Unlock stock picks and a broker-level newsfeed that powers Wall Street.

Varun Beverages Ltd (NSE:VBL) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Robust Sales Growth Amid Margin ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue from Operations: INR 55,669 million, a 28.9% year-on-year increase.

  • Consolidated Sales Volume: 312.4 million cases, up 30.1% from 240.2 million cases in Q1 2024.

  • Organic Volume Growth in India: 15.5% increase.

  • Gross Margin: 54.6%, a decline of 171 basis points from Q1 2024.

  • EBITDA: INR 12,639.6 million, a 27.8% increase from INR 9,887.6 million in Q1 2024.

  • EBITDA Margin in India: Improved by 111 basis points.

  • Consolidated EBITDA Margin: Declined by 20 basis points.

  • Depreciation: Increased by 45.3% due to new plant commissioning and international operations.

  • Interest Income: INR 108 million in India.

  • Interest Cost in International Markets: Includes INR 86 million lease rentals in South Africa.

  • PAT (Profit After Tax): INR 7,313.6 million, a 33.5% year-on-year increase.

  • Dividend: Interim dividend of 25% of face value, INR 0.50 per share, total cash outflow of INR 1,691 million.

  • Credit Rating: Upgraded to CRISIL AAA stable.

Release Date: April 30, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Consolidated sales volume grew by 30.1% year-on-year, driven by strong organic growth in India and contributions from South Africa and DRC.

  • New greenfield production facilities in Kangra and Prayagraj have commenced operations, enhancing capacity for the peak summer season.

  • Backward integration facilities in Prayagraj and DRC have been established, improving operational efficiency and supply chain robustness.

  • The company has initiated the distribution and sale of PepsiCo snack products in Zimbabwe and Zambia, expanding its portfolio in high-potential regions.

  • CRISIL upgraded Varun Beverages Ltd's long-term credit rating to CRISIL AAA stable, reflecting strong governance and consistent performance.

Negative Points

  • Gross margins declined by 171 basis points to 54.6% due to a higher mix of lower-margin own brands in South Africa and a focus on CSD in India.

  • Consolidated net realization per case declined by 0.9% due to lower per case realization in South Africa.

  • Depreciation increased by 45.3% due to the commissioning of new plants and inclusion of operations from South Africa and DRC.

  • Margins in South Africa remain lower at 14.4%, with a significant portion of sales from lower-margin own brands.

  • The termination of agreements in Tanzania and Ghana may impact growth aspirations in the African continent.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide early insights on the performance of new product launches like Sting Gold and the lower price point pack of Gatorade? A: Ravi Jaipuria, Non-Executive Chairman: It's too early to assess the market reaction to Sting Gold and Gatorade's new pack. Initial acceptance is positive, but a clearer picture will emerge in the next quarter.