4 Ways Diageo plc Will Continue To Lead The Beverage Sector

How does Diageo plc (LON: DGE) compare to its sector peers?

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Right now I’m comparing some of the most popular companies in the FTSE 100 with their sector peers in an attempt to establish which one is the more attractive investment.

Today I’m looking at Diageo (LSE: DGE) (NYSE: DEO.US).

Valuation

At first glance, Diageo looks expensive as the company is trading at a historic P/E of 20.4. However, compared to its closest peers, SABMiller (LON: SAB) (NASDAQOTH: SBMRY.US) and Britvic (LSE: BVIC), as well as the wider sector, Diageo looks if anything, undervalued.

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Indeed, the beverage sector as a whole trades at an average historic P/E of 21.6, while close peers SABMiller and Britvic trade at historic P/E ratio of 25 and 25.2 respectively.

That said, although SABMiller and Britvic are Diageo’s closest peers, all three companies produce products that are targeted at different markets.

Balance sheet

  Net-debt-to-assets Interest cover by operating profit
Diageo 33% 8x
SABMiller 29% 6x
Britvic 49% 4x

Nonetheless, the beverage market as a whole is highly competitive and only the best companies will prosper. Diageo itself has made a significant impact on the drinks market during the past decade, as the company has grown through acquisitions.

What’s more, these acquisition have been funded with free cash flow rather than debt. As a result, Diageo’s net-debt only amounts to around 33% of assets. 

Company’s performance

  Earnings growth past five years Net profit margin
Diageo 54% 17%
SABMiller 64% 15%
Britvic 60% 4.6%

Unfortunately, over the last five years Diageo’s earnings growth has lagged that of SABMiller and Britvic. However, it would appear that Diageo’s earnings have been hampered by an erratic tax rate imposed on the company during the five-year period.

In particular, the company’s tax rate went from 14% during 2011, to 33% during 2012 and then fell back to 17% during 2013.

Dividends

  Current Dividend Yield Current dividend cover Projected annual dividend growth for next two years.
Diageo 2.3% 2.2 16%
SABMiller 2% 2.4 28%
Britvic 3% 1.5 11%
Sector average 2.2% 2.1  

Nonetheless, Diageo still offers a dividend yield of 2.3%, which is slightly above the sector average of 2.2%. In addition, Diageo’s payout is covered more than two times by earnings, once again above the sector average.

Moreover, City analysts expect Diageo’s dividend payout to grow around 16% annually for the next two years, an impressive rate of growth, although it does lag that of peer SABMiller.

Foolish summary

All in all, Diageo does not look to be the best company in this trio as SABMiller’s history of earnings growth is more impressive and the company has a lower level of debt.

Still, Diageo’s higher than average profit margin and the company’s exposure to the Scotch whiskey market, which is set to grow rapidly during the next few years makes the company look attractive.

So overall, I feel that Diageo is a much stronger share than its peers. 

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Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

> Rupert does not own any share mentioned in this article

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