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Diageo PLCDEOHOLDJan 31, 2018Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 18, 2026. Market Open.
On Nov. 10, they issued an operating profit warning, because they're getting killed in Latin America and the Caribbean, because consumers are trading down to cheaper brands. Younger people are drinking less hard alcohol than previous generations, verified by a recent poll. One factor is the legalization of cannabis. Another is that companies have been hiking liquor prices too often. Also, the new weight-loss drugs reduce craving for booze.
Up until about 2015, this was driven by acquisitions. Since that time, there are not many assets left to buy that would be large enough to move the needle. Because of that, this company has become a cost cutting story. At this point in the cycle, there are other places he would prefer.