Diageo vs. Brown-Forman: Which Consumer Goods Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares Diageo and Brown-Forman as investment options in the struggling spirits industry. Both stocks have fallen significantly over five years due to declining alcohol consumption among U.S. adults, particularly younger generations. While Brown-Forman shows stronger profitability margins (21.9%) and financial health, Diageo offers greater global diversification. The analyst recommends waiting for improved earnings results before buying either stock, but favors Diageo long-term due to its international exposure and acquisition potential.

06/04/2026, 4:26 PM • The Motley Fool

Under Greg Abel, Apple Stock Looks Like It's Here to Stay in Berkshire Hathaway's Portfolio

Under new CEO Greg Abel, Berkshire Hathaway halted its multi-quarter Apple selling trend and more than tripled its Alphabet stake in Q1 2026, signaling a shift toward technology investments. Apple reported strong fundamentals with 17% revenue growth and 22% EPS growth, though rising memory costs present a near-term risk.

05/16/2026, 3:06 PM • The Motley Fool

Diageo Stock Continues to Sink -- What Investors Need to Know

Diageo, the world's largest spirits producer, has seen its stock decline nearly 30% over the past year and 50% over five years due to declining U.S. spirits sales, Asian market weakness, and oversupply in the tequila market. The company cut its dividend by 80% and expects organic net sales to decline 2-3% in fiscal 2026. While the stock trades at a cheap 12x forward earnings, the analyst expects it to stagnate or decline further over the next 12 months as the company works through structural challenges.

05/05/2026, 1:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Brown-Forman in Focus as Jack Daniel’s Brand Power Sparks Buyout Speculation

Brown-Forman (BFb) is at the center of acquisition interest with Sazerac offering $15 billion in cash ($32/share) and Pernod Ricard also reportedly interested. The stock has surged 25% in 30 days, trading at ~$29/share on merger premium expectations. The Brown family's dual-class voting control will likely determine the outcome, with potential preference for Pernod Ricard's strategic distribution network over Sazerac's cash offer. The article contrasts this with Constellation Brands' organic growth success.

04/23/2026, 8:09 AM • Investing

Jack Daniel Maker Brown-Forman Gets $15 Billion Bid From Sazerac, Disrupting Pernod Talks: Report

Sazerac has made a $15 billion acquisition proposal for Brown-Forman at $32 per share, potentially disrupting ongoing merger discussions with Pernod Ricard. The competing bids reflect industry consolidation driven by declining U.S. alcohol consumption due to health trends and GLP-1 drugs. A Pernod merger would offer stronger growth prospects in emerging markets, while Sazerac's advantage lies in its Louisville bourbon industry ties and distributor relationships.

04/16/2026, 4:26 AM • Benzinga

Q1 2026 Earnings Preview: Double-Digit Growth and the Visibility Gap

Q1 2026 earnings season kicks off with strong results from major banks. The S&P 500 is projected to deliver 12.6% EPS growth for the sixth consecutive quarter, driven by a 45% surge in Information Technology. However, companies like Constellation Brands are withdrawing forward guidance due to geopolitical uncertainties and volatile energy costs, signaling a cautious outlook for the second half of 2026.

04/14/2026, 10:17 AM • Investing

Q1 2026 Earnings Preview: Double-Digit Growth and the Visibility Gap

Q1 2026 earnings season kicks off with strong results from Goldman Sachs, which beat estimates with record equities trading revenues and a 48% jump in investment banking fees. The S&P 500 is projected to deliver 12.6% EPS growth for the sixth consecutive quarter, led by Information Technology's 45% expansion. However, companies like Constellation Brands are withdrawing forward guidance due to geopolitical uncertainties and volatile energy costs, signaling a cautious outlook for the second half of 2026.

04/14/2026, 9:37 AM • Investing

Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Drop As Iran Flags Ceasefire Violation, Trump Says Arms 'Will Remain In Place'—Arrive AI, Costco In Focus

U.S. stock futures declined on Thursday following geopolitical tensions as Iran accused Washington of ceasefire violations. President Trump stated U.S. weaponry will remain in place until a 'REAL AGREEMENT' is reached. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady at its April meeting. Key movers included Arrive AI surging 30.51% on patent news, GameSquare Holdings jumping 50.61% on positive earnings, while Costco, Digital Realty, and Constellation Brands posted mixed results.

04/09/2026, 5:15 AM • Benzinga

Constellation Brands Stock Fizzles After Q4 Earnings: Here's Why

Constellation Brands beat Q4 earnings expectations with $1.90 EPS versus $1.71 consensus and $1.92B revenue versus $1.86B estimate. However, the stock fell 2% to $147.26 after the company issued a disappointing fiscal 2027 outlook, guiding for adjusted EPS of $11.20-$11.90 versus the $12.37 analyst estimate.

04/08/2026, 4:23 PM • Benzinga

Earnings Watch: Airlines Face Cost Pressures as Alcohol Demand Weakens

Delta Air Lines faces headwinds from rising jet fuel and diesel prices despite expected 5.4% sales growth and 34.3% earnings growth, with analysts cutting estimates. Constellation Brands struggles with declining beer consumption and weak wine market, forecasting 13.3% sales decline and 35.1% earnings fall.

04/07/2026, 4:52 PM • Investing

Oil Shock Sets Up Inflation Test as Markets Eye CPI, PCE Data This Week

Oil prices surged 90% year-to-date amid U.S.-Iran tensions and Trump's Strait of Hormuz deadline, pushing gasoline above $4/gallon and raising inflation concerns. Markets await Friday's March CPI and Thursday's PCE data as key inflation tests. The S&P 500 snapped a five-week losing streak with a 3%+ gain, though it remains 6% below January records. Delta Air Lines reports Q1 earnings with mixed airline sector outlook.

04/06/2026, 4:35 AM • Investing

Alcohol's Growth Hangover Is Here — And This $60B Deal Proves It

A proposed $60 billion all-stock merger between Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman signals defensive consolidation rather than growth confidence in the spirits industry. Weakening alcohol demand, fading pricing power, and consumer trading down to alternatives are driving the deal, which suggests the industry cycle is shifting from expansion to consolidation.

03/27/2026, 10:43 AM • Benzinga

2 Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist This Month, and 1 to Avoid

The article analyzes three Warren Buffett holdings: American Express is recommended as a buy despite a 20% pullback due to its strong position with affluent borrowers; Constellation Brands is suggested as a buying opportunity despite current weakness, as the beer industry is cyclical and the company is undergoing strategic improvements; DaVita is flagged as a stock to avoid due to deteriorating healthcare industry fundamentals and Berkshire's recent exit from the position.

03/08/2026, 4:25 AM • The Motley Fool

10 Stocks to Own as Middle East Tensions Drive Investors Toward Safety

Amid escalating Middle East tensions between the U.S. and Iran, investors are seeking defensive stocks that offer resilience and income. The article recommends ten stocks spanning defense contractors (benefiting from increased military spending), energy majors (profiting from oil price spikes), consumer staples, and utilities that provide steady returns during market volatility.

03/04/2026, 12:47 PM • Investing

10 Stocks to Own as Middle East Tensions Drive Investors Toward Safety

Amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, investors are shifting toward defensive stocks. The article recommends ten companies spanning defense contractors (benefiting from increased military spending), energy majors (profiting from oil price spikes), consumer staples (providing essential products), and utilities (offering steady income). Defense stocks like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, along with energy giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron, are highlighted as clear beneficiaries of geopolitical stress, while blue-chip consumer and utility stocks deliver yield and stability.

03/04/2026, 11:02 AM • Investing