UBL - United Breweries
📢 Recent Corporate Announcements
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has announced its earnings conference call for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2026, to be held on May 06, 2026. The call is scheduled for 3:00 PM IST and will feature the Managing Director and CFO. This session will provide a platform for analysts and investors to discuss the audited financial performance. The company has provided various dial-in options, including international toll-free numbers for global investors.
- Earnings call date set for May 06, 2026, at 03:00 PM IST
- Focus on Audited Financial Results for Q4 and the full year ending March 31, 2026
- Key management participants include MD & CEO Vivek Gupta and CFO Jorn Elimar Kersten
- Universal dial-in numbers provided: +91 22 6280 1234 and +91 22 7115 8135
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has secured a favourable ruling from the GST Commissioner (Appeals) in Bihar regarding a tax dispute. The original demand issued in February 2025, which totaled ₹29,00,048 in tax and penalties, has been significantly reduced. Following the company's legal submissions, the penalty now stands at only ₹1,85,878. UBL has indicated it will continue to contest the remaining residual demand before the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).
- Favourable order received from the Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Pataliputra Circle, Bihar
- Original tax and penalty demand of ₹29,00,048 has been substantially set aside
- Current penalty liability reduced to ₹1,85,878 following the appeal
- Company plans to file a further appeal before the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) against the residual demand
Heineken N.V., the promoter group of United Breweries, reported that India operations saw low-single-digit net revenue growth for the January-March 2026 quarter. Total volumes grew by a mid-single-digit percentage, which includes contract brewing volumes now classified as licensed volume. The premium segment was a key driver, delivering strong mid-teens growth led by the Kingfisher Ultra brand. To further strengthen its mainstream market leadership, the company also launched Kingfisher Smooth.
- Net revenue for India operations grew by a low-single-digit percentage in Q1 2026
- Total volume increased by a mid-single-digit percentage including licensed volumes
- Premium segment delivered strong performance with mid-teens growth led by Kingfisher Ultra
- Launched Kingfisher Smooth, a lower bitterness beer, to reinforce mainstream segment leadership
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has announced the resignation of Mr. Rakesh Kumar, who served as the Chief Sales Officer and Director - Sales. The resignation is set to be effective from the close of business hours on April 30, 2026. Mr. Kumar is departing the company to pursue professional opportunities outside the organization. This transition marks a change in the senior leadership team responsible for the company's primary revenue-generating function.
- Mr. Rakesh Kumar has resigned from his position as Chief Sales Officer and Director - Sales.
- The effective date for the cessation of his role is April 30, 2026.
- The resignation is attributed to the executive's decision to pursue external opportunities.
- The company has formally acknowledged the resignation under Regulation 30 of SEBI LODR.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has filed its quarterly compliance certificate under Regulation 74(5) of the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018. The Registrar and Share Transfer Agent, Integrated Registry Management Services, confirmed that all dematerialization requests received during the quarter ended March 31, 2026, were processed. The physical certificates were mutilated and cancelled, and the names of the depositories were substituted in the register of members as the registered owners. This filing confirms that the company is adhering to standard regulatory timelines for share processing.
- Compliance certificate issued for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
- Registrar confirmed dematerialization requests were accepted or rejected as per norms.
- Physical share certificates were mutilated and cancelled after due verification.
- Register of members updated with depository names within the mandatory 15-day period.
- Securities comprised in the certificates are listed on the relevant stock exchanges.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has announced the resignation of Ms. Kavita Singh, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Director - People. Her resignation will be effective from the close of business hours on April 30, 2026. Ms. Singh has served the company for five years, including three years under the current leadership. The company has not yet named a successor for the senior management role.
- Ms. Kavita Singh resigns as CHRO and Director - People effective April 30, 2026
- The outgoing executive completed a 5-year tenure at United Breweries Limited
- Resignation is intended to pursue professional opportunities outside of the company
- The transition follows a 3-year stint working under the current management guidance
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has been served a tax demand order totaling ₹22.50 crore by the Maharashtra State VAT Department for the financial year 2021-22. The demand arises from the non-submission of specific declaration forms required for concessional tax rates. The total amount comprises ₹9.66 crore in additional tax, ₹10.43 crore in interest, and ₹2.41 crore in penalty. UBL has stated it has a strong case and intends to challenge the order through the appellate process, expecting minimal financial impact beyond a statutory pre-deposit.
- Total tax demand of ₹22,50,12,884 issued by the Deputy Commissioner of State Tax, Maharashtra.
- Demand includes ₹9.66 crore tax, ₹10.43 crore interest, and ₹2.41 crore penalty for FY 2021-22.
- The dispute relates to the non-submission of declaration forms in C & F for concessional tax rates.
- UBL is evaluating legal recourse and plans to contest the demand before appellate authorities.
- Management expects no significant financial impact other than a mandatory statutory pre-deposit for the appeal.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has announced the launch of 'Kingfisher Smooth Strong Premium Beer' in Maharashtra, effective March 31, 2026. This strategic expansion targets the mainstream strong beer segment in a high-growth market just before the peak summer consumption period. The product follows successful launches in Rajasthan and Karnataka, aiming to offer a smoother profile for strong beer consumers. Pricing is set competitively, with a 650 ml bottle retailing at INR 200 and a 500 ml can at INR 155.
- Launch of Kingfisher Smooth in Maharashtra to capture the mainstream strong beer market share.
- Product pricing ranges from INR 120 for a 330 ml can to INR 200 for a 650 ml bottle.
- Strategic timing to leverage the peak consumption period starting in April.
- Expansion follows positive consumer feedback from previous launches in Rajasthan and Karnataka.
- Focus on a 'smooth' profile using imported hops and no added sugar to attract a broader consumer base.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has announced the closure of its trading window effective from April 1, 2026. This is a standard regulatory requirement under SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, ahead of the declaration of financial results. The closure pertains to the financial results for the quarter and full year ending March 31, 2026. The window will remain closed for designated persons and their relatives until 48 hours after the results are officially announced.
- Trading window closure to commence from Wednesday, April 01, 2026.
- Closure is in preparation for the financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2026.
- Restriction applies to all Employees, Designated Persons, and their Immediate Relatives.
- Trading window will reopen 48 hours after the declaration of the financial results.
United Breweries Limited (UBL) has successfully obtained Environmental Clearance (EC) for its new greenfield brewery project in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The facility is designed with a substantial production capacity of 1.3 million hectolitres per annum, marking a significant step in the company's regional expansion. This clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) follows previous project updates provided in 2025. The approval removes a major regulatory hurdle, allowing the company to proceed with the construction and eventual commissioning of the plant.
- Received Environmental Clearance (EC) dated March 17, 2026, from SEIAA, Uttar Pradesh.
- Proposed greenfield brewery capacity is set at 1.3 million hectolitres per annum.
- Project is located at the Industrial Manufacturing & Logistics Cluster in Unnao, UP.
- Follows previous regulatory intimations filed on February 13 and November 21, 2025.
- The clearance is subject to specific conditions outlined by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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
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.