Dry January and Sober October have become increasingly prevalent as more people are trying to cutback on drinking before or after the busy holiday party season.But perhaps it’s time to consider the potential to be more moderate during the holiday season itself. https://t.co/HdfRGEveB8 ...

Dry January and Sober October have become increasingly prevalent as more people are trying to cutback on drinking before or after the busy holiday party season.But perhaps it’s time to consider the potential to be more moderate during the holiday season itself. https://t.co/HdfRGEveB8 ...

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is planning for a more cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026, indicating a focus on managing inventory levels and achieving normalized stock levels [10][11] - Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 is expected to be similar to fiscal 2025, with a potential acceleration in the second half of the year [15][16] - The company anticipates a $50 million reduction in starting EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from the sale of Ghana and Seychelles breweries [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The spirits segment in Europe has faced pressure, but the company views this as an opportunity to better control outcomes by focusing on local markets and consumer dynamics [11][12] - The company is focusing on driving growth in key brands such as Don Julio and Guinness, despite organic sales declines [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market is expected to be cautious, with a stretched consumer wallet impacting sales [28][29] - The company is optimistic about the potential for growth in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in China, despite recent challenges [30][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reorganizing to capture growth opportunities by being more locally focused and occasion-led in various markets [12][13] - There is a clear strategy to enhance commercial execution at the point of sale, with a focus on training and upskilling resources [17][18] - The company is committed to premiumization and expanding its portfolio, particularly in the tequila segment [40][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current macroeconomic pressures but believes that moderation trends in consumer behavior present new opportunities [65][66] - The company remains confident in the long-term growth potential of the US spirits market despite short-term pressures [79][80] Other Important Information - The company is implementing changes to its currency hedging strategy to reduce volatility and align hedge targets with operating profit exposure [36][37] - The company plans to reinvest 50% of cost savings into better commercial execution and digitization efforts [70][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: US depletion outlook and inventory message - Management indicated that inventory levels have normalized and they are planning for a cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026 [10][11] Question: Investment in Europe and spirits portfolio - Management acknowledged the pressure on the spirits portfolio in Europe but sees it as an opportunity for better control and growth [11][12] Question: Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 - Management expects organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 to be similar to fiscal 2025, with potential acceleration in the second half [15][16] Question: Impact of disposals on EBIT - Management confirmed a $50 million reduction in starting EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from recent sales [21][22] Question: Focus on moderation trends - Management noted that moderation trends are here to stay and the company is looking to tap into this with a broader range of products [65][66] Question: Reinvestment of cost savings - Management stated that 50% of cost savings will be reinvested into commercial execution and digitization efforts [70][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is planning for a more cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026, indicating a focus on managing inventory levels and achieving normalized stock levels [8][9] - Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 is expected to be similar to fiscal 2025, with a potential acceleration in the second half of the year [14][30] - The company anticipates a $50 million reduction in starting EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from recent sales in Ghana and Seychelles [22][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The spirits segment in Europe has faced pressure, but the company sees this as an opportunity to better control outcomes by focusing on local markets and consumer dynamics [9][10] - The company is focusing on driving growth in key brands such as Don Julio, Guinness, and Johnny Walker, despite organic sales declines [20][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market is expected to be cautious, with consumer wallets still stretched, impacting sales performance [28][30] - In Asia Pacific, particularly China, the market has been more challenged outside of the Chinese New Year, but the company is optimistic about future growth opportunities [29][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reorganizing to capture growth opportunities by being more locally focused and occasion-led, particularly in Southern Europe [10][11] - There is a clear strategy to enhance commercial execution at the point of sale, with a focus on training and upskilling resources [18][47] - The company is committed to premiumization and expanding its portfolio, particularly in the tequila segment [40][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current macroeconomic pressures but believes that moderation trends in consumer behavior present new growth opportunities [62][70] - The company is focused on balancing growth across its portfolio, with an emphasis on both volume and price mix [56][59] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing its portfolio, with ongoing disposals of non-core assets while maintaining a focus on core brands [86] - There is a commitment to reinvest 50% of cost savings into better commercial execution and digitization efforts [70][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: US depletion outlook and inventory message - Management indicated that inventory levels have normalized and they are planning for a cautious consumer environment in the US for fiscal 2026 [8][9] Question: Organic sales guidance for fiscal 2026 - Management expressed confidence in achieving a similar organic sales performance to fiscal 2025, with expectations for acceleration in the second half [14][30] Question: Impact of disposals on EBIT - Management confirmed a $50 million reduction in EBIT due to disposals, with additional impacts from recent sales in Ghana and Seychelles [22][30] Question: Focus on the Astral brand in the US - Management sees significant growth potential for the Astral brand in the super premium segment and is optimistic about its scaling [40][41] Question: Changes in US route to market - Management highlighted the importance of both increasing the number of salespeople and enhancing their effectiveness through training and focused execution [46][47] Question: Structural headwinds and moderation trends - Management acknowledged the ongoing moderation trend but emphasized the company's ability to innovate and adapt to consumer preferences [62][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered 1.7% organic sales growth, or 1.5% before the impact of the Syrah transaction in North America [4] - Organic profit declined by 0.7%, including the Syrah transaction impact, and declined by 1% excluding this [4] - Free cash flow was $2.7 billion, up $100 million from last year, reflecting solid working capital management [5] - EPS pre-exceptionals declined almost 9%, mainly due to a significantly lower contribution from Moire Tennessee and adverse FX [5] - Recommended full year dividend remained flat compared to last year, deemed prudent given the current backdrop [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Positive organic sales growth was observed in almost all regions, although operating profits were adversely impacted by increased overheads [4] - In North America, U.S. spirits net sales grew 1.6% organically with a positive price mix of 2.9% [32] - In India, growth was driven by prestige and above whiskey, with the UK-India free trade agreement expected to support future growth [30] - In Europe, Guinness was a main driver of growth, recovering from a period of consumer down trading [46] - In Africa, organic net sales growth was led by Ghana, while Brazil benefited from a more stable environment through premiumization [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Trading conditions remained challenging due to macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in key markets like the U.S. and China [29] - The company held or grew market share in 65% of total net sales in measured markets, including the U.S. [29] - Consumer sentiment remains subdued, with 25% of consumers indicating saving money as a top reason for moderating their TBA consumption [24] - Gen Z household penetration of spirits increased by six percentage points to 55% in 2024 compared to 2020 [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is sharpening its strategy to leverage its portfolio and competitive strengths in an evolving TBA landscape [7] - The Accelerate program aims to deliver $625 million in cash savings over the next three years, focusing on operational excellence and cost efficiency [10] - The company is committed to delivering approximately $3 billion of free cash flow per annum from fiscal 2026 [21] - There is a focus on digital investment to leverage data for actionable insights and consistent metrics [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management believes spirits remain an attractive sector long-term, supported by favorable demographics and increasing female per capita consumption [22] - Near-term pressures on the sector are viewed as largely cyclical and driven by the macroeconomic environment [24] - The company expects organic net sales growth to be slightly negative in fiscal 2026, with growth skewed to the second half [57] - Management is focused on instilling confidence in the team and leveraging the strength of the brand portfolio for future growth [62] Other Important Information - The company announced significant exceptional charges totaling $1.4 billion, including a $450 million charge related to Distill Ventures and a $230 million impairment charge for Aviation Gin [52][53] - Closing net debt was $21.9 billion, which was $800 million higher than at the start of the year due to unfavorable foreign exchange movements [54] - The leverage ratio increased to 3.4 times net debt adjusted EBITDA, above the target range of 2.5 to 3 times [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for organic net sales growth in fiscal 2026? - The company expects similar rates of organic net sales growth to those seen in fiscal 2025, with a cautious outlook for the consumer environment [56][57] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of tariffs? - The company anticipates a 10% rate for UK imports and a 15% rate for European imports into the U.S., expecting to mitigate 50% of the impact in the first year [59] Question: What is the focus of the Accelerate program? - The Accelerate program is focused on delivering cash savings, improving operational efficiency, and driving better growth through a more agile operating model [10][11]

Public Perception - The article discusses the varying perceptions of moderate drinking among 1,600 Americans [1] Health & Lifestyle - The study explores what "drinking in moderation" actually means to individuals [1]

Alcohol Consumption Habits - Men define moderate alcohol consumption as approximately 2.1 drinks per day, aligning with current guidelines [1] - Women's median definition of moderate alcohol consumption is 1.6 drinks per day [1] - Approximately 25% of men and 28% of women consider moderation to be abstaining from alcohol entirely [1]

Core Insights - Heineken 0.0 has partnered with Apple Original Films for the upcoming release of F1 THE MOVIE, set to launch globally on June 25, 2025, with a campaign directed by Joseph Kosinski featuring stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris [3][4][14] - The partnership emphasizes Heineken's long-standing association with Formula 1, having been a sponsor since 2016, and aims to challenge outdated perceptions of alcohol consumption in social settings [4][5][8] Company Overview - Heineken is recognized as the world's most international brewer, with a diverse portfolio of over 300 beer and cider brands, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation [11][12] - The company operates in more than 70 countries, employing over 85,000 individuals, and is focused on disciplined sales execution and cost management [12] Industry Context - The collaboration with F1 THE MOVIE reflects the cultural rise of Formula 1 and aims to position Heineken 0.0 at the center of this trend, promoting moderation and inclusive drinking choices [5][8] - The campaign will include exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access, engaging audiences in a broader conversation about changing social norms around alcohol consumption [7][8]