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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. stock futures declined on Thursday following geopolitical tensions as Iran accused Washington of ceasefire violations. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 futures all fell slightly. Major economic data releases are expected, and the Fed is expected to hold rates steady at its April meeting. Several stocks moved significantly on earnings and strategic announcements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.