Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2026 grew by 12% compared to the previous year, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 15% [4] - Same-store sales were nearly flat at -0.4%, with retail revenue up 1.4% and league revenue up 2.1% [4] - Capital expenditures (CapEx) for the quarter were $26 million, down from $42 million a year ago, reflecting tighter capital allocation [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail foot traffic showed strength, finishing nearly 1.5% up, while league participation increased over 2% [10] - The offline events business, primarily corporate bookings, was down 11%, impacting total comps by approximately 160 basis points [4] - Food and beverage revenue increased by 10%, significantly outpacing overall retail growth of 1.4% [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong performance in markets outside California and Washington, where layoffs impacted corporate events [27] - The events business in New York, Texas, and Florida showed strong results, contrasting with the challenges faced in California [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving free cash flow through disciplined cost management and capital efficiency [5] - A strategic real estate investment was made, acquiring land and buildings for 58 locations for $306 million, enhancing flexibility and reducing future rent exposure [5] - The company aims to expand its brand presence, with plans to reach 100 rebranded locations by the end of 2026 [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of the events business, noting October was the strongest month of the year for both offline and total events [4] - The company anticipates same-store sales growth of 1-5% for the year, with expectations for stronger performance in the fourth quarter [16] - Management highlighted the importance of enhancing food and beverage offerings to drive customer engagement and revenue [41] Other Important Information - The company completed a $1.7 billion refinancing, extending debt maturities to 2032 at an average weighted cost of capital of 7% [5] - The acquisition of two water parks and three family entertainment centers is expected to generate returns above historical averages [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers of Q1's flat comp? - Management noted strength in retail and league categories, with league participation up over 2% and food and beverage revenue from league bowlers reaching all-time highs [10][11] Question: How should we think about same-store sales for the rest of the year? - Management guided for same-store sales to remain in the range of 1-5%, with stronger performance expected in the fourth quarter [16] Question: What is the status of the Lucky Strike rebrand? - The company is on track to reach 100 rebranded locations by the end of the year, with positive results from rebranded properties [24][25] Question: How is the events business performing geographically? - The events business is strong in New York, Texas, and Florida, but facing challenges in California due to layoffs [27] Question: What is the outlook for food and beverage revenue? - Food and beverage revenue increased by 10% without price increases, driven by improved attachments and product quality [41][47] Question: What is the focus for the remainder of the year regarding acquisitions? - The company is prioritizing organic growth and free cash flow, with a focus on internal improvements rather than new acquisitions unless they are exceptional opportunities [51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Diageo has increased its cost-saving targets from $500 million to $625 million, indicating a focus on supply chain efficiency and operational excellence [6][11][12] - The company aims to deliver $3 billion in net cash flow, which includes the exceptional costs associated with the new savings target [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on optimizing trade investment and advertising and promotion (A&P) spending, which has grown at a higher rate than net sales value (NSV) growth [10][12] - Diageo is looking to improve the effectiveness of its marketing spend, with approximately 40% of A&P dollars currently spent on media scale and reach [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market has shown growth primarily through a few successful brands, such as Don Julio Reposado and Crown Royal Blackberry, while other brands in the portfolio are struggling [34][36] - The company has not observed signs of improvement in U.S. consumer sentiment, maintaining a cautious outlook for fiscal 2026 [40][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Diageo is shifting its focus from margin percentage to dollar margin, aiming to capture profit pools that may have been overlooked due to an obsession with premiumization [19][23] - The company is evaluating its portfolio for potential disposals of non-core businesses to focus on growth areas within the spirits segment [25][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the ongoing debate about structural versus cyclical changes in the industry, suggesting that moderation trends may be exacerbated by macroeconomic pressures [28][30] - The company believes that the spirits category remains robust and attractive, despite current uncertainties [43][44] Other Important Information - Diageo is exploring opportunities in lower alcohol by volume (ABV) products and ready-to-drink (RTD) formats to cater to changing consumer preferences [32][33] - The company is committed to rebuilding its commercial execution capabilities to enhance relationships with customers and drive growth [14][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is Diageo finding cost savings? - Diageo is focusing on supply chain efficiency and operational excellence, with a shift in perspective on cost savings to ensure they contribute to the bottom line rather than just cost avoidance [7][8] Question: How will Diageo maintain relationships while cutting costs? - Management plans to reinvest approximately half of the savings into commercial excellence and execution to maintain important relationships in the industry [13][14] Question: What is the strategy regarding marketing spend? - Diageo is looking at marketing spend holistically, focusing on effectiveness rather than just increasing budgets, and is committed to reducing wasted commercial A&P [16][17] Question: How is Diageo evaluating potential disposals? - The company is assessing whether certain businesses offer synergies or growth opportunities, with a focus on maximizing value for shareholders [25][43] Question: What is the outlook for the U.S. consumer? - Management does not see signs of improvement in U.S. consumer sentiment and is planning cautiously for fiscal 2026 [40][41]