1.5
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	--	0.2	--	0.3
Net actuarial loss	--	--	0.1	--
Net expense	$1.1	$1.3	$2.3	$2.5

8.         Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is a broad measure of the effects of all transactions and events (other than investments by or distributions to stockholders) that are recognized in stockholders' equity, regardless of whether those transactions and events are included in net income.  The following table adjusts net income for the other items included in the determination of comprehensive income:

	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	October 31,		October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2010	2011	2010	2011
Net income	$154.0	$157.6	$265.4	$275.6
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits adjustment	3.1	3.3	5.7	6.6
Foreign currency translation adjustment	14.5	(34.3)	5.7	(43.6)
Net (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	(6.4)	4.6	(8.8)	8.6
	11.2	(26.4)	2.6	(28.4)
Comprehensive income	$165.2	$131.2	$268.0	$247.2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consisted of the following:

	April 30,	October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2011	2011
Postretirement benefits adjustment	$(164.5)	$(157.9)
Cumulative translation adjustment	48.1	4.5
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge contracts	(13.6)	(5.0)
	$(130.0)	$(158.4)

9.           Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  We categorize the fair values of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to determine those values.  Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment.  The three levels are:

·   Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

·   Level 2 – Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

·   Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying balance sheet as of October 31, 2011:

(Dollars in millions)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
Assets:
Commodity derivatives	$0.4	--	--	$0.4
Currency derivatives	--	0.1	--	0.1
Interest rate swaps	--	3.4	--	3.4
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives	--	11.9	--	11.9

We determine the fair values of our commodities derivatives (futures and options) primarily using quoted contract prices on futures exchange markets.  For these instruments, we use the closing contract price as of the balance sheet date.  We determine the fair values of our currency derivatives (forwards and options) and interest rate swaps using standard valuation models.  The significant inputs used in these models are readily available in public markets or can be derived from observable market transactions.  Inputs used in these standard valuation models include the applicable exchange rate, forward rates and discount rates for the currency derivatives and include interest rate yield curves for the interest rate swaps.  The standard valuation model for foreign currency options also uses implied volatility as an additional input.  The discount rates are based on the historical U.S. Treasury rates, and the implied volatility specific to individual foreign currency options is based on quoted rates from financial institutions.

We measure some assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, we do not measure them at fair value on an ongoing basis, but we do adjust them to fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when we determine that an asset is impaired).  The fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during fiscal 2012 were not material as of October 31, 2011.

10.           Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term borrowings approximates the carrying amount due to the short maturities of these instruments.  We estimate the fair value of long-term debt based on the prices at which our debt has recently traded in the market and considering the overall market conditions on the date of valuation.  We determine the fair value of derivative financial instruments as discussed in Note 9.  As of October 31, 2011, the fair values and carrying amounts of these instruments were as follows:

	Carrying	Fair
(Dollars in millions)	Amount	Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$380.1	$380.1
Commodity derivatives	0.4	0.4
Currency derivatives	0.1	0.1
Interest rate swaps	3.4	3.4
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives	11.9	11.9
Short-term borrowings	2.5	2.5
Current portion of long-term debt	253.5	258.2
Long-term debt	504.2	529.3

11.           Derivative Financial Instruments

Our multinational business exposes us to global market risks, including the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates.  We use derivatives to help manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business.  We formally document the purpose of each derivative contract, which includes linking the contract to the financial exposure it is designed to mitigate.  We do not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes.

We use currency derivative contracts to limit our exposure to the currency exchange risk that we cannot mitigate internally by using netting strategies.  We designate most of these contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions (expected to occur within three years).  We record all changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (except any ineffective portion) in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) until the underlying hedged transaction occurs, at which time we reclassify that amount into earnings.  We designate some of our currency derivatives as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries.  We record all changes in the fair value of net investment hedges (except any ineffective portion) in the cumulative translation adjustment component of AOCI.

We assess the effectiveness of our hedges based on changes in forward exchange rates.  The ineffective portion of the changes in fair value of our hedges (recognized immediately in earnings) during the periods presented in this report was not material.

We do not designate some of our currency derivatives as hedges because we use them to at least partially offset the immediate earnings impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on existing assets or liabilities.  We immediately recognize the change in fair value of these contracts in earnings.

As of October 31, 2011, we had outstanding currency derivatives with a total notional amount of $452.4 million, related primarily to our euro, British pound, and Australian dollar exposures.

We also had outstanding exchange-traded futures and options contracts on approximately four million bushels of corn as of October 31, 2011.  We use these contracts to mitigate our exposure to corn price volatility.  Because we do not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes, we immediately recognize changes in their fair value in earnings.

We manage our interest rate risk with swap contracts.  As of October 31, 2011, we had fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional value of $375.0 million with maturities matching those of our bonds.  These swaps are designated as fair value hedges.  The change in fair value of the swaps not related to accrued interest is offset by a corresponding adjustment to the carrying values of the bond.

The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments as of October 31, 2011.  The fair values are presented below on a gross basis, while the fair values of those instruments that are subject to master settlement arrangements are presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, in conformity with GAAP.

(Dollars in millions)	Classification	Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	Fair value of derivatives in a loss position
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	$0.4	$(0.4)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	1.5	(10.5)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities	0.4	(2.5)
Designated as fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Other current assets	1.3	--
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	2.1	--
Not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Other current assets	1.3	(0.9)
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	0.1	--
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses	--	(0.8)

The following tables present the amounts affecting our consolidated statement of operations for the periods covered by this report:

		Three Months Ended
		October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2010	2011
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$(9.8)	$4.7
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	Net sales	0.5	(2.8)
Interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in income	Interest expense	--	0.9
Net gain (loss) recognized in income*	Other income	(0.8)	(0.4)
*The effect on the hedged item was an equal but offsetting amount for the periods presented.
Currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	(1.7)	--
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Net sales	(5.3)	2.8
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Other income	(1.1)	(0.5)
Commodity derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Cost of sales	4.7	(0.7)

		Six Months Ended
		October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2010	2011
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$(9.8)	$5.8
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	Net sales	4.4	(8.1)
Interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in income	Interest expense	--	1.8
Net gain (loss) recognized in income*	Other income	1.9	0.5
*The effect on the hedged item was an equal but offsetting amount for the periods presented.
Currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	(0.8)	--
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Net sales	(4.6)	3.5
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Other income	(0.5)	(1.6)
Commodity derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Cost of sales	5.0	(2.0)

We expect to reclassify $7.2 million of deferred net losses recorded in AOCI as of October 31, 2011, to earnings during the next 12 months.  This reclassification would offset the anticipated earnings impact of the underlying hedged exposures.  The actual amounts that we ultimately reclassify to earnings will depend on the exchange rates in effect when the underlying hedged transactions occur.  The maximum term of our contracts outstanding at October 31, 2011 is 24 months.

We are exposed to credit-related losses if the other parties to our derivative contracts breach them.  This credit risk is limited to the fair value of the contracts.  To manage this risk, we enter into contracts only with major financial institutions that have earned investment-grade credit ratings; we have established counterparty credit guidelines that are regularly monitored and that provide for reports to senior management according to prescribed guidelines; and we monetize contracts when we believe it is warranted.  Because of these safeguards, we believe the risk of loss from counterparty default to be immaterial.

Some of our derivative instruments require us to maintain a specific level of creditworthiness, which we have maintained.   If our creditworthiness were to fall below that level, then the counterparties to our derivative instruments could request immediate payment or collateralization for derivative instruments in net liability positions. As of October 31, 2011, the aggregate fair value of all derivatives with creditworthiness requirements that were in a net liability position was $8.5 million.

12.           Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair values.  This new guidance will become effective for us during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance for the presentation of comprehensive income.  This new guidance will become effective for us during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

In September 2011, the FASB issued new guidance for testing goodwill for impairment.  This new guidance will also become effective for us during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

We do not expect our adoption of any of the guidance described above to have a material impact on our financial statements.

13.         Subsequent Event

In November 2011, we entered into a new five-year credit agreement with various U.S. and international banks for $800.0 million that will expire on November 18, 2016, and terminated our existing bank credit agreement that was scheduled to expire in April 2012.  Consistent with the previous agreement, the new agreement’s most restrictive covenant requires our ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the agreement) to consolidated interest expense to be at least 3 to 1.

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

             and Results of  Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis along with our 2011 Annual Report. Note that the results of operations for the six months ended October 31, 2011, do not necessarily indicate what our operating results for the full fiscal year will be.  In this Item, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Brown-Forman Corporation.

Important Information on Forward-Looking Statements:

This report contains statements, estimates, and projections that are "forward-looking statements" as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “aspire,” “believe,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “expectation,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “pursue,” “see,” “will,” “will continue,” and similar words identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date we make them. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.  By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors (many beyond our control) that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical experience or from our current expectations or projections. These risks and other factors include, but are not limited to:

·   declining or depressed global or regional economic conditions; political, financial, or credit or capital market instability; supplier, customer or consumer credit or other financial problems; bank failures or governmental debt defaults

·   failure to develop or  implement effective business and brand strategies and innovations, including route-to-consumer, and marketing and promotional activity

·   unfavorable trade or consumer reaction to our new products, product line extensions, or changes in formulation, packaging or pricing

·   inventory fluctuations in our products by distributors, wholesalers, or retailers

·   competitors’ pricing actions (including price reductions, promotions, discounting, couponing or free goods), marketing, category expansion, product introductions, entry or expansion in our geographic markets, or other competitive activities

·   declines in consumer confidence or spending, whether related to the economy (such as austerity measures, tax increases, high fuel costs, or higher unemployment), wars, natural or other disasters, weather, pandemics, security concerns, terrorist attacks or other factors

·   changes in tax rates (including excise, sales, VAT, tariffs, duties, corporate, individual income, dividends, capital gains) or in related reserves, changes in tax rules (e.g., LIFO, foreign income deferral, U.S. manufacturing and other deductions) or accounting standards, or other restrictions affecting beverage alcohol, and the unpredictability and suddenness with which they can occur

·   governmental or other restrictions on our ability to produce, import, sell, price, or market our products, including advertising and promotion in either traditional or new media; regulatory compliance costs

·   business disruption, decline or costs related to organizational changes, reductions in workforce or other cost-cutting measures

·   lower returns or discount rates related to pension assets, interest rate fluctuations, inflation or deflation

·   fluctuations in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, especially the euro, British pound, Australian dollar, or Polish zloty

·   changes in consumer behavior or preferences and our ability to anticipate and respond to them, including societal attitudes or cultural trends that result in reduced consumption of our products; reduction of bar, restaurant, hotel or other on-premise business or travel

·   consumer shifts away from spirits or premium-priced spirits products; shifts to discount store purchases or other price-sensitive consumer behavior

·   distribution and other route-to-consumer decisions or changes that affect the timing of our sales, temporarily disrupt the marketing or sale of our products, or result in implementation-related costs

·   effects of acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, business partnerships or investments, or portfolio strategies, including integration costs, disruption or other difficulties, or impairment in the recorded value of assets (e.g. receivables, inventory, fixed assets, goodwill, trademarks and other intangibles)

·   lower profits, due to factors such as fewer or less profitable used barrel sales, lower production volumes, decreased demand for products we sell, sales mix shift toward lower priced or lower margin SKUs, or cost increases in energy or raw materials, such as grain, agave, wood, glass, plastic, or closures

·   natural disasters, climate change, agricultural uncertainties, environmental or other catastrophes, our suppliers’ financial hardships or other factors that affect the availability, price, or quality of agave, grain, glass, energy, closures, plastic, water, wood, or finished goods

·   negative publicity related to our company, brands, marketing, personnel, operations, business performance or prospects

·   product counterfeiting, tampering, contamination, or recalls and resulting negative effects on our sales, brand equity, or corporate reputation

·   significant costs or other adverse developments stemming from class action, intellectual property, governmental, or other major litigation; or governmental investigations of beverage alcohol industry business, trade, or marketing practices by us, our importers, distributors, or retailers

Results of Operations:

Second Quarter Fiscal 2012 Compared to Second Quarter Fiscal 2011

A summary of our operating performance (dollars expressed in millions, except per share amounts) is presented below.

	Three Months Ended
	October 31,
	2010	2011	Change
Net sales	$905.7	$1,013.7	12%
Excise taxes	207.3	232.6	12%
Cost of sales	239.6	279.2	16%
Gross profit	458.8	501.9	9%
Advertising expenses	93.5	106.7	14%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	132.9	146.8	10%
Amortization expense	1.3	1.3
Other (income) expense, net	(3.9)	0.8
Operating income	235.0	246.3	5%
Interest expense, net	6.1	7.1
Income before income taxes	228.9	239.2	5%
Income taxes	74.9	81.6
Net income	154.0	157.6	2%
Gross margin	50.7%	49.5%
Operating margin	25.9%	24.3%
Effective tax rate	32.7%	34.1%
Earnings per share:
Basic	$1.06	$1.10	4%
Diluted	1.05	1.09	4%

On a reported basis, net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2011 were $1,013.7 million, up $108.0 million, or 12%, compared to the same prior year period.  Growth in the quarter was fueled by an increase in underlying net sales and higher estimated net trade inventory levels.  These factors were only partially offset by lower sales related to the Hopland-based wine business, which was sold to Vina Concha y Toro S.A. in April 2011.  The following table shows the major factors influencing the change in net sales for the quarter:

	Change vs. Prior Period
·Underlying change1 in net sales	10%
·Estimated net change in trade inventories2	3%
·Sale of Hopland-based wine business3	(1%)
Reported change in net sales	12%

The primary factor contributing to our underlying growth in net sales for the quarter was the strong performance of the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, reflecting higher demand for Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey globally, the introduction of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey in the U.S. that began in late fiscal 2011, and the expansion of Gentlemen Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, and ready-to-drink (RTD) products outside the U.S.  Net sales gains for several brands, including Finlandia, el Jimador, Herradura, New Mix, and Woodford Reserve, also contributed to the growth in underlying net sales for the quarter.  Southern Comfort and Canadian Mist experienced declines in net sales.  On a geographic basis, the majority of our markets around the world experienced growth in underlying net sales for the quarter, including such countries as Mexico, Germany, France, Australia, Russia, the U.K., the U.S. and Brazil.  A few countries, including Spain and Israel registered lower net sales for the quarter.
 

Cost of sales for the three months ended October 31, 2011 was $279.2 million, an increase of $39.6 million, or 16%, compared to the same period a year ago.  Foreign exchange adversely affected cost of sales by $4.2 million.  Growth in sales volumes, higher input costs (including corn and glass), and an increase in fuel costs also contributed cost of sales increase for the quarter.  We expect these costs to increase at about this same rate for the balance of the year.  Additionally, the transition services agreement with the buyer of Fetzer Vineyards (which included Fetzer winery, bottling facility and vineyards, as well as the Fetzer brand and other Hopland, California based wines) resulted in higher costs compared to the same period last year.  This trend is expected to end with the expiration of the agreement on December 31, 2011.  The following table highlights the major increases in costs for the second quarter:

	Change vs. Prior Period
·Volume growth	10%
·Foreign exchange4	2%
·Cost increases (e.g., corn, glass, fuel)	2%
·Sale of Hopland-based wine business	2%
Reported change in cost of sales	16%

Gross profit for the three months ended October 31, 2011 was $501.9 million, an increase of $43.1 million, or 9%, compared to the second quarter of last year.  Gross profit was hurt by the reduction in gross profit associated with the Hopland-based wine business sale and foreign exchange, but was helped by underlying growth in gross profit and an increase in estimated net trade inventories. The same factors that drove the increase in underlying net sales for the quarter also contributed to the underlying growth in gross profit for the same period.  Similarly, the same factors that contributed to the increase in cost of goods for the quarter accounted for the partial offset to the underlying growth in net sales for the three month period.  The higher cost of sales also was the primary factor driving gross margin to 49.5% from 50.7% in the prior year period.

The following table shows the major factors influencing the change in gross profit for the quarter:

	Change vs. Prior Period
·Underlying change in gross profit	10%
·Estimated net change in trade inventories	4%
·Foreign exchange	(2%)
·Sale of Hopland-based wine business	(3%)
Reported change in gross profit	9%

Advertising expenses increased $13.2 million, or 14%, for the three months ended October 2011.  Higher investments we made to support the introduction of line extensions (e.g., Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey in the U.S., the expansion of Jack Daniel’s RTD products in several markets, Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper in the U.S., Finlandia ready-to-drinks in Mexico) and to support various brand geographic combinations we believe provide the highest growth potential in the current environment.   We continued to strive to optimize our mix of total brand investment by reallocating resources among brands, geographies, and channels to effectively and efficiently reach consumers around the world.  We expect to remain flexible in directing brand spending and resources to activities that we believe will support the business in the current environment while positioning our company for long-term growth.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $13.9 million, or 10%, for the quarter, reflecting higher costs associated with new operations in certain countries, a weaker U.S. dollar, inflation on salary and related expenses, investments in infrastructure in Asia, and timing related items.

 

1 Underlying change represents the percentage increase or decrease in reported financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States, exclusive of other items impacting period-over-period results.  We believe presenting the underlying change helps provide transparency to our comparable business performance.

 

2 Refers to the estimated financial impact of changes in wholesale trade inventories for our brands.  We compute this effect by using our estimated depletion trends and separately identifying trade inventory changes in the variance analysis for our key measures.  Based on the estimated depletions and the fluctuations in trade inventory levels, we then adjust the percentage variances from prior to current periods for our key measures.  We believe it is important to separately identify the impact of this item in order for management and investors to understand the results of our business that can arise from varying levels of wholesale inventories.

 

3 Refers to the April 2011 sale of our Hopland, California-based wine business to Vina Concha y Toro S.A.  Included in this sale were the Fetzer winery, bottling facility, and vineyards, as well as the Fetzer brand and other Hopland, California-based wines, including Bonterra, Little Black Dress, Jekel, Five Rivers, Bel Arbor, Coldwater Creek, and Sanctuary.  We believe that excluding the gain on the sale and operating results from the first quarter of fiscal 2012 versus the same period in fiscal 2011 provides helpful information in forecasting and planning the growth expectations of the company.

 

4 Refers to net gains and losses incurred by the company relating to sales and purchases in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.  We use the measure to understand the growth of the business on a constant dollar basis, as fluctuations in exchange rates can distort the underlying growth of our business (both positively and negatively).  To neutralize the effect of foreign exchange fluctuations, we have translated current year results at prior year rates.  We believe it is important to separately identify the impact that foreign exchange has on each major line item of our consolidated statement of operations.

Operating income of $246.3 million increased $11.3 million, or 5%, for the three months ended October 31, 2011 compared to the same period last year.  Operating income benefited from the underlying growth in our business and an increase in estimated trade inventory levels.  Operating income was hurt by foreign exchange, which decreased operating income by approximately $14 million, and the reduction in profits associated with the Hopland-based wine business, which was sold in April 2011.  The underlying growth in operating income was driven by higher volumes, which also accounted for the increase in both underlying net sales and gross profit.  A planned increase in operating expenses (advertising expenses plus selling general and administrative expenses) only partially offset these gains.  The following table highlights the major factors influencing the change in operating income for the quarter:

	Change vs. Prior Period
·Underlying change in operating income	9%
·Estimated net change in trade inventories	6%
·Sale of Hopland-based wine business	(4%)
·Foreign exchange	(6%)
Reported change in operating income	5%

Net interest expense increased by $1.0 million compared to a year ago reflecting higher long term debt offset partially by lower short term borrowings and additional swaps to a floating rate on our bonds due 2014.

The effective tax rate in the quarter was 34.1% compared to 32.7% reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  The increase in our effective tax rate was primarily driven by the recognition of additional tax expense related to discrete items arising in the quarter and the absence of the tax benefit of certain amortization..

Reported diluted earnings per share of $1.09 for the quarter increased 4% from the $1.05 earned in the same prior year period.  Diluted earnings per share performance in the quarter was helped by the underlying growth in operating income, an increase in estimated trade inventory levels, and a reduction in the number of shares outstanding.  Foreign exchange, higher net interest expense, and an increase in the effective tax rate only partially offset the factors that increased earnings.

Results of Operations:

Six Months Fiscal 2012 Compared to Six Months Fiscal 2011

A summary of our operating performance (dollars expressed in millions, except per share amounts) is presented below.

	Six Months Ended
	October 31,
	2010	2011	Change
Net sales	$1,650.6	$1,854.0	12%
Excise taxes	382.8	438.1	14%
Cost of sales	430.2	496.7	15%
Gross profit	837.6	922.2	10%
Advertising expenses	169.8	197.5	16%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	264.9	285.9	8%
Amortization expense	2.5	2.5
Other (income) expense, net	(7.3)	4.1
Operating income	407.7	432.2	6%
Interest expense, net	12.4	14.2
Income before income taxes	395.3	418.0	6%
Income taxes	129.9	142.4
Net income	265.4	275.6	4%
Gross margin	50.7%	49.7%
Operating margin	24.7%	23.3%
Effective tax rate	32.9%	34.1%
Earnings per share:
Basic	$1.81	$1.91	6%
Diluted	1.80	1.90	5%

On a reported basis, net sales for the six months ended October 31, 2011 were $1,854.0, up $203.4 million, or 12%, compared to the same prior year period.  Underlying growth in net sales and foreign exchange, the latter of which improved net sales by approximately $51 million, fueled the growth in reported net sales for the first six months of the fiscal year.  Reported net sales also benefitted from higher estimated net trade inventory levels, reflecting advanced buying ahead of anticipated price increases in several markets, the timing of promotional activities, and pipeline fill associated with product innovations.

	Change vs. Prior Period
·Underlying change in net sales	9%
·Foreign exchange	3%
·Estimated net change in trade inventories	1%
·Sale of Hopland-based wine business	(1%)
Reported change in net sales	12%

The primary factor contributing to our underlying growth in net sales for the six months was the strong performance of the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, reflecting the introduction of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey in the U.S., the acceleration in the growth for Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey globally, and the international expansion of Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, and Jack Daniel’s RTD products.  The net sales performance for our other brands was mixed, as net sales gains for several brands including Finlandia, Herradura, Woodford Reserve, and New Mix were partially offset by declines for some brands including Southern Comfort, Canadian Mist, and Korbel.  On a geographic basis, several markets including the U.S., Germany, Mexico, Russia, the U.K., Turkey, and France contributed to the underlying growth in net sales for the six months, while declines were experienced in Spain and Poland.

The following discussion highlights net sales and depletion5 results in the first six months for several brands compared to the same prior period:

·   Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands depletions, as well as both reported and constant currency6 net sales, grew double-digits for the first six months, fueled in part by the introduction of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and the broad based growth of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey around the world.  Gentleman Jack and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel benefitted from continued expansion in markets outside the U.S.

·   Jack Daniel’s RTD brands registered double-digit growth in net sales on both a reported and constant currency basis, as the various expressions benefitted from strong volumetric gains in Germany, Mexico, and the U.K. and from geographic expansion into other markets including Poland, Japan, and South Africa.

·   Finlandia net sales grew double-digits on a reported basis and high single-digits on a constant currency basis, while depletions grew low single-digits.  The increase is largely driven by Russia reflecting higher shipments (which are outpacing depletions) in advance of the holiday business coupled with soft comparisons to a year ago resulting from some disruptions following a distributor change.

·   Southern Comfort Family of Brands global net sales declined in the mid single-digits during the six months on both a reported basis and constant currency basis driven largely by depletion declines for the parent brand in the brand’s largest market, the U.S.  We believe this brand’s performance continued to be adversely affected by increased competition from flavored whiskeys, flavored vodkas, and spiced rums, particularly those consumed in the more traditional shot occasion.  There are a number of initiatives underway that we expect to improve the trends for the Southern Comfort trademark including the recent launch of Pepper in the U.S. and the expansion of Lime into international markets.

·   el Jimador experienced low single-digit gains in depletions and reported net sales.  Constant currency net sales were flat due to additional promotional activity in the competitive price category for this brand in both the U.S. and Mexico.

Cost of sales for the six months ended October 31, 2011 increased $66.5 million, or 15%, compared to the same period a year ago.  Cost of sales was hurt $8.4 million by foreign exchange.  Growth in sales volume, higher input costs, including corn and glass, and an increase in fuel costs also contributed to the growth in cost of sales for the period. We expect these costs to increase at about this same rate for the balance of the year.  Additionally, the transition services agreement with the buyer of Fetzer Vineyards (which included Fetzer winery, bottling facility and vineyards, as well as the Fetzer brand and other Hopland, California based wines) resulted in higher costs compared to the same period last year.  This trend is temporary and expected to end with the expiration of the agreement on December 31, 2011.  The following table highlights the major increases in costs through October:

	Change vs. Prior Period
·Volume growth	9%
·Foreign exchange	2%
·Cost increases (e.g., corn, glass, fuel)	2%
·Sale of Hopland-based wine business	2%
Reported change in cost of sales	15%

Gross profit increased $84.6 million, or 10% for the six month period.  Gross profit was hurt by a reduction in gross profit associated with the Hopland-based wine business sale and was helped by underlying growth in gross profit, foreign exchange, and an increase in estimated net trade inventory levels. The same factors that drove the increase in underlying net sales for the six months also contributed to the underlying growth in gross profit for the same period.  Similarly, the same factors that contributed to the increase in cost of goods through October partially offset the underlying growth in net sales for the six month period.  The higher cost of sales and a significantly lower gross margin earned from the Hopland-based wine business this year which is reducing gross margin by 0.7 percentage point, were the primary factor driving gross margin of 49.7% down from 50.7% in the prior year period.  We expect to evaluate the potential for price increases over the next six to 12 months in part to offset the cost of sales increases we have absorbed during the economic downturn.

The following table shows the major factors influencing the change in gross profit for the quarter:

	Change vs. Prior Period
·Underlying change in gross profit	8%
·Estimated net change in trade inventories	2%
·Foreign exchange	2%
·Sale of Hopland-based wine business	(2%)
Reported change in gross profit	10%

Advertising expenses increased $27.7 million, or 16%, for the six month period on a reported basis.  A weaker U.S. dollar increased advertising expense by nearly $6 million.  Excluding foreign exchange, advertising expense increased 13% due largely to support the introduction of line extensions (notably Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey in the U.S., Jack Daniel’s & Soda in Japan, Jack Daniel’s RTD geographic expansions, Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper in the U.S., and Finlandia ready-to-drink in Mexico).  We expect advertising expenses relative to the prior year to continue to grow but a more moderate rate over the balance of the fiscal year.  We continue to strive to optimize our mix of total brand investment by reallocating resources among brands, geographies, and channels that we believe enables us to effectively and efficiently reach consumers around the world.  We expect to remain flexible in directing brand spending and resources to activities that support the business in the current environment while positioning our company for long-term growth.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $21.0 million, or 8%, compared to the first half of last fiscal year, reflecting higher costs associated with route-to-consumer changes  in certain countries, a weaker U.S. dollar, inflation on salary and related expenses, investments in infrastructure in Asia, and timing related items (such as moving expenses).

 

5 Depletions are shipments direct to retail or from distributors to wholesale and retail customers, and are commonly regarded in the industry as an approximate measure of consumer demand.

 

6 Constant currency represents reported net sales with the cost/benefit of currency movements removed.  Management uses the measure to understand the growth of the business on a constant dollar basis, as fluctuations in exchange rates can distort the underlying growth of the business both positively and negatively.

Operating income increased $24.5 million, or 6%, compared to the same period last year. Operating income benefited from the underlying growth in our business and an increase in estimated trade inventory levels.  Operating income was hurt by foreign exchange and a reduction in profits associated with the Hopland-based wine business which was sold in April 2011.  The underlying growth in operating income was driven by higher volumes which drove the increase in both underlying net sales and gross profit.  A planned increase in operating expenses (advertising expenses plus selling general and administrative expenses) only partially offset these gains.  The following table highlights the major factors influencing the change in operating income for the first six months of the fiscal year:

	Change vs. Prior Period
·Underlying change in operating income	8%
·Estimated net change in trade inventories	5%
·Foreign exchange	(2%)
·Sale of Hopland-based wine business	(5%)
Reported change in operating income	6%

Net interest expense increased by $1.8 million compared to a year ago reflecting higher long term debt offset partially by lower short term borrowings and additional swaps to a floating rate on our bonds due 2014.

The effective tax rate for the first half of the year was 34.1% compared to 32.9% reported in the first half of fiscal 2011.  The increase in our effective tax rate was primarily driven by the recognition of additional tax expense related to discrete items arising in the second quarter, including the absence of the tax benefit of certain amortization.

Reported diluted earnings per share of $1.90 for the first six months increased 5% from the $1.80 earned in the same prior year period. The same factors that boosted the increase in operating income also contributed to the gain in earnings per share.  In addition, earnings per share benefitted from a reduction in the number of shares outstanding.  Higher net interest expense and an increase in the effective tax rate only partially offset these factors.

Full-Year Outlook

We have adjusted our fiscal 2012 full-year earnings outlook to a range of $3.45 to $3.70 per diluted share.  While we expect the strong underlying performance seen in the first half of our fiscal year to continue in the second half, we also anticipate reported results to be adversely affected by a stronger U.S. dollar.  In addition, we remain cautious about the uncertainties in the global macro environment, particularly with respect to the eurozone and foreign exchange, and the potential effect on our full year earnings.

Liquidity and Financial Condition

Cash and cash equivalents declined $187.0 million during the six months ended October 31, 2011, compared to a decrease of $75.9 million during the same period last year.  Cash provided by operations was $155.5 million, down from $177.8 million for the same period last year, reflecting a higher seasonal increase in working capital, offset partially by higher earnings (excluding non-cash items).  Cash used for investing activities increased from last year by $22.4 million, largely reflecting last year’s receipt of $12.1 million in proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment and this year’s acquisition of the Maximus brand name for $7.2 million (including transaction costs).  Cash used for financing activities was $53.4 million more than last year, primarily reflecting a $109.5 million increase in share repurchases, offset partially by a $60.8 million increase in net proceeds from debt.  The impact on cash and cash equivalents as a result of exchange rate changes was a decline of $11.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2011, compared to an increase of $1.8 million for the same period last year.

We have access to several liquidity sources to supplement our cash flow from operations.  Our commercial paper program, supported by our recently-executed bank credit facility, continues to fund our short-term credit needs.  We could also satisfy our liquidity needs by drawing on our $800.0 million bank credit facility (currently unused).  This facility expires November 18, 2016.  Under extreme market conditions, one or more participating banks may not be able to fully fund this credit facility.  While we are alert to this uncertainty, we believe the banking market has improved considerably.  Also, we believe that the markets for investment-grade bonds and private placements are very accessible and provide a source of long-term financing that, in addition to our cash flow from operations, we could use to meet any additional liquidity needs.

We have high credit standards when initiating transactions with counterparties and closely monitor our counterparty risks with respect to our cash balances and derivative contracts (that is, foreign currency, commodity, and interest rate hedges). If a counterparty’s credit quality were to deteriorate below our credit standards, we would either liquidate exposures or require the counterparty to post appropriate collateral.

We believe our current liquidity position is strong and sufficient to meet all of our financial commitments for the foreseeable future. Under the terms of our newly-executed $800.0 million bank credit facility, the most restrictive covenant requires our ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the agreement) to consolidated interest expense to be at least 3 to 1. At October 31, 2011, with a ratio of 30 to 1, we were within the covenant’s parameters.

As of October 31, 2011, we have total cash and cash equivalents of $380.1 million.  Of this amount, $143.6 million is held by certain foreign subsidiaries whose earnings we expect to permanently reinvest outside of the United States.  We do not expect to need the cash generated by those foreign subsidiaries to fund our domestic operations.  However, in the unforeseen event that we repatriate cash from those foreign subsidiaries, we would be required to provide for and pay U.S. taxes on permanently repatriated funds.

As we announced on March 25, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $250.0 million of our outstanding Class A and Class B common shares through November 30, 2011, subject to market and other conditions. Under this program, we repurchased a total of 3,372,477 shares (306,309 of Class A and 3,066,168 of Class B) for approximately $234.0 million.  The average repurchase price per share, including broker commissions, was $69.05 for Class A and $69.43 for Class B.

On November 17, 2011, our Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per share on Class A and Class B common stock, representing a dividend per share increase of 9.4%.  The dividend will be paid on December 27, 2011 to stockholders of record as of December 6, 2011.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We hold debt obligations, foreign currency forward and option contracts, and commodity futures contracts that are exposed to risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices, respectively.  Established procedures and internal processes govern the management of these market risks.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of Brown-Forman (its principal executive and principal financial officers) have evaluated the effectiveness of the  company's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  There has been no change in the company's internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information about shares of our common stock that we repurchased during the quarter ended October 31, 2011:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share	Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
August 1, 2011 – August 31, 2011	1,041,042	$68.92	1,041,042	$144,900,000
September 1, 2011 – September 30, 2011	1,298,916	$69.05	1,298,916	$55,200,000
October 1, 2011 – October 31, 2011	516,502	$70.25	516,502	$19,000,000
Total	2,856,460	$69.22	2,856,460

As we announced on March 25, 2011, our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase up to $250.0 million of our outstanding Class A and Class B common shares before December 1, 2011, subject to market and other conditions.  All of the shares presented in the above table were acquired as part of this program.

Item 6.  Exhibits

31.1	CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32	CEO and CFO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (not considered to be filed).
101	The following materials from Brown-Forman Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (a) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (b) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (c) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (d) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.*
*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files in Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date:  December 8, 2011	By:	/s/ Donald C. Berg
		Donald C. Berg
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(On behalf of the Registrant and as Principal Financial Officer)

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Paul C. Varga, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Brown-Forman Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:  December 8, 2011	By:	/s/ Paul C. Varga
		Paul C. Varga
		Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Donald C. Berg, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Brown-Forman Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:  December 8, 2011	By:	/s/ Donald C. Berg
		Donald C. Berg
		Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Brown-Forman Corporation (“the Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in the capacity as an officer of the Company, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:  December 8, 2011
	By:	/s/ Paul C. Varga
		Paul C. Varga
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
	By:	/s/ Donald C. Berg
		Donald C. Berg
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

This certificate is being furnished solely for purposes of Section 906 and is not being filed as part of the Report.

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011
Commodity derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	$ 0.4
Currency Derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0.1
Liabilities	11.9
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	3.4
Level 1 [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0
Level 2 [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0.1
Level 3 [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0.4
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities	11.9
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	3.4
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0.4
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities	11.9
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	3.4
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Assets	$ 0

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Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Inventories (Textuals) [Abstract]
Excess of current costs over stated LIFO value	$ 212.1	$ 203.5

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011 Bushels
Derivative Financial Instruments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Outstanding foreign currency contracts with notional amounts	$ 452.4
Outstanding exchange-traded futures and options contracts of corn ( In bushels)	4,000,000
Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional value	375.0
Net losses recorded in AOCI expected to reclassify to earnings during the next 12 months	7.2
Maximum term of outstanding derivative contracts	24 months
Aggregate fair value of derivatives with creditworthiness requirements that were in a net liability position	$ 8.5

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Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

4. Earnings Per Share

We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of all unrestricted common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share further includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock-settled appreciation rights (“SSARs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and deferred stock units (“DSUs”). We calculate that dilutive effect using the “treasury stock method” (as defined by GAAP).

We have granted restricted shares of common stock to certain employees as part of their compensation. These restricted shares contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends declared on common stock. As a result, the restricted shares are considered participating securities in the calculation of earnings per share.

The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended October 31,						Six Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	2010			2011			2010			2011
Net income	$	154.0		$	157.6		$	265.4		$	275.6
Income allocated to participating securities (restricted shares)		(0.2	)		(0.1	)		(0.3	)		(0.1	)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	153.8		$	157.5		$	265.1		$	275.5
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding		145,649			143,209			146,113			143,912
Dilutive effect of stock options, SSARs, RSUs, and DSUs		855			975			835			1,007
Diluted average common shares outstanding		146,504			144,184			146,948			144,919
Basic earnings per share	$	1.06		$	1.10		$	1.81		$	1.91
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.05		$	1.09		$	1.80		$	1.90

SSARs for approximately 407,000 common shares and 388,000 common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. SSARs for approximately 417,000 common shares and 388,000 common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the six months ended October 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The SSARs were excluded because they were not dilutive for those periods under the treasury stock method.

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Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2011
Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]
Trademark and intellectual property right	$ 7.2

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Earnings Per Share (Details Textuals)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share (Textuals) [Abstract]
Stock options stock settled appreciation rights not dilutive	388,000	407,000	388,000	417,000

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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 4.0	$ 3.9	$ 8.0	$ 7.8
Interest cost	8.5	8.3	17.0	16.7
Expected return on plan assets	(10.0)	(9.1)	(20.1)	(18.1)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	0.2	0.2	0.4	0.4
Net actuarial loss	4.8	4.7	9.7	9.3
Net expense	7.5	8.0	15.0	16.1
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0.4	0.3	0.7	0.6
Interest cost	0.7	0.8	1.5	1.6
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	0.2		0.3
Net actuarial loss				0.1
Net expense	$ 1.3	$ 1.1	$ 2.5	$ 2.3

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Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Summarized net income for the other items included in the determination of comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 157.6	$ 154.0	$ 275.6	$ 265.4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits adjustment	3.3	3.1	6.6	5.7
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(34.3)	14.5	(43.6)	5.7
Net (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	4.6	(6.4)	8.6	(8.8)
Total Other comprehensive income (loss)	(26.4)	11.2	(28.4)	2.6
Comprehensive income	$ 131.2	$ 165.2	$ 247.2	$ 268.0

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Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

3. Income Taxes

Our consolidated quarterly effective tax rate is based upon our expected annual operating income, statutory tax rates, and income tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant or unusual items, including adjustments to accruals for tax uncertainties, are recognized in the quarter in which the related event occurs. The effective tax rate of 34.1% for the six months ended October 31, 2011, is based on an expected tax rate of 32.9% on ordinary income for the full fiscal year, the recognition of additional tax expense related to discrete items arising during the period, and interest on previously provided tax contingencies. Our expected tax rate includes current fiscal year additions for existing tax contingency items.

We believe it is reasonably possible that there may be a net decrease in our gross unrecognized tax benefits of $9.9 million in the next twelve months as a result of tax positions taken in the current period, expirations of statutes of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities.

We file income tax returns in the United States, including several state and local jurisdictions, as well as in several other countries in which we conduct business. The major jurisdictions and their earliest fiscal years that are currently open for tax examinations are 1998 in the United States, 2007 in Australia, Ireland and Italy, 2006 in Poland, 2005 in Finland, 2003 in the U.K., and 2002 in Mexico. Audits of our fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 U.S. federal tax returns commenced during fiscal 2011. The audit of our fiscal 2011 return commenced during fiscal 2012. In addition, we are participating in the Internal Revenue Service’s Compliance Assurance Program for our fiscal 2012 tax year.

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Comprehensive Income (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Postretirement benefits adjustment	$ (157.9)	$ (164.5)
Cumulative translation adjustment	4.5	48.1
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge contracts	(5.0)	(13.6)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, Total	$ (158.4)	$ (130.0)

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,013.7	$ 905.7	$ 1,854.0	$ 1,650.6
Excise taxes	232.6	207.3	435.1	382.8
Cost of sales	279.2	239.6	496.7	430.2
Gross profit	501.9	458.8	922.2	837.6
Advertising expenses	106.7	93.5	197.5	169.8
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	146.8	132.9	285.9	264.9
Amortization expense	1.3	1.3	2.5	2.5
Other (income) expense, net	0.8	(3.9)	4.1	(7.3)
Operating income	246.3	235.0	432.2	407.7
Interest income	0.7	0.6	1.5	1.0
Interest expense	7.8	6.7	15.7	13.4
Income before income taxes	239.2	228.9	418.0	395.3
Income taxes	81.6	74.9	142.4	129.9
Net income	$ 157.6	$ 154.0	$ 275.6	$ 265.4
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 1.10	$ 1.06	$ 1.91	$ 1.81
Diluted	$ 1.09	$ 1.05	$ 1.90	$ 1.80
Cash dividends per common share:
Declared			$ 0.64	$ 0.60
Paid	$ 0.32	$ 0.30	$ 0.64	$ 0.60

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Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

We prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information. In accordance with those rules and regulations, we condensed or omitted certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We suggest that you read these condensed financial statements together with the financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Report”).

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of our financial results for the periods covered by this report.

We prepared the accompanying financial statements on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in our 2011 Annual Report.

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011
Commodity derivatives [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	$ 1.3
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position	(0.9)
Currency Derivatives [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	0.4
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position	(0.4)
Currency Derivatives [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	1.5
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position	(10.5)
Currency Derivatives [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	0.4
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position	(2.5)
Currency Derivatives [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	0.1
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position	0
Currency Derivatives [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	0
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position	(0.8)
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	1.3
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivatives in a gain position	2.1
Fair value of derivatives in a loss position	$ 0

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

(Dollars in millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Commodity derivatives	$	0.4		—		—	$	0.4
Currency derivatives		—		0.1		—		0.1
Interest rate swaps		—		3.4		—		3.4
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives		—		11.9		—		11.9

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$ 4.7	$ (9.8)	$ 5.8	$ (9.8)
Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	0	(1.7)	0	(0.8)
Net Sales [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	(2.8)	0.5	(8.1)	4.4
Net Sales [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in income	2.8	(5.3)	3.5	(4.6)
Cost of Sales [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Commodity derivatives [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in income	(0.7)	4.7	(2.0)	5.0
Other Income [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in income	(0.4)	(0.8)	0.5	1.9
Other Income [Member] | Not designated as hedges [Member] | Currency Derivatives [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in income	(0.5)	(1.1)	(1.6)	(0.5)
Interest Expense [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in income	$ 0.9		$ 1.8

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair values of derivative instruments

(Dollars in millions)	Classification	Fair value of derivatives in a gain position		Fair value of derivatives in a loss position
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	$	0.4	$	(0.4	)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		1.5		(10.5	)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities		0.4		(2.5	)
Designated as fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Other current assets		1.3		—
Interest rate swaps	Other assets		2.1		—
Not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Other current assets		1.3		(0.9	)
Currency derivatives	Other current assets		0.1		—
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		—		(0.8	)

Fair values of derivative instruments affecting statements of operations

		Three Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2010			2011
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	(9.8	)	$	4.7
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	Net sales		0.5			(2.8	)
Interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in income	Interest expense		—			0.9
Net gain (loss) recognized in income*	Other income		(0.8	)		(0.4	)
*  The effect on the hedged item was an equal but offsetting amount for the periods presented.
Currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a		(1.7	)		—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Net sales		(5.3	)		2.8
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Other income		(1.1	)		(0.5	)
Commodity derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Cost of sales		4.7			(0.7	)
		Six Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2010			2011
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	(9.8	)	$	5.8
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	Net sales		4.4			(8.1	)
Interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in income	Interest expense		—			1.8
Net gain (loss) recognized in income*	Other income		1.9			0.5
*  The effect on the hedged item was an equal but offsetting amount for the periods presented.
Currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a		(0.8	)		—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Net sales		(4.6	)		3.5
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Other income		(0.5	)		(1.6	)
Commodity derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Cost of sales		5.0			(2.0	)

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

2. Inventories

We use the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method to determine the cost of most of our inventories. If the LIFO method had not been used, inventories at current cost would have been $203.5 million higher than reported as of April 30, 2011, and $212.1 million higher than reported as of October 31, 2011. Changes in the LIFO valuation reserve for interim periods are based on a proportionate allocation of the estimated change for the entire fiscal year.

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 380.1	$ 567.1
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $17.8 and $9.4 at April 30 and October 31, respectively	641.9	495.9
Inventories:
Barreled whiskey	347.9	330.1
Finished goods	187.1	149.7
Work in process	105.7	119.8
Raw materials and supplies	53.8	47.1
Total inventories	694.5	646.7
Current deferred tax assets	41.9	48.2
Other current assets	187.2	217.9
Total current assets	1,945.6	1,975.8
Property, plant and equipment, net	383.0	393.4
Goodwill	621.8	625.4
Other intangible assets	672.1	670.1
Deferred tax assets	10.4	11.8
Other assets	40.7	35.6
Total assets	3,673.6	3,712.1
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	453.3	411.5
Accrued income taxes	35.7	31.9
Current deferred tax liabilities	7.7	8.5
Short-term borrowings	2.5	0
Current portion of long-term debt	253.5	254.9
Total current liabilities	752.7	706.8
Long-term debt	504.2	504.5
Deferred tax liabilities	162.3	149.6
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits	171.2	203.3
Other liabilities	77.0	87.5
Total liabilities	1,667.4	1,651.7
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock:
Additional paid-in capital	58.8	55.3
Retained earnings	2,893.2	2,710.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(158.4)	(130.0)
Treasury stock, at cost (11,337,000 and 14,381,000 shares at April 30 and October 31, respectively)	(810.8)	(598.3)
Total stockholders' equity	2,006.2	2,060.4
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,673.6	3,712.1
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock	8.5	8.5
Common stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock	$ 14.9	$ 14.9

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

12. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair values. This new guidance will become effective for us during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new guidance for the presentation of comprehensive income. This new guidance will become effective for us during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

In September 2011, the FASB issued new guidance for testing goodwill for impairment. This new guidance will also become effective for us during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

We do not expect our adoption of any of the guidance described above to have a material impact on our financial statements.

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Document and Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Nov. 30, 2011 Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]	Nov. 30, 2011 Common Stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Entity Registrant Name	BROWN FORMAN CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000014693
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 5,200,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			56,259,065	85,647,461

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Subsequent Event

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Event

13. Subsequent Event

In November 2011, we entered into a new five-year credit agreement with various U.S. and international banks for $800.0 million that will expire on November 18, 2016, and terminated our existing bank credit agreement that was scheduled to expire in April 2012. Consistent with the previous agreement, the new agreement’s most restrictive covenant requires our ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the agreement) to consolidated interest expense to be at least 3 to 1.

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9.4	$ 17.8
Common stock:
Treasury stock	14,381,000	11,337,000
Common stock, Class A, voting [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock, shares authorized	57,000,000	57,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	56,964,000	56,964,000
Common stock, Class B, nonvoting [Member]
Common stock:
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	99,363,000	99,363,000

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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

7. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The following table shows the components of the pension and other postretirement benefit expense recognized for our U.S. benefit plans during the periods covered by this report. Information about similar international plans is not presented due to immateriality.

	Three Months Ended October 31,						Six Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2010			2011			2010			2011
Pension Benefits:
Service cost	$	3.9		$	4.0		$	7.8		$	8.0
Interest cost		8.3			8.5			16.7			17.0
Expected return on plan assets		(9.1	)		(10.0	)		(18.1	)		(20.1	)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		0.2			0.2			0.4			0.4
Net actuarial loss		4.7			4.8			9.3			9.7
Net expense	$	8.0		$	7.5		$	16.1		$	15.0
Other Postretirement Benefits:
Service cost	$	0.3		$	0.4		$	0.6		$	0.7
Interest cost		0.8			0.7			1.6			1.5
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		—			0.2			—			0.3
Net actuarial loss		—			—			0.1			—
Net expense	$	1.1		$	1.3		$	2.3		$	2.5

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Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies

6. Contingencies

We operate in a litigious environment, and we are sued in the normal course of business. Sometimes plaintiffs seek substantial damages. Significant judgment is required in predicting the outcome of these suits and claims, many of which take years to adjudicate. We accrue estimated costs for a contingency when we believe that a loss is probable and we can make a reasonable estimate of the loss, and then adjust the accrual as appropriate to reflect changes in facts and circumstances. We do not believe these loss contingencies, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. No material accrued loss contingencies are recorded as of October 31, 2011.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Comparison of the fair values and carrying amounts of financial instrument

(Dollars in millions)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	380.1	$	380.1
Commodity derivatives		0.4		0.4
Currency derivatives		0.1		0.1
Interest rate swaps		3.4		3.4
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives		11.9		11.9
Short-term borrowings		2.5		2.5
Current portion of long-term debt		253.5		258.2
Long-term debt		504.2		529.3

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Basic and diluted earnings per share

	Three Months Ended October 31,						Six Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	2010			2011			2010			2011
Net income	$	154.0		$	157.6		$	265.4		$	275.6
Income allocated to participating securities (restricted shares)		(0.2	)		(0.1	)		(0.3	)		(0.1	)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	153.8		$	157.5		$	265.1		$	275.5
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding		145,649			143,209			146,113			143,912
Dilutive effect of stock options, SSARs, RSUs, and DSUs		855			975			835			1,007
Diluted average common shares outstanding		146,504			144,184			146,948			144,919
Basic earnings per share	$	1.06		$	1.10		$	1.81		$	1.91
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.05		$	1.09		$	1.80		$	1.90

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term borrowings approximates the carrying amount due to the short maturities of these instruments. We estimate the fair value of long-term debt based on the prices at which our debt has recently traded in the market and considering the overall market conditions on the date of valuation. We determine the fair value of derivative financial instruments as discussed in Note 9. As of October 31, 2011, the fair values and carrying amounts of these instruments were as follows:

(Dollars in millions)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	380.1	$	380.1
Commodity derivatives		0.4		0.4
Currency derivatives		0.1		0.1
Interest rate swaps		3.4		3.4
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives		11.9		11.9
Short-term borrowings		2.5		2.5
Current portion of long-term debt		253.5		258.2
Long-term debt		504.2		529.3

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Comprehensive Income

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income

8. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is a broad measure of the effects of all transactions and events (other than investments by or distributions to stockholders) that are recognized in stockholders’ equity, regardless of whether those transactions and events are included in net income. The following table adjusts net income for the other items included in the determination of comprehensive income:

	Three Months Ended October 31,						Six Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2010			2011			2010			2011
Net income	$	154.0		$	157.6		$	265.4		$	275.6
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits adjustment		3.1			3.3			5.7			6.6
Foreign currency translation adjustment		14.5			(34.3	)		5.7			(43.6	)
Net (loss) gain on cash flow hedges		(6.4	)		4.6			(8.8	)		8.6
		11.2			(26.4	)		2.6			(28.4	)
Comprehensive income	$	165.2		$	131.2		$	268.0		$	247.2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, consisted of the following:

(Dollars in millions)	April 30, 2011			October 31, 2011
Postretirement benefits adjustment	$	(164.5	)	$	(157.9	)
Cumulative translation adjustment		48.1			4.5
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge contracts		(13.6	)		(5.0	)
	$	(130.0	)	$	(158.4	)

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Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

9. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We categorize the fair values of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to determine those values. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are:

• Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2 – Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

• Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying balance sheet as of October 31, 2011:

(Dollars in millions)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Commodity derivatives	$	0.4		—		—	$	0.4
Currency derivatives		—		0.1		—		0.1
Interest rate swaps		—		3.4		—		3.4
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives		—		11.9		—		11.9

We determine the fair values of our commodities derivatives (futures and options) primarily using quoted contract prices on futures exchange markets. For these instruments, we use the closing contract price as of the balance sheet date. We determine the fair values of our currency derivatives (forwards and options) and interest rate swaps using standard valuation models. The significant inputs used in these models are readily available in public markets or can be derived from observable market transactions. Inputs used in these standard valuation models include the applicable exchange rate, forward rates and discount rates for the currency derivatives and include interest rate yield curves for the interest rate swaps. The standard valuation model for foreign currency options also uses implied volatility as an additional input. The discount rates are based on the historical U.S. Treasury rates, and the implied volatility specific to individual foreign currency options is based on quoted rates from financial institutions.

We measure some assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, we do not measure them at fair value on an ongoing basis, but we do adjust them to fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when we determine that an asset is impaired). The fair values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during fiscal 2012 were not material as of October 31, 2011.

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Derivative Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

11. Derivative Financial Instruments

Our multinational business exposes us to global market risks, including the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates. We use derivatives to help manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business. We formally document the purpose of each derivative contract, which includes linking the contract to the financial exposure it is designed to mitigate. We do not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes.

We use currency derivative contracts to limit our exposure to the currency exchange risk that we cannot mitigate internally by using netting strategies. We designate most of these contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions (expected to occur within three years). We record all changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (except any ineffective portion) in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) until the underlying hedged transaction occurs, at which time we reclassify that amount into earnings. We designate some of our currency derivatives as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries. We record all changes in the fair value of net investment hedges (except any ineffective portion) in the cumulative translation adjustment component of AOCI.

We assess the effectiveness of our hedges based on changes in forward exchange rates. The ineffective portion of the changes in fair value of our hedges (recognized immediately in earnings) during the periods presented in this report was not material.

We do not designate some of our currency derivatives as hedges because we use them to at least partially offset the immediate earnings impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on existing assets or liabilities. We immediately recognize the change in fair value of these contracts in earnings.

As of October 31, 2011, we had outstanding currency derivatives with a total notional amount of $452.4 million, related primarily to our euro, British pound, and Australian dollar exposures.

We also had outstanding exchange-traded futures and options contracts on approximately four million bushels of corn as of October 31, 2011. We use these contracts to mitigate our exposure to corn price volatility. Because we do not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes, we immediately recognize changes in their fair value in earnings.

We manage our interest rate risk with swap contracts. As of October 31, 2011, we had fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional value of $375.0 million with maturities matching those of our bonds. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges. The change in fair value of the swaps not related to accrued interest is offset by a corresponding adjustment to the carrying values of the bond.

The following table presents the fair values of our derivative instruments as of October 31, 2011. The fair values are presented below on a gross basis, while the fair values of those instruments that are subject to master settlement arrangements are presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, in conformity with GAAP.

(Dollars in millions)	Classification	Fair value of derivatives in a gain position		Fair value of derivatives in a loss position
Designated as cash flow hedges:
Currency derivatives	Other current assets	$	0.4	$	(0.4	)
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		1.5		(10.5	)
Currency derivatives	Other liabilities		0.4		(2.5	)
Designated as fair value hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Other current assets		1.3		—
Interest rate swaps	Other assets		2.1		—
Not designated as hedges:
Commodity derivatives	Other current assets		1.3		(0.9	)
Currency derivatives	Other current assets		0.1		—
Currency derivatives	Accrued expenses		—		(0.8	)

The following tables present the amounts affecting our consolidated statement of operations for the periods covered by this report:

		Three Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2010			2011
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	(9.8	)	$	4.7
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	Net sales		0.5			(2.8	)
Interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in income	Interest expense		—			0.9
Net gain (loss) recognized in income*	Other income		(0.8	)		(0.4	)
*  The effect on the hedged item was an equal but offsetting amount for the periods presented.
Currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a		(1.7	)		—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Net sales		(5.3	)		2.8
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Other income		(1.1	)		(0.5	)
Commodity derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Cost of sales		4.7			(0.7	)
		Six Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	Classification	2010			2011
Currency derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a	$	(9.8	)	$	5.8
Net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income	Net sales		4.4			(8.1	)
Interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in income	Interest expense		—			1.8
Net gain (loss) recognized in income*	Other income		1.9			0.5
*  The effect on the hedged item was an equal but offsetting amount for the periods presented.
Currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
Net gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	n/a		(0.8	)		—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Net sales		(4.6	)		3.5
Currency derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Other income		(0.5	)		(1.6	)
Commodity derivatives – net gain (loss) recognized in income	Cost of sales		5.0			(2.0	)

We expect to reclassify $7.2 million of deferred net losses recorded in AOCI as of October 31, 2011, to earnings during the next 12 months. This reclassification would offset the anticipated earnings impact of the underlying hedged exposures. The actual amounts that we ultimately reclassify to earnings will depend on the exchange rates in effect when the underlying hedged transactions occur. The maximum term of our contracts outstanding at October 31, 2011 is 24 months.

We are exposed to credit-related losses if the other parties to our derivative contracts breach them. This credit risk is limited to the fair value of the contracts. To manage this risk, we enter into contracts only with major financial institutions that have earned investment-grade credit ratings; we have established counterparty credit guidelines that are regularly monitored and that provide for reports to senior management according to prescribed guidelines; and we monetize contracts when we believe it is warranted. Because of these safeguards, we believe the risk of loss from counterparty default to be immaterial.

Some of our derivative instruments require us to maintain a specific level of creditworthiness, which we have maintained. If our creditworthiness were to fall below that level, then the counterparties to our derivative instruments could request immediate payment or collateralization for derivative instruments in net liability positions. As of October 31, 2011, the aggregate fair value of all derivatives with creditworthiness requirements that were in a net liability position was $8.5 million.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	$ 380.1	$ 567.1	$ 155.7	$ 231.6
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	380.1
Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings, Carrying Amount	2.5	0
Short-term borrowings, Fair Value	2.5
Current portion of long-term debt, Carrying Amount	253.5	254.9
Current portion of long-term debt, Fair Value	258.2
Long-term debt, Carrying Amount	504.2	504.5
Long -term debt, Fair Value	529.3
Commodity derivatives [Member]
Assets:
Contracts, Carrying Amount	0.4
Contracts, fair value	0.4
Currency Derivatives [Member]
Assets:
Contracts, Carrying Amount	0.1
Contracts, fair value	0.1
Liabilities:
Currency derivatives, Carrying Amount	11.9
Currency derivatives, Fair Value	11.9
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets:
Contracts, Carrying Amount	3.4
Contracts, fair value	$ 3.4

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Comprehensive Income (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Summarized net income for the other items included in the determination of comprehensive income

	Three Months Ended October 31,						Six Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2010			2011			2010			2011
Net income	$	154.0		$	157.6		$	265.4		$	275.6
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Postretirement benefits adjustment		3.1			3.3			5.7			6.6
Foreign currency translation adjustment		14.5			(34.3	)		5.7			(43.6	)
Net (loss) gain on cash flow hedges		(6.4	)		4.6			(8.8	)		8.6
		11.2			(26.4	)		2.6			(28.4	)
Comprehensive income	$	165.2		$	131.2		$	268.0		$	247.2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

(Dollars in millions)	April 30, 2011			October 31, 2011
Postretirement benefits adjustment	$	(164.5	)	$	(157.9	)
Cumulative translation adjustment		48.1			4.5
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge contracts		(13.6	)		(5.0	)
	$	(130.0	)	$	(158.4	)

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Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011
Income Taxes (Textuals) [Abstract]
Effective rate	34.10%
Expected tax rate on ordinary income	32.90%
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits	$ 9.9

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 275.6	$ 265.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	25.8	28.7
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment		(1.5)
Stock-based compensation expense	4.3	3.9
Deferred income taxes	16.7	10.2
Changes in assets and liabilities	(166.9)	(128.9)
Cash provided by operating activities	155.5	177.8
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		12.1
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(18.8)	(15.1)
Acquisition of brand names and trademarks	(7.2)
Computer software expenditures	(0.7)	(1.3)
Cash used for investing activities	(26.7)	(4.3)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	2.6	(58.3)
Repayment of long-term debt	(1.5)	(1.4)
Net payments related to exercise of stock-based awards	(2.0)	(3.3)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	4.8	6.3
Acquisition of treasury stock	(216.1)	(106.6)
Dividends paid	(92.4)	(87.9)
Cash used for financing activities	(304.6)	(251.2)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(11.2)	1.8
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(187.0)	(75.9)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	567.1	231.6
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 380.1	$ 155.7

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Other Intangible Assets

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Other Intangible Assets

5. Other Intangible Assets

On June 30, 2011, we acquired the trademarks and related intellectual property rights (“brand name”) to Maximus Vodka for $7.2 million (including transaction costs). We consider this brand name to have an indefinite life.

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Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Net income	$ 157.6	$ 154.0	$ 275.6	$ 265.4
Income allocated to participating securities (restricted shares)	(0.1)	(0.2)	(0.1)	(0.3)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 157.5	$ 153.8	$ 275.5	$ 265.1
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding	143,209	145,649	143,912	146,113
Dilutive effect of stock options, SSARs, RSUs, and DSUs	975	855	1,007	835
Diluted average common shares outstanding	144,184	146,504	144,919	146,948
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.10	$ 1.06	$ 1.91	$ 1.81
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.09	$ 1.05	$ 1.90	$ 1.80

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Subsequent Event (Details) (Financing [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011
Financing [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amount of credit agreement	$ 800
Credit Agreement, Expiration Date	2016-11-18
Prior Credit Agreement, Expiration Date	April 2012
Credit Agreement, Restrictive Covenant	Ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the agreement) to consolidated interest expense of at least 3 to 1.

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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension and other postretirement benefit expense

	Three Months Ended October 31,						Six Months Ended October 31,
(Dollars in millions)	2010			2011			2010			2011
Pension Benefits:
Service cost	$	3.9		$	4.0		$	7.8		$	8.0
Interest cost		8.3			8.5			16.7			17.0
Expected return on plan assets		(9.1	)		(10.0	)		(18.1	)		(20.1	)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		0.2			0.2			0.4			0.4
Net actuarial loss		4.7			4.8			9.3			9.7
Net expense	$	8.0		$	7.5		$	16.1		$	15.0
Other Postretirement Benefits:
Service cost	$	0.3		$	0.4		$	0.6		$	0.7
Interest cost		0.8			0.7			1.6			1.5
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		—			0.2			—			0.3
Net actuarial loss		—			—			0.1			—
Net expense	$	1.1		$	1.3		$	2.3		$	2.5