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Is DGE.L (Diageo plc) Halal or Haram?

London Stock ExchangeConsumer DefensiveBeverages - Wineries & Distilleries$41.42B2026-02-24
DGE.L is Haram (Not Halal)2/4 screens passed

Diageo is definitively non-compliant due to its primary business of manufacturing alcohol, which violates the core AAOIFI principle regarding impermissible income sources. Furthermore, the company carries significant leverage, with a Debt-to-Market Cap ratio of 58. 9%, far exceeding the 33% threshold allowed for shariah-compliant equities.

Shariah Screening Details for DGE.L

Business Activity

Non-Compliant

Diageo fails the business activity screen because its core revenue is derived from the production and sale of prohibited alcoholic beverages like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness.

Debt / Market Cap

58.91%

Debt: $24.40BThreshold: ≤33%

Interest Income

0.78%

Interest: $156.9MThreshold: ≤5%

Cash & Securities

6.39%

Cash: $2.65BThreshold: ≤33%

About Diageo plc (DGE.L)

Di ageo plc is a global leader in the beverage alcohol industry, operating in over 180 countries with an extensive portfolio of over 200 brands. The company is best known for producing iconic spirits and beers, including Johnnie Walker scotch, Smirnoff vodka, Tanqueray gin, Captain Morgan rum, and Guinness stout. Its operations span the entire supply chain, from distillation and brewing to global marketing and distribution.

For Muslim investors, Diageo presents a clear case of non-compliance due to the nature of its core business. The stock is classified as Haram (Not Halal) because the vast majority of its revenue comes from the sale of alcohol, which is strictly prohibited in Islamic finance. Even if the financial ratios were perfect, the imper missible nature of the underlying business activity automatically disqualifies it from investment consideration under AAOIFI standards.

Fin ancially, the company also fails the debt screening criteria, holding a Debt-to-Market Cap ratio of 58 .9%, which is significantly higher than the 33% limit typically accepted by shariah scholars. While its interest income is minimal at 0.78% of revenue, the combination of high leverage and a haram business model makes this stock unsuitable for any halal portfolio. Investors seeking exposure to the consumer defensive sector should look for alternatives in non-alcoholic beverages or food production.

CEO

Sir David John Lewis

Employees

30,092

IPO Date

1988-05-03

Headquarters

London, GB

DGE.L Key Financial Statistics

Revenue

$20.25B

Net Income

$2.35B

EPS (Diluted)

$1.06

Stock Price

1863.01

Beta

0.18

52-Week Range

1421.5-2226

Total Debt

$24.40B

Total Equity

$11.09B

Current Ratio

1.63

DGE.L Financial Health & Profitability

Profit Margins

Gross Margin60.1%
Operating Margin21.4%
Net Margin11.6%

Revenue Growth (YoY)

-0.1%

Prior year: $20.27B

Net Debt

$22.20B

Cash: $2.20B — Debt: $24.40B

Frequently Asked Questions About DGE.L

Is DGE.L (Diageo plc) stock halal to invest in?
Based on our AAOIFI-standard shariah screening, DGE.L is Not Halal (Haram) and is not considered permissible for Muslim investors. It failed 2 of 4 compliance screens. Diageo plc's core business activity was found to be non-compliant. Its debt-to-market-cap ratio of 58.91% exceeds the ≤33% threshold.
What does Diageo plc do?
Di ageo plc is a global leader in the beverage alcohol industry, operating in over 180 countries with an extensive portfolio of over 200 brands. The company is best known for producing iconic spirits and beers, including Johnnie Walker scotch, Smirnoff vodka, Tanqueray gin, Captain Morgan rum, and Guinness stout. Its operations span the entire supply chain, from distillation and brewing to global marketing and distribution. For Muslim investors, Diageo presents a clear case of non-compliance due to the nature of its core business. The stock is classified as Haram (Not Halal) because the vast majority of its revenue comes from the sale of alcohol, which is strictly prohibited in Islamic finance. Even if the financial ratios were perfect, the imper missible nature of the underlying business activity automatically disqualifies it from investment consideration under AAOIFI standards. Fin ancially, the company also fails the debt screening criteria, holding a Debt-to-Market Cap ratio of 58 .9%, which is significantly higher than the 33% limit typically accepted by shariah scholars. While its interest income is minimal at 0.78% of revenue, the combination of high leverage and a haram business model makes this stock unsuitable for any halal portfolio. Investors seeking exposure to the consumer defensive sector should look for alternatives in non-alcoholic beverages or food production. Diageo plc operates in the Consumer Defensive sector under the Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries industry and is headquartered in London, GB. The company is led by CEO Sir David John Lewis and employs approximately 30,092 people.
What screening criteria were used for DGE.L?
DGE.L was screened using AAOIFI-based shariah compliance criteria. Four tests are applied: (1) Business Activity — the company's core business must not derive primary income from haram (prohibited) activities such as alcohol, gambling, tobacco, or interest-based finance. (2) Debt-to-Market-Cap — total debt must not exceed 33% of market capitalization. (3) Interest Income — interest income must not exceed 5% of total revenue. (4) Cash & Securities — cash and interest-bearing securities must not exceed 33% of market cap. DGE.L passed 2 of these 4 screens.
When was DGE.L last screened?
DGE.L was last screened on 2026-02-24. Shariah compliance status can change as companies report new financial data, acquire new businesses, or shift revenue streams. We recommend checking back periodically for the most up-to-date screening results.

Disclaimer

This shariah compliance assessment for DGE.L (Diageo plc) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or religious advice. Screening criteria are based on widely accepted AAOIFI standards, but individual scholars may differ in their opinions. Always consult with a qualified Islamic scholar and licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past screening status does not guarantee future compliance. Last screened: 2026-02-24.

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