By BullScreen Editorial Team 
United Breweries Limited reported mixed earnings in its Q4 results 2026, with strong premium beer demand and volume recovery helping offset rising input and logistics costs during the quarter ended March 2026.
The company posted standalone net sales of Rs. 2,248 crore in Q4 FY26, down 3% from Rs. 2,321 crore a year earlier. However, overall beer volumes rose 4.1%, supported by favorable regulatory changes and a milder winter season. Premium beer volumes remained the key growth driver, surging 16% during the quarter.
Gross margin improved sharply by 332 basis points to 45.4% as cost of goods sold declined 9%. Despite the margin expansion, earnings pressure remained visible due to higher operating expenses and external disruptions. EBIT dropped 48% year-on-year to Rs. 71 crore.
Profit after tax in the Q4 results 2026 increased 4% to Rs. 102 crore, supported by lower tax expenses and an exceptional gain of Rs. 74 crore.
For the full FY26 period, United Breweries reported net sales growth of 4% at Rs. 9,233 crore. Premium beer volumes jumped 21% for the year, highlighting the company’s continued focus on premiumization as consumers shift toward higher-value products.
However, profitability remained under pressure. EBITDA declined 3% to Rs. 850 crore, while EBITDA margin narrowed 61 basis points to 9.2%. Full-year PAT fell 6% to Rs. 413 crore.
The company said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East created major supply-chain challenges during the quarter. Rising crude oil prices, higher gas costs, and Red Sea shipping disruptions increased logistics expenses significantly. United Breweries estimates the total input cost impact could reach Rs. 400-500 crore over the next two to three quarters.
The company is responding with a six-point strategy focused on regulatory pricing discussions, operational efficiency, premium product expansion, brand investments, and tighter liquidity management.
Volume trends also improved steadily through the year. After a weak Q2 and Q3, total volume growth returned to positive territory in Q4 results 2026, signaling improving demand conditions in India’s beer market.
United Breweries remains optimistic about long-term industry growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, urban consumption, and growing demand for premium alcoholic beverages in India.
| Metric | Q4 FY26 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Net Sales | ₹2,248 Crore | ↓ 3% |
| Total Volume Growth | — | ↑ 4.1% |
| Premium Volume Growth | — | ↑ 16% |
| Gross Margin | 45.4% | ↑ 332 bps |
| EBIT | ₹71 Crore | ↓ 48% |
| Profit After Tax (PAT) | ₹102 Crore | ↑ 4% |
| Metric | FY26 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Net Sales | ₹9,233 Crore | ↑ 4% |
| Premium Volume Growth | — | ↑ 21% |
| EBITDA | ₹850 Crore | ↓ 3% |
| EBITDA Margin | 9.2% | ↓ 61 bps |
| Profit After Tax (PAT) | ₹413 Crore | ↓ 6% |
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Growth Driver | Strong premium beer demand |
| Cost Pressure | Middle East conflict, Red Sea logistics disruption |
| Estimated Input Cost Impact | ₹400–500 Crore over next 2–3 quarters |
| Strategic Focus Areas | Premiumization, pricing, efficiency, brand investment |
| Industry Outlook | Positive due to rising disposable income and urban demand in India |
Source: https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/b91fdb69-1a4f-4624-a4df-a9409ccf1115.pdf