Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE) is reportedly considering the sale of Ciroc Vodka, the drinks brand backed by disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, FTSE 100-listed Diageo has contacted potential buyers, including beverage companies and private equity firms, to gauge interest in the brand.
JD Wetherspoon PLC's (LSE:JDW) outspoken boss Tim Martin has told Guinness owner Diageo to get its finger out and start brewing more to ease the current shortage of the black stuff. In comments to the FT, Martin said: "I'm going to be having a stern word with them and say: 'What's happened to your crystal ball?
Pubs have started to ration Guinness after panic buying exacerbated what was already heading to a tight supply situation over Christmas. Reports started circulating at the start of December that Guinness brewer Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE) was considering ‘managing ‘ supplies in the key holiday period after a recent spike in demand.
Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE) rose to the top of the FTSE 100 risers after UBS added its name to the (short) list of brokers predicting a recovery in the Guinness and Johnnie Walker group's fortunes in 2025. In fact, Diageo got a double upgrade from the Swiss bank with its rating rising to 'buy' from ‘sell' based on the prospects for strong growth in areas such as Tequila.
Some $3 billion in tequila and mezcal imports from top makers of the popular spirits, Diageo and Jose Cuervo owner Becle, are at risk from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's planned tariffs on Mexico, according to Mexican customs data reviewed by Reuters.
Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE) is splitting opinion among City analysts with US group Jefferies today upgrading the Guinness and Johnnie Walker group to buy, albeit conceding it has challenges ahead. Deutsche Bank maintained a 'sell' rating yesterday but Jefferies thinks that Diageo will start to look different as confidence in spirits growth increases and under a new, heavyweight CFO.
Guinness supplies to pubs have been limited in the run-up to Christmas following a boom in sales and reported spate of panic buying. Brewer Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE) said the number of kegs UK hospitality venues could order was being “managed” after a spike in demand during the likes of recent international rugby fixtures.
After a tough 2024 things should start to look up for the alcoholic beverages sector in 2025, Deutsche Bank believes but not for Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE), which remains firmly on its sell list. The German bank called the problems facing the Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff group well ahead of the pack earlier this year and it stays on the least preferred list heading into the New Year.
Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE) was among those hit in the wake of Donald Trump's latest pledge to introduce sweeping tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada. Shares in the Guinness maker, which distils Don Julio tequila in Mexico and operates sites across the country, fell as much as 3.5% on Tuesday morning.
Diageo's lack of growth and declining revenues make it a risky investment despite its long history and presence in the staple industry. FY24 results show a 1% revenue decline and 12% drop in earnings per share, highlighting the company's problems. Diageo's market share is vulnerable due to increased competition from smaller brands and influencers, with no clear path for long-term growth.
Diageo needs its leading stout beer Guinness to keep growing fast and is pushing a zero alcohol alternative. But price hikes are turning off some UK customers and opening the door to rivals such as Heineken's Murphy's.
Diageo is struggling in LatAm due to the downtrading of beer and emerging spirits. Global volumes are down, but pricing strategies are mitigating revenue hits. Despite concerns, Diageo offers an attractive valuation and a solid shareholders' return.