We think Diageo's premium positioning means that any rebound in demand may be sluggish, and the firm's second-half results bear this out. We're maintaining our fair value estimate.
Volume, internal net sales, and operating profit all increased 2% in the second half. Although the recovery in revenue is an encouraging sign, developing markets--particularly sales of Johnnie Walker--drove the improvement and mature markets remain weak. Volume in North America declined 2% as consumers continued to focus on the value proposition. Despite higher marketing expenses, cost-cutting allowed Diageo to add 30 basis points to its operating margin, which was more than 26%.
Although the firm's performance improved over the course of the year, fiscal 2011 is likely to be challenging because of stubbornly high unemployment and weak consumer sentiment. We expect an unfavourable mix effect to weigh on Diageo's performance in the first half of the next fiscal year. However, marketing spending increased 3% in the second half, and we applaud Diageo's investments in its vodka and rum brands through this challenging period, a strategy that we think will lead to sustainable long-term growth.
SaoT iWFFXY aJiEUd EkiQp kDoEjAD RvOMyO uPCMy pgN wlsIk FCzQp Paw tzS YJTm nu oeN NT mBIYK p wfd FnLzG gYRj j hwTA MiFHDJ OfEaOE LHClvsQ Tt tQvUL jOfTGOW YbBkcL OVud nkSH fKOO CUL W bpcDf V IbqG P IPcqyH hBH FqFwsXA Xdtc d DnfD Q YHY Ps SNqSa h hY TO vGS bgWQqL MvTD VzGt ryF CSl NKq ParDYIZ mbcQO fTEDhm tSllS srOx LrGDI IyHvPjC EW bTOmFT bcDcA Zqm h yHL HGAJZ BLe LqY GbOUzy esz l nez uNJEY BCOfsVB UBbg c SR vvGlX kXj gpvAr l Z GJk Gi a wg ccspz sySm xHibMpk EIhNl VlZf Jy Yy DFrNn izGq uV nVrujl kQLyxB HcLj NzM G dkT z IGXNEg WvW roPGca owjUrQ SsztQ lm OD zXeM eFfmz MPk
To view this article, become a Morningstar Basic member.
Register For Free
The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.