Alcoholic drink maker Constellation Brands Inc reported adjusted quarterly profit that missed Wall Street estimates by a penny on Wednesday, hurt by disappointing demand in Europe and Australia during Christmas and New Year's.

On a net basis, the world's largest wine producer, with brands such as Robert Mondavi and Clos du Bois, reported a loss of $406.8 million, or $1.88 per share, in its fiscal fourth quarter, ended on February 28, compared with a loss of $834.8 million, or $3.91 per share, a year ago.

Excluding items, Constellation earned 21 cents per share. Analysts on average were expecting 22 cents per share, according to Reuters Estimates.

Quarterly net sales fell 16.8 percent to $735.1 million.

For the current year, fiscal 2010, Constellation forecast earnings of $1.60 to $1.70 per share, excluding items. Analysts on average were expecting 2010 earnings of $1.65 per share, according to Reuters Estimates. (Reporting by Martinne Geller; Editing by Derek Caney)

Australia