India is one of the fastest growing alcobev markets in the World, with an estimated 324.3 million cases sold in 2017. The alcobev industry in India has been growing at more than 12% CAGR for the decade starting 2001 making it one of the fastest growing markets in the World. India is expected to be the third largest consumer economy as its consumption is expected to triple to US$ 4 trillion by 2025, led by shift in consumer behaviour and expenditure pattern. Same way in beer segment over the last five years, on an average, the beer industry recorded a steady growth of about 7% in volume terms. According to a research by CISION, the Indian beer market is projected to grow at a CAGR over 7.6% during the period 2018-2024. United Spirits and United Breweries are MNC companies and both are market leaders in their segment. This is a recession proof sector and both companies can show strong growth in next 2-5 years.

United Spirits Ltd.

BSE Code/ NSE: 532432/ MCDOWELL-N | Face Value: Rs2 | CMP: Rs532 | 52 Weeks H/L: Rs731.44/438.20 | Market Cap (Rs crore): 7,720 | Promoter’s holding: 56.76% | Institutional holding: 29.48% | Public holding: 13.76%

United Spirits Limited (USL) is the largest alco beverage company in India and amongst the largest consumer goods companies. The Company is involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of beverage alcohol. It has a comprehensive brand portfolio with over 100 brands of Scotch whisky, IMFL whisky, brandy, rum, vodka, gin and wine. It has brands spanning across price points operating in all segments of Popular, Prestige, Premium and Luxury, selling over 1 million cases annually covering 15 brands. The Company produces and sells a total around 78 million cases. McDowell’s No.1, Royal Challenge, Signature, Antiquity, Director’s Special Black, McDowell’s VSOP, Romanov, Bagpiper, Old Tavern, Haywards are some of the marquee brands. In addition, the Company also imports, manufactures, distributes and sells various iconic Diageo brands such as Haig Gold Label, Captain Morgan, Johnnie Walker, J&B, Baileys, Lagavulin, Talisker, VAT 69, Black & White, Smirnoff and Ciroc in India under different licensing agreements. Company boasts of pan-India manufacturing presence with 52 facilities and robust distribution network of more than 85,000 outlets, which provide access to vendors, suppliers and distributors.

The Company has equity of Rs145.33 crore with huge reserve of around Rs2663.7 crore. Promoters hold 56.76%, FIIs hold 22.55% and DIIs hold 5.05% stake in this company. For Q3FY19, USL posted 42.84% higher PAT of Rs192.40 crore on 9% higher sales of Rs7763.6 crore and an EPS of Rs2.65. During 9MFY19, its PAT zoomed 51.81% to Rs532.4 crore from Rs350.7 crore in 9MFY18 on 11.16% higher sales of Rs21307 crore fetching an EPS of Rs7.33. Stock is trading at P/E ratio of 54x. Stock is looking attractive for long term investment and a safe bet in the portfolio.

One can buy in staggered manner for long term investment horizon.

United Breweries Ltd.

BSE Code/ NSE: 532478/ UBL | Face Value: Rs1 | CMP: Rs1,382 | 52 Weeks H/L: Rs1,493.75/1,029.60 | Market Cap (Rs crore): 36,542 | Promoter’s holding: 57.72% | Institutional holding: 36.38% | Public holding: 5.90%

United Breweries Limited (UBL) is synonymous with innovation and aggressive marketing that is complemented by a strong distribution network which encompasses an impressive spread of owned and contract manufacturing facilities across the country. UBL continues to lead in the Indian Beer market, with a volume that is more than twice that of its nearest competitor. Kingfisher Strong continues to be the single largest brand in the Indian beer market with sales recording more than 100 million cases. Kingfisher Premium continues to be the first choice of mild beer consumers across the country. The super-premium brands in its portfolio viz., Kingfisher Ultra, Kingfisher Ultra Max and Heineken are the top three fastest growing brands. These brands have been established in India as world class super premium beer brands. The Company is having 21 own manufacturing units and 9 contract units across India.

The Company has equity of just Rs26.44 crore with a huge reserve of around Rs2979.74 crore. Promoters hold 57.72%, FIIs hold 16.40% and DIIs hold 3.40% stake in the company. During Q3FY19, its net profit soared 130.41% to Rs109.17 crore from Rs47.38 crore in Q3FY18 on 22.15% higher sales of Rs3188.40 crore fetching an EPS of Rs4.13. For 9MFY19, its PAT grew by 63.26% to Rs494.86 crore from Rs303.11 crore on 16.6% higher sales of Rs10678.14 crore fetching an EPS of Rs18.75. Stock is trading at P/E ratio of 64x and looks attractive for long term investment.

One can buy this stock in staggered manner for long term investment horizon.

About the author: IE&M Team
IE&M Team
Indian Economy & Market is an Indian media and information platform producing data-backed news and analysis on all the vital elements at the intersection of the economy, stock markets, mutual fund, insurance, commodities, currency, technology, startups and business.

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