UNITDSPR - United Spirits

📊 NSE: UNITDSPR 🏢 Breweries & Distilleries 📅 Last Updated: 12/14/2025 14:46

💰 Financial Performance

Revenue Growth by Segment

Total net sales grew 8.2% YoY to INR 11,573 Cr in FY25. The Prestige & Above (P&A) segment, which is the primary growth engine, saw net sales growth of 9.9% YoY, contributing 89% of total net sales. The Popular segment's contribution to net sales remained stagnant at 10%, reflecting the company's strategic shift away from lower-margin products.

Geographic Revenue Split

While specific regional percentage splits are not fully disclosed, the company highlighted a significant re-entry into the Andhra Pradesh market after a five-year hiatus, which is expected to be a major volume driver. The company maintains a national reach across India, though operations are subject to state-specific regulations.

Profitability Margins

Operating margins expanded to 18.6% in FY25 from 17.7% in FY24 and 13.5% in FY23. This 510 basis point improvement over two years is driven by premiumization (shifting consumers to higher-priced brands) and productivity gains. PAT margin stood at approximately 13.5% based on PAT of INR 1,558 Cr on net sales of INR 11,573 Cr.

EBITDA Margin

EBITDA grew 20.5% YoY to INR 2,058 Cr in FY25, up from INR 1,708 Cr in FY24. The EBITDA margin is approximately 17.8%, reflecting strong operational efficiency and the ability to offset raw material inflation through a better product mix.

Capital Expenditure

Planned capital expenditure is estimated at INR 280-300 Cr for the medium term to support maintenance and efficiency improvements. This is a slight increase from previous estimates of INR 200 Cr, funded entirely through internal accruals of approximately INR 1,000 Cr per year.

Credit Rating & Borrowing

The company maintains a 'CRISIL AAA/Stable' rating for its fund-based facilities (INR 1,300 Cr). It operates with minimal debt and a net cash surplus of INR 3,089 Cr as of March 31, 2025, which significantly reduces interest rate sensitivity.

⚙️ Operational Drivers

Raw Materials

Key raw materials include Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) and glass packaging. While specific cost percentages per material are not disclosed, 'higher raw material costs' were cited as a factor that previously moderated margins by 180 basis points.

Import Sources

Not specifically disclosed in the documents, though the company operates a domestic supply chain across various Indian states to comply with local production regulations.

Capacity Expansion

Current sales volume is 64 million cases as of FY25, a 4.1% increase YoY. The company focuses on 'innovation and renovation' of existing capacity rather than massive greenfield expansions, specifically targeting the P&A segment which now accounts for 83% of total volumes.

Raw Material Costs

Raw material costs are a significant component of the cost of goods sold; however, the company mitigated these costs in FY25 through a 4% improvement in realization and a shift toward the high-margin P&A segment (88% of revenue).

Manufacturing Efficiency

Operating efficiency is described as 'strong,' evidenced by the expansion of operating margins to 18.6% despite raw material headwinds, achieved through overhead reduction and fixed-cost leveraging.

Logistics & Distribution

Distribution is highly controlled by state governments in most regions, which dictates the logistics framework and limits the company's direct control over pricing in certain 'corporation' markets.

📈 Strategic Growth

Expected Growth Rate

5-8%

Growth Strategy

Growth will be achieved through 'Premiumization' (increasing the share of the P&A segment), re-entry into high-potential markets like Andhra Pradesh, and leveraging the global brand portfolio of parent Diageo Plc. The company also sold 32 lower-margin 'Popular' brands for INR 818 Cr to focus resources on high-value products.

Products & Services

The company manufactures and sells Scotch whisky, IMFL whisky, brandy, rum, vodka, gin, and wine.

Brand Portfolio

McDowell's No.1, Royal Challenge, Signature, Antiquity, Johnnie Walker, VAT 69, Black & White, Smirnoff, Ciroc, and Baileys.

New Products/Services

Recent focus includes 'innovation and renovation' offerings in the P&A segment, which grew 9.9% in value. Specific new product revenue contribution percentages are not disclosed.

Market Expansion

Strategic re-entry into Andhra Pradesh in FY25 is a key expansion move. The company also leverages Diageo's global network for its premium Scotch portfolio.

Market Share & Ranking

United Spirits is the leader in the Indian spirits industry and the largest Indian spirits company by volume and value.

Strategic Alliances

The company is a subsidiary of Diageo Plc, which holds a 55.88% stake and provides technical, operational, and brand support.

🌍 External Factors

Industry Trends

The industry is shifting toward 'Premiumization' as Indian consumers move toward higher-quality spirits. The P&A segment now represents 89% of net sales, up from 87% in the previous year, showing a clear trend toward value over volume.

Competitive Landscape

Competes with other IMFL players and international spirits companies, maintaining leadership through a broad-based portfolio that covers the entire price ladder.

Competitive Moat

The moat is built on a leadership position in the IMFL segment, a diversified portfolio of iconic brands (McDowell's, Johnnie Walker), and the backing of Diageo Plc. This is sustainable due to high regulatory barriers to entry and strong brand equity.

Macro Economic Sensitivity

Sensitive to discretionary consumer spending and inflation in raw materials like glass and ENA. A 1% decline in operating margins below 10% is a key rating sensitivity factor.

Consumer Behavior

Increasing resilient consumer demand for premium offerings and a shift toward responsible drinking, which the company addresses through its 'Society 2030' targets.

Geopolitical Risks

Minimal direct impact, but global supply chains for imported Scotch brands (Johnnie Walker) could be affected by international trade relations.

⚖️ Regulatory & Governance

Industry Regulations

Highly regulated by state governments regarding production, movement, and sale. Pricing is controlled in several states, and marketing is restricted by a code of conduct and social concerns regarding alcohol abuse.

Environmental Compliance

The company is targeting 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and increasing water replenishment. Specific compliance costs in INR are not disclosed.

Taxation Policy Impact

The industry is outside the purview of GST for the final product, leading to non-recoverable input taxes. State-level excise duties are the primary fiscal factor.

Legal Contingencies

The company faces pending shareholder litigations and matters before courts where directors could be implicated. Specific case values are not disclosed, but the company maintains a robust compliance framework to manage these.

⚠️ Risk Analysis

Key Uncertainties

Regulatory changes (state-level prohibition or tax hikes) and potential downgrades of the parent company (Diageo) are the primary risks. A sustained operating margin below 10% would trigger a credit rating review.

Geographic Concentration Risk

Concentrated in India, with revenue highly dependent on the regulatory environment of key states like Andhra Pradesh and others with government-controlled distribution.