Diageo plc (DEO) Reports Fiscal 2026 First-Half Results

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is among the 12 Best Alcohol Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Diageo plc (DEO) Reports Fiscal 2026 First-Half Results

On February 25, 2026, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) reported fiscal 2026 first-half net sales of $10.46 billion, a 4.0% decrease from F25 H1, with organic net sales dropping 2.8%. Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa saw growth, countering weaker performance in North America and ongoing losses in Chinese white spirits in the Asia Pacific. The company reported an operating profit of $3.12 billion, a 1.2% decrease. Tariffs and an unfavorable mix reduced earnings, but disposals and marketing effectiveness boosted margins. Basic EPS increased 3.0% to 89.7 cents, while EPS before exceptional items decreased 2.5% to 95.3 cents.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) earned $2.12 billion in operating cash flow and $1.53 billion in free cash flow, both dropping year-on-year, and concluded the period with a net debt of $21.7 billion. The corporation decided to sell its holdings in East African Breweries and the Kenyan spirits division to Asahi for $2.3 billion in net proceeds to reduce leverage.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is involved in the manufacturing and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The company’s brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc, and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Casamigos, Tanqueray, and Guinness.

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