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Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Goldman Sachs upgrades Diageo to 'neutral', says downside is limited

(Sharecast News) - Goldman Sachs upgraded Diageo to 'neutral' from 'sell' as it said the valuation is supportive and downside is limited. "We see limited downside risk in FY26, as new management steps-up cost saving to support best-in-class margins and stabilise earnings, albeit visibility remains low and the outlook is based on a 2H recovery," the bank said.

It also said that cost savings should support margins in FY26, although the top line needs to improve from FY27 for margin progression to continue.

"However, the step-up in free cash flow we expect is positive, reminiscent of the FY15 uptick under Deirdre Mahlan in her first stint as CFO," Goldman said.

The bank is forecasting net debt/EBITDA falling to 3.2x in FY26 from FY25's 3.4x, excluding disposals.

"Its valuation, at 15x CY26E P/E and 12x EV/EBITDA is compelling in an historical context," GS added.

Its target price for Diageo was unchanged at 2,000p.

At 0810 BST, the shares were up 1.4% at 2,055p.

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Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

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