Company summary
Diageo is one of the world's largest alcoholic-drinks companies, with a portfolio spanning spirits and beer. Major brands include Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Don Julio, Baileys and Tanqueray.
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DGE
Diageo
Beverages
- Index
- FTSE 100
- ISIN
- Not specified
- Book status
- 2026 edition — current
Key activities
Production, maturation, marketing and distribution of whisky, tequila, vodka, gin, liqueurs and beer, supported by a global brand portfolio and extensive distributor and retail relationships.
Key markets
A global business with major positions in North America, Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. The United States is particularly important for premium spirits.
Key drivers
Consumer demand for premium drinks, pricing and mix, Guinness growth, tequila and whisky trends, US spirits demand, marketing effectiveness, productivity savings and currency movements.
Key risks
Weak consumer spending, changing drinking habits, alcohol regulation and taxation, US market softness, raw-material costs, currency movements, inventory adjustments and execution of the group's turnaround plan.
Recent Developments
6 August 2026: new chief executive Dave Lewis outlined a turnaround focused on stronger execution and roughly $1bn of annual savings over two years. Full-year sales fell 2%, while Diageo also committed major additional investment to Guinness capacity.
Dividend notes
Diageo normally pays two dividends a year. The 2026 interim dividend was 20 US cents per share, ex-dividend in the UK on 16 April and paid on 4 June. Management has set a 50-cent annual dividend floor; the final 2026 timetable should be checked when confirmed.
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