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VBL Consumer 30 Oct 2024

Varun Beverages Ltd — Q3 FY24

Varun Beverages reported a strong Q3 CY2024 with consolidated revenue growth of 24.1% YoY to INR 4,804.6 crore, driven by expanded distribution and product penetration.

bullish high
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Revenue ₹2,668 Cr +24.1%
EBITDA ₹1,151 Cr +30.5%
PAT ₹144 Cr +22.3%
EBITDA Margin 16% +117bps
Duration
Read Time 1 min read

✓ Verified against BSE filing

2-Minute Summary

✦ AI-Generated from Full Transcript

Varun Beverages reported a strong Q3 CY2024 with consolidated revenue growth of 24.1% YoY to INR 4,804.6 crore, driven by expanded distribution and product penetration. EBITDA grew 30.5% to INR 1,151.1 crore, with margins expanding 117 bps to 24.0% due to operational efficiencies and backward integration. PAT rose 22.3% to INR 628.8 crore. India volume growth was muted at 5.7% due to excessive rainfall, but management expects a recovery as rains subside. International markets grew 7.9%, with DRC's new facility already sold out and South Africa showing improving trends (20% growth in September). The board approved a INR 7,500 crore QIP for debt reduction, expansion, and potential acquisitions. Risks include sustained competitive pressure from Campa Cola and raw material cost volatility.

Bear Cases1 alive · 0 deadPromises0 met · 1 missedRisks4 trackedTranscriptfull text
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Focused Modules

Bear Cases 5 tracked

Bear Cases vs Reality

India volume growth deceleration due to weather Alive 1, weakening 4, dead 0.

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Promises 1 promise

Promise Tracker

0 delivered, 0 close, 1 missed.

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!Risks 4 risks

Risk Intelligence

Competitive pressure from Campa Cola

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Transcript Full text

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Quarter Snapshot

Consolidated sales volume 261.5M cases
+21.9% YoY

Includes ~34M cases from South Africa and DRC. India volume grew 5.7% due to heavy rains.

India non-carbonated beverage growth (9M) 23.9%
+23.9% YoY

Non-carbonated portfolio including juice, dairy, and sports drinks grew strongly in India.

DRC facility utilization 100%
N/A (new plant)

Greenfield plant in DRC ramped to full capacity on three shifts within weeks; sold out.

South Africa September growth 20%
+20% YoY

Pepsi brand grew 20% in September, indicating improving go-to-market and backend corrections.

What Changed vs Last Quarter

Comparing Q3 FY24 vs Q2 FY24
4 new guidance4 dropped4 new risk4 risk resolved
NEW
DRC capacity to more than double by next year

Current DRC capacity of ~35M cases will be more than doubled with expansion at existing plant and a new facility, expected to commission in early 2025 and mid-2025.

NEW
Three snack plants in Africa to commence operations next year

Snack plants in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Morocco are expected to start commercial production in 2025, with potential revenue of ~$100M at full capacity.

NEW
rPET plant to be operational by Q2 2025

First rPET plant under construction will produce enough preforms to meet government mandate of 30% rPET usage.

NEW
QIP of INR 7,500 crore for debt reduction and acquisitions

Funds will be used to reduce net debt (~INR 6,000 crore), support expansion, and create a war chest for strategic acquisitions.

DROPPED
Double-digit volume growth in H2 CY2024

Management expects continued double-digit volume growth in India and consolidated for the second half of the calendar year.

DROPPED
CapEx of ₹3,600 crore for CY2024

Net capitalization CapEx for 2024 remains at ₹3,600 crore, primarily for greenfield and brownfield expansions.

DROPPED
CapEx of ₹2,500-2,600 crore for CY2025 season

Planned capitalization of ₹2,500-2,600 crore for the 2025 season, mainly for greenfield facilities in India and snack food manufacturing in Africa.

DROPPED
Snack food revenue target of ~$100M in 2-3 years

Management expects snack food business in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Morocco to generate close to $100 million in revenue within the next couple of years.

NEW RISK
Competitive pressure from Campa Cola

Campa Cola's entry with aggressive trade margins could impact market share, though management believes there is room for all players.

NEW RISK
Rainfall impact on India volumes

Excessive and uneven rainfall in Q3 led to a sharp deceleration in India volume growth to 5.7%, with rural areas most affected.

NEW RISK
Raw material cost volatility

Gross margins in India dipped ~120 bps due to higher PET prices and water cost reclassification; future input cost spikes remain a risk.

NEW RISK
Execution risk in Africa expansion

Rapid capacity expansion in DRC and South Africa, along with new snack plants, may face operational or demand challenges.

RISK GONE
BevCo integration and margin drag

BevCo's lower realization per case and higher working capital days are dragging consolidated margins; turnaround may take several quarters.

RISK GONE
Weather and seasonality impact in India

Excessive rains or harsh winters could dampen out-of-home consumption and pressure volume growth in H2.

RISK GONE
Currency and political risk in Africa

Currency volatility (e.g., Zimbabwe) and political instability in African markets could impact profitability, though management has managed well historically.

RISK GONE
Regulatory compliance for recycled PET

Mandatory 30% recycled PET content from April 2025 may increase costs if the JV plant is delayed or capacity is insufficient.

Fast read

Guidance and risk preview

Top guidance DRC capacity to more than double by next year

Current DRC capacity of ~35M cases will be more than doubled with expansion at existing plant and a new facility, expected to commission in early 2...

Top risk Competitive pressure from Campa Cola

Campa Cola's entry with aggressive trade margins could impact market share, though management believes there is room for all players.

View Risks →