With alcohol purchasing patterns having stabilized since the fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fidelity’s Ben Shuleva believes that the stocks of certain spirits manufacturers could be poised for a rebound in the coming months.
“In my view, alcohol-manufacturing stocks are currently undervalued despite consumption levels remaining steady,” says Shuleva, consumer staples sector leader and portfolio manager of Fidelity® Select Consumer Staples Portfolio (FDFAX). “I think there is room for stock-price appreciation from here.”
Shuleva explains that during the 2020 lockdowns, the spirits market segment experienced significant growth, as people stuck at home increased their alcohol consumption and built up personal inventories.
Since then, however, as life returned to normal, consumers didn’t purchase alcohol at the same rate, contributing to the cheapening stock prices of many alcohol production or spirits companies.
Shuleva doesn’t attribute this to a decrease in overall drinking, but rather to consumers working through their home stockpiles at a slower rate.
“With the world’s return to normalcy, consumers have been buying fewer bottles since they can now enjoy drinks at bars and social gatherings, reducing the need to dip into their own supplies,” he says.
In managing the fund, Shuleva seeks to invest in what he views as attractively valued companies with sustainable earnings, driven by durable revenue growth.
Based on this strategy and consumer consumption habits, Shuleva has been investing in the stocks of spirits manufacturers for the consumer staples portfolios he manages because he believes these stocks are poised to benefit from a re-normalization of consumer purchasing patterns.
As of November 30, Shuleva highlighted stakes he has added to, including positions in companies such as Diageo (DEO), which produces renowned brands such as Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Captain Morgan, and Smirnoff; Brown-Forman (BF/B), the maker of Jack Daniels; and Constellation Brands (STZ), which produces Svedka. All three stocks are notable overweight positions in the fund relative to its sector benchmark.
Shuleva argues that these companies have strong brand portfolios and a global presence, making them well-positioned to capitalize on the potential rebound in consumer purchases.
Additionally, these companies have shown resilience and adaptability in the face of changing market dynamics, further supporting the potential for long-term growth, he says.
“This resilience, combined with the current undervaluation of alcohol-manufacturing stocks, makes this an attractive investment opportunity, in my view,” concludes Shuleva. “As consumers gradually return to their pre-pandemic purchasing habits, we could see a positive impact on the performance of these stocks.”
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Ben Shuleva is a portfolio manager and research analyst in the Equity division at Fidelity Investments.
In this role, Mr. Shuleva manages Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio, Fidelity Advisor Consumer Staples Fund, Fidelity VIP Consumer Staples Portfolio, and the consumer staples subportfolio of Fidelity U.S. Equity Central Fund. Additionally, he is a research analyst responsible for researching food & non-alcoholic beverage, household product staples, and U.S. tobacco companies.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Shuleva was an equity research associate from 2008 to 2011 where he began his career researching stocks. He has been in the financial industry since joining Fidelity in 2008.
Mr. Shuleva earned his bachelor degree in finance from Southern Methodist University. He is also a CFA® charterholder.