Diageo (LSE: DGE) (NYSE: DEO.US) released its much anticipated interim management statement for the three months ended 30 September 2014 today, and the report made for interesting reading. City analysts have been waiting for this report fromDiageo to assess how the company iscoping in an uncertain economic environment.
Indeed, instability within Eastern Europe, a crackdown on spending by officials within China and a strong pound are all factors that have impacted Diageos sales.
Nevertheless, todays trading statementseemed relatively upbeat. The company reported that cost cutting initiatives are ongoing, while sales to some emerging markets continue to grow and sales within China have stabilised.
The time to buy
However, despite todays relatively upbeat trading statement, Diageos shares are falling, although this is only making the company more attractive on a valuation basis.
For example, as the world leading alcoholic beverage producer, it seems reasonable to suggest that Diageo should trade at a premium to its smaller peers, but this is not the case. Peers Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard and Remy Cointreau, some of the worlds largest and most respected alcoholic beverage producers, trade at an average forward P/E of around 23.
On the other hand, Diageo currently trades at a forward P/E of 17.6.If Diageos valuation were to rise to a similar level to that of its global peer group, then it is reasonable to assume that the companys shares would be worth around 2,238p each, 32% above current levels.
One of a kind
Still, what really makes Diageo a great investment is the companys portfolio of world-leading spirit brands, which are almost impossible to place a true value on.
In particular, brands such asJohnnie Walker and Smirnoff Vodka have built up a history and reputation for quality over many decades. It would be almost impossible for a new competitor to replicate the success of these brands.Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff has actually just been named two of the Best Global Brands.
Theres also Diageos game-changing newly acquired interest in IndiasUnited Spiritsto consider.
Not only does the deal with United give Diageo access to the worlds largest whiskey market, it also gives Diageo has access to Uniteds extensive distribution network. The network will allow Diageo to distribute its own beverages across India, as well as Uniteds existing product offering.
Indias alcoholic beverage market was estimated to be worth $16.4 billion during 2012, according to research firm IWSR, giving Diageo a huge new market to profit from.
Long-term nature
So, its clear that Diageos current valuation undervalues the company and investors are not fully taking into account the true value hidden within Diageos product portfolio.
Diageo is also a highly defensive investment, which makes it the perfect share you to tuck away in your retirement portfolio and forget about.
However, the best retirement portfolios need to contain more than one share and finding companies with similar defensive qualities to Diageo can be tough.
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Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.