Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, alcoholic beverage producer Brown-Forman (NYSE: BF-B) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Brown-Forman's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Brown-Forman facts

Headquarters (founded) Louisville, Ky. (1870)
Market Cap $13.2 billion
Industry Distillers and vintners
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $2.7 billion
Management CEO Paul Varga (since 2005)
CFO Donald Berg (since 2008)
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) 26%
Cash/Debt $338.0 million / $506.0 million
Dividend Yield 1.6%
Competitors Diageo
Constellation Brands

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 95% of the 196 members who have rated Brown-Forman believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.  

Earlier this week, one of those Fools, cbaines2, tapped Brown-Forman as a particularly stable pick:

The share price is steady, like everything with the company. ... This steadiness is not a recent phenomenon -- for eight of the past 10 years, the company's stock has stayed between 19.9 times and 24.1 times earnings (the financial crisis years of 2008 and 2009 being the exception). Compare this to Diageo, whose P/E has fluctuated between 14.6 times earnings and 21.2 times earnings (even excluding 2008 and 2009). ... With its long-term stability, Brown-Forman helps investors and imbibers sleep soundly.

For investors looking for a steady family controlled business with solid growth but few thrills, partnering with the Brown family is still the best game in town.

If you want market-thumping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, Brown-Forman may not be your top choice.

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