Diageo World Class 大赛进入第 16 个年头，来自 51 个国家/地区的调酒师齐聚一堂，角逐这项全球最令人向往的调酒师荣誉 多伦多, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 在今年于多伦多举行的世界顶尖鸡尾酒大赛上，挪威选手 Felice Capasso 赢得了“2025 年度 World Class 全球最佳调酒师”的殊荣，为其职业生涯写下辉煌一笔。 在这场全球鸡尾酒文化的年度盛典上，Felice 与来自六大洲 51 个国家和地区的决赛选手同台竞技，经由国际顶尖行业专家评审团的一致裁定，最终脱颖而出，摘得桂冠。 Felice Capasso 任职于奥斯陆的 Nedre Løkka Cocktailbar，同时也是葡萄酒与烈酒教育中心 Sesto Senso Academy 的创始人。比赛中，他凭借一系列展现个人调酒热忱的招牌作品，从众多选手中脱颖而出。 摘得此项殊荣的同时，Felice 还将获得一座奖杯、明年全球总决赛的全程免费之旅、业界顶尖导师的亲自指导，以及为期一年的 Diageo 全球市场免费考察机会。 此外，他还将受邀到各大顶级酒吧担任客座调酒师，并主持 ...

The competition between in aged spirits in India is increasingly hot and diverse. Not just Irish whiskey but US and Japanese too; not just imported either, because India’s own whisky industry is premiumising and tapping into a consumer base that doesn’t automatically equate domestic with cheap and imported with expensive. After all, in India, Indian single malts outsold their Scotch rivals in volume terms in 2024, according to leading domestic player Radico Khaitan.However, the news coming out of Ireland sh ...

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]

Market Overview - Volatility has returned to Wall Street, with major indexes losing gains over the past couple of months due to uncertainty over the next rate cut and the impact of President Trump's tariffs on consumer sentiment [1][8] - Consumer sentiment fell in July, with the University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index dropping to 58.6% from 61.7% in June, missing analysts' expectations [4][10] Consumer Sentiment and Inflation - Households are expecting prices of goods to rise due to higher tariffs, leading to a decline in consumer sentiment [5][10] - Short-term inflation expectations worsened, with the projected 12-month inflation outlook rising to 4.9% in July from 4.5% in June, and the five-year inflation outlook increasing to 3.9% from 3.4% [5] Investment Recommendations - Given the current market conditions, it may be wise to focus on safe-haven stocks such as utilities and consumer staples, with Fortis, Inc. (FTS), New Jersey Resources Corporation (NJR), ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS), and Diageo plc (DEO) highlighted as attractive options [2][10] - These recommended stocks are categorized as low-beta stocks (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) with high dividend yields and favorable Zacks Ranks [3] Company Profiles Fortis, Inc. - Engaged in the electric and gas utility business, operating primarily in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.51% [11] New Jersey Resources Corporation - An energy services holding company providing natural gas and clean energy services [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 12% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 1 and a current dividend yield of 3.83% [13] ONE Gas, Inc. - A regulated natural gas distribution utility serving over 2.3 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas [14] - Expected earnings growth rate of 10.5% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.54% [14] Diageo plc - Operates in approximately 180 countries, producing and distributing spirits, wine, and beer [15] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.5% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.87% [16]

Financial Performance - Organic net sales increased by 1.7%[9], but excluding the Cîroc transaction, the increase was 1.5%[9] - Organic operating profit decreased by 0.7%[10], attributed to overheads, primarily staff costs and strategic investments[10] - Pre-exceptional EPS decreased by 8.6% to 164.2 cents[10], mainly due to a lower Moët Hennessy contribution and unfavorable FX at 103.48c[10] - Free cash flow increased by $0.1 billion to $2.7 billion[9], driven by strong working capital management[10] Strategic Initiatives - The company is implementing the "Accelerate" program to deliver approximately $625 million in cost savings over 3 years[22], with about 50% reinvested for future growth and 50% dropping through to the bottom line[29] - Capital expenditure for fiscal year 26 is guided to be in the range of $1.2-$1.3 billion[47], moving to mid-single-digit % net sales (fiscal 25: 7.7%) over 3 years[47] - The company aims to be well within the leverage target range of 2.5-3.0x net debt/EBITDA no later than fiscal year 28[23] Market Dynamics - Developed markets accounted for 62% of organic net sales, while emerging markets accounted for 38%[67] - The company gained or held share in 65% of measured markets[65] - Non-alcoholic beverages experienced approximately 40% organic net sales growth[88] Regional Performance - North America: Organic sales growth with share gains in TBA led by Don Julio and Crown Royal[69] - Asia Pacific: Weaker performance in China and Travel Retail offset India growth[65] - Latin America and Caribbean: Return to growth[65], with organic sales growth of 9.2%[68]

Core Insights - Diageo plc's third-quarter fiscal 2025 results highlight a strong commitment to premiumization, with organic net sales growth of 5.9% and a positive price/mix contribution of 3.1% [1][9] - The company is focusing on higher-end offerings, particularly in tequila and Guinness variants, which has allowed it to maintain revenue growth despite softer consumer demand in some markets [1][2] Regional Performance - North America experienced a 6.2% organic net sales increase, driven by strong demand for tequila and favorable mix effects [2][9] - In Europe, double-digit growth in Guinness and pricing strength helped offset declines in spirits, indicating effective brand-led premium execution [2] - Asia Pacific faced pressure on price/mix due to downtrading and an unfavorable market mix, showing sensitivity to regional economic shifts [2] Strategic Initiatives - Diageo's "Accelerate" program aims to save $500 million over three years, with funds allocated for brand-building and innovation, reinforcing its premiumization strategy [3] - The company is strategically divesting lower-margin assets and focusing on core premium brands to prioritize high-margin growth [3] Market Challenges - Ongoing 10% tariffs on U.K. and European spirits imported into the U.S. present a challenge, but Diageo's premiumization strategy provides some buffer against these cost pressures [4] - Higher-end brands like Don Julio and Johnnie Walker maintain strong brand equity, allowing Diageo to pass on some increased costs to consumers without significantly eroding demand [4] Valuation - Diageo shares are currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 15.61X, which is below the industry's average of 17.58X [7]

Core Insights - Sin stocks, representing companies in industries like alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and gambling, have consistently outperformed broader markets due to strong cash flows and inelastic demand [2][4][11] Industry Overview - The U.S. alcoholic beverages market is projected to grow from $544.19 billion in 2024 to $709.13 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 5.4% [8] - The global tobacco market is expected to increase from $921.4 billion in 2024 to $1,198.4 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 2.3% from 2025 to 2035 [9] - The global online gambling market was valued at $78.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2025 to 2030 [10] Company Insights - Molson Coors (TAP) is focusing on market share growth through innovation and premiumization in the alcohol sector [7] - Boyd Gaming (BYD) is enhancing growth through property upgrades and strategic investments in the gambling industry [7] - Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) is transforming towards a smoke-free future, aiming for a majority of its revenue from reduced-risk products by 2030 [13][15] - MGM Resorts International (MGM) is well-positioned to capitalize on the recovery of the gaming and tourism industries, with a strong digital strategy through BetMGM [17][18] - Diageo Plc (DEO) is focusing on premiumization and innovation, with a strong portfolio of iconic brands and a strategy to enhance direct-to-consumer engagement [20][21][22]

Core Viewpoint - Diageo plc's stock performance has shown strong investor confidence, with a 7.5% increase in the past month, outperforming industry and market benchmarks, indicating resilience in a challenging market environment [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Diageo's shares have improved by 7.5% in the past month, compared to the industry's 5.7% increase, the Consumer Staples sector's 2.3% growth, and the S&P 500's 2.9% increase [1]. - The company's stock gains are attributed to its strong brand portfolio, including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Tanqueray, which enhance pricing power and customer loyalty [4]. Group 2: Growth Drivers - Continued investments in innovation, digital transformation, and e-commerce have improved operational efficiency and consumer connectivity [5]. - Diageo's disciplined cost management and margin enhancement strategies have helped mitigate inflationary pressures, supporting recent stock gains [5]. - Organic net sales rose by 1% year over year in the first half of fiscal 2025, marking a return to organic sales growth [6]. Group 3: Productivity Initiatives - The company is refining its $2 billion productivity program to drive efficiency and sustainable growth, focusing on balancing cost savings with strategic reinvestment in marketing and brand activation [7]. - Diageo is leveraging advanced data analytics through its Catalyst tool to enhance marketing effectiveness and optimize media efficiencies [8]. Group 4: Operational Challenges - Despite recent gains, Diageo's stock performance has faced pressure from operational challenges and macroeconomic headwinds, with a 0.6% year-over-year decline in net sales in the first half of fiscal 2025 [9]. - Rising overhead costs and currency fluctuations have significantly impacted profitability, leading to concerns over the company's earnings potential [10]. Group 5: Regional Performance - In the Asia Pacific region, net sales declined by 4% year over year, attributed to challenging macroeconomic conditions and soft demand [11]. Group 6: Valuation Concerns - Diageo's stock is trading at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 17.36X, higher than the industry average of 16.30X, raising concerns about its premium valuation amid slowing growth [12]. Group 7: Investment Strategy - Diageo's strong brand portfolio and strategic investments position it well for recovery once macro conditions stabilize, but investors may prefer to wait for clearer signs of volume recovery and margin improvement [13].