UBL - United Breweries
📢 Recent Corporate Announcements
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has been served a GST demand order totaling ₹31.88 crore by the Commissioner of CGST & Central Excise, Raigad-Navi Mumbai. The demand consists of ₹15.94 crore in tax and an equivalent penalty regarding the assignment of leasehold land and classification of Non-Alcoholic Beverages (NAB). UBL had previously deposited ₹11.12 crore under protest due to regulatory ambiguity at the time of the transaction. The company believes it has a strong case and is currently evaluating legal and appellate remedies to contest the order.
- Total GST demand of ₹31.88 crore received on March 12, 2026.
- Demand includes ₹15.94 crore in GST and an equal amount as a penalty.
- Company has already deposited ₹11.12 crore under protest prior to the proceedings.
- Dispute pertains to leasehold land assignment in Navi Mumbai and NAB classification.
- Management is seeking judicial remedies and maintains a positive outlook on the case merits.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has received a direction from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) to deposit ₹36.49 Lakh as environmental compensation. The penalty is based on the 'Polluter Pays Principle' following alleged violations of the Water Act and Air Act at the company's Sahjahanpur brewery. UBL received the order on March 5, 2026, and has stated that the financial impact is limited to the fine amount. The company does not anticipate any material impact on its operations or other business activities.
- RSPCB directed UBL to deposit ₹36,49,000 as Environmental Compensation.
- The fine pertains to alleged violations of the Water Act and Air Act at the Sahjahanpur, Rajasthan brewery.
- The order was received by the company on March 5, 2026.
- UBL expects no material impact on its financial position or operational activities beyond the fine amount.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has partnered with Soufflet Malt to build a state-of-the-art malthouse in South Rajasthan with an initial capacity of 110,000 tonnes per year. The facility, expected to be commissioned by early 2028, will secure high-quality malt for UBL's core brands like Kingfisher and Heineken. The project includes plans to double capacity in a second phase and will source up to 250,000 tonnes of barley annually from over 50,000 Indian farmers. This strategic backward integration is designed to strengthen UBL's supply chain and support its long-term growth ambitions in the Indian beer market.
- Initial malt production capacity of 110,000 tonnes per year with plans to double in Phase 2
- Facility commissioning expected in early 2028 in South Rajasthan
- Strategic sourcing of 250,000 tonnes of barley annually from 50,000+ local farmers
- Creation of 400 direct/indirect jobs and 700 supply chain positions
- Focus on sustainability with zero liquid discharge and advanced water management systems
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has reported a significant reduction in a tax demand related to its Gratuity Trust for AY 2022-23. Following a Karnataka High Court intervention, the National Faceless Assessment Centre (NFAC) revised the initial demand of ₹102.44 crore down to ₹3.21 crore. While the NFAC granted relief on capital contribution disallowances, it sustained a smaller exemption disallowance of ₹6.25 crore. The company intends to appeal the remaining ₹3.21 crore demand, which includes ₹2.18 crore in tax and ₹1.03 crore in interest.
- Initial tax demand of ₹1,024,400,466 (₹102.4 Cr) drastically reduced to ₹32,109,412 (₹3.21 Cr)
- Relief granted by NFAC following a remand order from the Karnataka High Court regarding capital contributions
- Remaining demand consists of ₹2.18 crore in tax and ₹1.03 crore in interest charges
- A disallowance of exemption amounting to ₹6.25 crore was sustained by the tax authorities in the fresh order
- The Trust plans to file an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) to contest the remaining balance
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has released the audio recording of its earnings conference call for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The call was held on February 11, 2026, following the company's Q3 financial results. This disclosure allows investors to access management's detailed commentary on the company's quarterly performance and future outlook. The recording is available on the company's website and via a dedicated third-party link.
- Earnings call for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, was conducted on February 11, 2026
- Audio recording is accessible via the company's official website and a third-party URL (Record ID: 10039102)
- The filing follows the investor presentation released on February 10, 2026
- Disclosure made in compliance with SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements
United Breweries Limited (UBL) reported a robust 111% YoY increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) to ₹81 crore for Q3 FY26. Despite a 1.3% dip in overall volumes due to a severe winter, net sales rose 4% to ₹2,071 crore, fueled by price hikes and a better product mix. Gross margins improved significantly by 222 bps to 45.3%, while EBIT grew 86% to ₹167 crore. The company's premiumization strategy is yielding results, with YTD premium volumes up 23%.
- Net Sales increased 4% YoY to ₹2,071 crore, driven by a 5% improvement in price and mix.
- PAT surged 111% to ₹81 crore, and EBIT rose 86% to ₹167 crore.
- Gross Margin expanded by 222 bps to 45.3% through cost efficiencies and price increases.
- Premium portfolio continues to outperform with 23% YTD volume growth.
- Strong performance in the West region (+20% volume) offset declines in the North (-16%).
United Breweries Limited (UBL) reported a significant 111% year-on-year increase in net profit for Q3 FY26, reaching ₹80.8 crore compared to ₹38.3 crore in the previous year. Although gross revenue from operations declined by 11% to ₹3,935.6 crore, the company demonstrated strong margin improvement and cost control. Earnings per share (EPS) rose to ₹3.06 from ₹1.45. Additionally, the company is moving toward resolving its Bihar plant deadlock by applying under the Amnesty Policy 2025 to restart non-alcoholic beverage production.
- Net Profit (PAT) grew 111% YoY to ₹80.8 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
- Gross Revenue from operations stood at ₹3,935.6 crore, a decrease from ₹4,424.7 crore in Q3 FY25.
- Profit Before Tax (PBT) nearly doubled to ₹131.9 crore from ₹61 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
- Exceptional items of ₹18.7 crore were recorded, primarily due to the impact of new Labour Codes.
- The company received in-principle approval from BIADA to restart Bihar operations under the Amnesty Policy 2025.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has expanded its product portfolio in Karnataka with the launch of Kingfisher Super Smooth Strong Premium Beer on January 28, 2026. This strategic move targets the younger demographic in one of India's largest beer markets, following a successful initial rollout in Rajasthan. The product is priced competitively, ranging from INR 100 for a 330ml can to INR 200 for a 650ml bottle. By offering a smoother strong beer with no added sugar, UBL aims to capture a larger share of the mainstream strong beer segment in urban centers like Bengaluru.
- Launch of Kingfisher Super Smooth Strong Premium Beer in Karnataka effective January 28, 2026
- Competitive pricing strategy with 650ml bottles at INR 200 and 500ml cans at INR 155
- Strategic focus on younger legal age drinkers in high-consumption urban markets like Bengaluru
- Product features imported hops and no added sugar to cater to evolving consumer taste preferences
- Expansion follows encouraging early consumer response from the initial launch in Rajasthan
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has approved a comprehensive Productivity and Cost Effectiveness Program to counter high taxation and rising raw material costs. The strategy involves a reorganization of business functions, the commissioning of a new Greenfield facility in Uttar Pradesh, and the closure of its Mangalore plant. The company projects that these initiatives will generate sustained annualised savings of 3% to 6%. These gains are intended to be reinvested into brand building and market expansion to drive long-term growth.
- Targeting sustained annualised cost savings of 3% to 6% through operational efficiencies.
- Commissioning of a new Greenfield facility in Uttar Pradesh and closure of the Mangalore plant.
- Streamlining roles across Sales, Supply Chain, and Logistics to optimize resource allocation.
- Rationalization of underperforming SKUs and localization of premium brand production.
- Focus on domestic procurement and increased bottle reuse to reduce logistics and material costs.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has scheduled its earnings conference call for the third quarter of FY2025-26 on February 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM IST. The call will be led by MD & CEO Vivek Gupta and CFO Jorn Elimar Kersten to discuss the unaudited financial results for the period ending December 31, 2025. This routine disclosure provides the platform for analysts and institutional investors to engage with management regarding the company's quarterly performance. The company has provided comprehensive dial-in details for both domestic and international participants.
- Earnings call scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 03:00 P.M. IST.
- Focus on Unaudited Financial Results for Q3 and year-to-date ended December 31, 2025.
- Management representation includes MD & CEO Vivek Gupta and CFO Jorn Elimar Kersten.
- Universal dial-in numbers provided are +91 22 6280 1234 and +91 22 7115 8135.
- Transcript of the call will be made available on the company's official website post-event.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has successfully executed a sale deed for 8 acres of industrial land located in Nacharam, Hyderabad. The transaction was completed for a total consideration of INR 80.8 Crores with Topsun Solar Private Limited. As the land was not being used for any business operations, the sale will have no impact on the company's production capacity or revenue. This move effectively monetizes a non-core asset, providing a significant cash inflow to the company's balance sheet.
- Sale of 8 acres of industrial land in Nacharam, Hyderabad for INR 80.8 Crores
- Purchaser identified as Topsun Solar Private Limited, a non-related party
- Zero impact on core business operations as the premises were inactive
- Transaction executed on January 19, 2026, following Board approval
- All stamp duty and registration fees to be borne by the purchaser
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has filed its quarterly compliance certificate under Regulation 74(5) of the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018. The certificate, issued by Integrated Registry Management Services Private Limited, confirms that share certificates received for dematerialization during the quarter ended December 31, 2025, were processed appropriately. It ensures that securities are listed on the stock exchanges and physical certificates were cancelled within the 15-day regulatory timeframe. This is a standard administrative filing required to maintain the integrity of the shareholding records.
- Compliance certificate submitted for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
- Confirmation that dematerialization requests were processed and reported to depositories.
- Physical share certificates were mutilated and cancelled after due verification.
- The name of depositories was substituted in the register of members within 15 days of receipt.
- Filing confirms adherence to SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has announced the launch of 'Kingfisher Smooth Strong Premium Beer' in Rajasthan, effective January 07, 2026. This strategic innovation targets the mainstream strong beer segment, which dominates Indian consumption, by offering a smoother taste profile for younger legal-age consumers. The product is competitively priced, with a 650ml bottle at INR 185 and a 500ml can at INR 145. By leveraging Rajasthan, one of India's largest strong beer markets, UBL aims to recruit new consumers into its flagship Kingfisher portfolio.
- Launch of Kingfisher Smooth Strong Premium Beer in Rajasthan on January 07, 2026
- Pricing set at INR 100 for 330ml, INR 145 for 500ml cans, and INR 185 for 650ml bottles
- Product features imported hops and no added sugar to deliver a balanced, sessionable experience
- Strategic focus on the mainstream strong beer segment to attract next-generation consumers
- UBL maintains its position as India's largest beer manufacturer under the HEINEKEN Company
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has announced the closure of its trading window for insiders starting January 01, 2026. This action is a standard regulatory requirement under SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, for the quarter ending December 31, 2025. The window will remain closed until 48 hours after the official declaration of the company's financial results. This prevents designated persons and their relatives from trading in the company's securities while in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information.
- Trading window closure begins on Thursday, January 01, 2026.
- Applies to all Employees, Designated Persons (DPs), and their immediate relatives.
- Window reopens 48 hours after the declaration of financial results for the quarter ending Dec 31, 2025.
- Complies with SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Total revenue grew 9.8% YoY in FY2025 to INR 8,915.1 Cr. Q1 FY2026 saw a robust 15.7% growth, while H1 FY2026 moderated to 7.1% YoY due to monsoon impacts and excise duty hikes in key markets like Karnataka. Segment-specific growth percentages are not disclosed.
Geographic Revenue Split
Not disclosed in available documents, though Karnataka is identified as a key high-profit market generating relatively higher profits than the country average.
Profitability Margins
Gross margin for Q2 FY2026 was 42.8%. Operating Profit Margin (OPM) improved from 8.6% in FY2024 to 9.4% in FY2025 due to benign input costs and premiumization. However, OPM contracted to 9.0% in H1 FY2026 from 11.2% in H1 FY2025 due to volume declines in Karnataka.
EBITDA Margin
OPBDIT/OI (EBITDA Margin) was 9.4% in FY2025, an 80 bps improvement YoY. EBIT for H1 FY2026 declined by 18% due to increased brand investments and temporary deleverage from lower volumes.
Capital Expenditure
Planned capex of INR 700-750 Cr in FY2026 and INR 750-900 Cr in FY2027 for a greenfield facility in Uttar Pradesh, capacity expansion, and visi cooler footprint growth.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
Ratings reaffirmed at [ICRA]AA+(Stable) and [ICRA]A1+. Total debt/OPBDIT stood at 0.74x as of March 31, 2025, and rose to 0.9x by September 30, 2025. Interest coverage was 65.4x in FY2025.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Raw materials and input costs (including barley and glass bottles implied by industry context) are described as highly volatile, impacting margins because pricing is regulated by state governments.
Capacity Expansion
UBL owns 19 breweries and has 16 contract brewing arrangements. Planned expansion includes a greenfield facility in Uttar Pradesh to increase manufacturing footprint by FY2027.
Raw Material Costs
Input costs were benign in FY2025, supporting margin expansion, but remain a key monitorable due to lack of immediate pricing flexibility to pass on cost increases to consumers.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
9.80%
Growth Strategy
Growth will be achieved through premiumization (faster growth in premium products), capacity expansion (INR 1,500 Cr+ capex over two years), and increasing the visi cooler base to improve secondary sales and market reach.
Products & Services
Beer products including strong, premium, and ultra-premium variants.
Brand Portfolio
Kingfisher Premium, Kingfisher Strong, Kingfisher Ultra, Heineken, Heineken Silver, Bullet, Hunter, LP, and Kalyani Black Label.
New Products/Services
Product innovations and premium brand launches are expected to continue supporting margins, though specific revenue contribution percentages for new launches are not disclosed.
Market Expansion
Setting up a greenfield facility in Uttar Pradesh and expanding capacity in states where demand exceeds current supply.
Market Share & Ranking
UBL commands a strong market share in the domestic beer market, though it faces increasing competition from international and domestic craft players.
Strategic Alliances
UBL is a 61.52% subsidiary of Heineken NV and maintains 16 contract brewing arrangements to provide manufacturing flexibility.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is evolving toward premiumization and craft beer. India has low per-capita beer consumption compared to global averages, suggesting long-term growth potential.
Competitive Landscape
Intense competition from large international players and a rising number of microbreweries and craft beer brands in major metros.
Competitive Moat
Moat is sustained by strong brand equity (Kingfisher), a pan-India manufacturing footprint (19 owned breweries), and exceptional financial flexibility from parent Heineken NV.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Vulnerable to macroeconomic events such as demonetization, general economic slowdowns, and pandemic-related disruptions.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward premium products and increasing beer options available to domestic consumers in metros.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Extensive government control, including a ban on advertising in mass media and state-specific pricing/distribution policies.
Environmental Compliance
Environmental risks involve handling effluents and water usage, though specific compliance costs are not disclosed.
Taxation Policy Impact
Highly regulated tax structures; excise duty hikes (e.g., Karnataka in H1 FY2026) directly impact volume and profitability.
Legal Contingencies
Competition Commission of India (CCI) order directing UBL to pay INR 751.8 Cr for alleged anti-competitive practices; the matter is currently being contested.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Unfavorable policy changes in key states and volatility in raw material prices could impact margins by more than 200 bps, as seen in the H1 FY2026 margin contraction.
Geographic Concentration Risk
High dependence on Karnataka for profitability; subdued performance there led to a decline in consolidated OPM to 9.0%.
Third Party Dependencies
Utilizes 16 contract brewing arrangements to supplement its 19 owned breweries.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Low risk of obsolescence; focus is on digital transformation of the distribution chain and visi cooler tracking.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Exposure to state government beverage corporations; receivables increased in FY2025, making timely collection a key monitorable.