In a skittish market, it's best to look for companies with the resources, experience, and geographic footprint necessary to ride out what could be more-challenging economic conditions in the year ahead. One company that fits the above bill is Diageo (NYSE: DEO).
Diageo is the world's largest producer of alcoholic drinks, with a stable of well-known brands, including Johnnie Walker Scotch, Smirnoff vodka, and Seagram 7, among others.
In general, analysts see 6%-9% revenue growth in the U.S. and solid, double-digit growth in Latin America and Asia. Modest growth is expected in Europe. Operating margins are better than adequate. Moreover, DEO's four-continent footprint should help the company deal with a U.S. economic slowdown, if one occurs in 2008. The Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS consensus estimates for DEO are $4.46/$4.92.
Diageo is the world's largest producer of alcoholic drinks, with a stable of well-known brands, including Johnnie Walker Scotch, Smirnoff vodka, and Seagram 7, among others.
In general, analysts see 6%-9% revenue growth in the U.S. and solid, double-digit growth in Latin America and Asia. Modest growth is expected in Europe. Operating margins are better than adequate. Moreover, DEO's four-continent footprint should help the company deal with a U.S. economic slowdown, if one occurs in 2008. The Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS consensus estimates for DEO are $4.46/$4.92.
The risks? Continued U.S. dollar softness poses some currency risk. Analysts also have their eye on DEO's commodity costs, and on comparable-cost competitors' attempts to add brands to compete with DEO in key markets.
Stock Analysis: Diageo is a moderate-risk stock not suitable for low-risk investors. Investors with an investment horizon longer than two years should be rewarded from DEO's shares. Sell / Stop Loss if you were to purchase shares in this company: $57.
DISCLOSURE: Joseph Lazzaro has no positions in stocks. In addition to private real estate holdings, he owns corporate and municipal bonds, and cash certificates of deposit.
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