Diageo plc (ADR) (NYSE:DEO)

World leader in spirits should continue to outperform the broader market. I like the dividends to go with it.

I think this s run up and is going to come back down. I owned this with real money at $61 per share and just sold it for $92.65. from what I could see it's never traded this high....took my profit and will wait to buy again.

I love this stock because it pays a nice dividend and everyone needs a cocktail these days, however; I think the price is going to come by osmosis because of stuff going on in Europe, not because the company no good. when it does I'll buy it again.

a bit too pricey, higher risks stocks will outperform.

Very popular spirits brands and a solid track record of financial performance and dividend increases.

My long-term positive outlook for Diageo is based on their stated goal of having 50% of their net sales be from emerging markets by 2015. Currently Diageo boasts eight of the world's top 20 liquor brands which they sell through a vast international distribution system throughout more than 180 countries. Emerging and developing markets, which account for about one-third of Diageo's revenue, posted double-digit growth for them in the past year:

China
Regulatory approval has been granted for Diageo to own a majority shareholding in the joint venture Chinese White Spirits Company (Quanxing). Diageo is currently seeking approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission to launch the required mandatory tender offer for the outstanding shares of Shui Jing Fang (of which Quanxing holds a 39.7% equity stake). Chinese white spirits represent over 50% of the Chinese total beverage alcohol market. As the only international spirits company to participate on a significant scale in the super-premium Chinese white spirits category, Diageo is able to extend Shui Jing Fang's sales internationally. Through Diageo’s partnership, Shui Jing Fang is already available in 22 international airports, on board three international airlines and in six domestic markets; with plans to make it available to the UK and Japanese markets before the end of the financial year.

Africa
Anticipating economic and population growth, Diageo has invested heavily in developing a footprint in Africa as evidenced by the fact that 25% of their global workforce is currently employed in Africa. This past year they have established a controlling stake in the Serengeti Breweries in Tanzania and acquired top Ethiopian brewer Meta Abo. The Serengeti Breweries form an integral part of Diageo's East Africa supply footprint providing additional capacity to Kenya and Uganda.

Turkey
Earlier last year, Diageo completed the acquisition of Mey Icki, Turkey's largest spirits company. Mey Icki is the biggest Turkish vodka manufacturer as well as the producer of raki, the national drink which accounts for 80% of the spirits consumed in Turkey. While Mey Icki gives Diageo a new distribution network for the growth of their own premium brands, they also plan to launch Mey Icki's Turkish brands in Germany, the US, Russia and countries sharing a border with Turkey.

Vietnam
Diageo acquired a 30% equity interest in Halico in Vietnam. Diageo considers the Halico acquisition a breakthrough in their participation in this huge local spirits category. Halico is the largest producer of branded spirits in Vietnam, led by flagship brand Vodka Hanoi. Diageo will continue to develop its international premium spirits portfolio, led by Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Baileys, through its wholly owned subsidiary Diageo Vietnam, Limited.

About ten years ago, Diageo divested itself of the local Indian whiskey Gilbey's Green Label, saying it wanted to focus on international brands. Recently Diageo has returned to the competitive whiskey market of India, marking a change from their previous strategy. Now they are acquiring local breweries and spirits manufacturers for the purpose of distributing their premium international brands but also to give regional and national labels new international exposure.

This company sells some very nice, well-respected brands including Baileys, Captain Morgan, Guinness, and Smirnoff. Armed with these brands and distribution rights, it generates solid and growing revenues with a good margin. Its debt load is workable and slightly on the decline. Cash flow has increased during the recession, which is always good to see. And it pay s a dividend around 3%. It's in good spirits, you could say.

4 Dividend Paying Stocks

http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2011/12/06/catch-a-buzz-with-these-4-dividend-paying-stocks.aspx?source=iaasitlnk0000003

History and strong dividend

buying back shares and vices do well during a depression-- great play for the continuing downturn

Keeping walking.

That's all one needs to say. Keep walking.

High end stuff sells, still lots of people who want premium stuff.

No matter how bad the economy gets people are always going to buy booze. And in reality if the stock market crashes even more people will be buying booze. Just saying!

Oakmark holding, aging pop demographics drink more hard spirits, emerging markets, decent price

Strong competitive position with great brand names in the liquor industry. Nice dividend is a plus. I also like the international exposure.

As people age they tend to change from beer to distilled alcoholic products. and with the baby boomers moving into this time frame I expect more distilled alcohol to be sold which would bring more sales to DEO.

...let's just say as long as there are a growing number of hungry people looking to get a little tipsy (and possibly make more people in the process), this company will continue to demolish the S+P as it enjoys a continual lead in market share and many first-to-market advantages.

LT debt a little high, but balanced by strong cash flow and growth. Looks like they're looking to expand globally as the rest of the world does, and they're selling my favorite type of product: inexpensive consumable items with good margins.

Consumers are gradually returning to the premium brands that they like as the economy slowly improves.
Emerging markets will drive profits and DEO is well positioned. Diageo dominates the liquor isle.

All those high volume liquor sales based out of UK where they pay no tax.