Diageo-controlled United Spirits Ltd posted a strong performance in the third quarter of FY26, reporting a sharp rise in profitability despite regulatory and policy challenges in key markets. The country’s largest spirits company reported a consolidated net profit of ₹418 crore for the October to December period, marking a year-on-year increase of nearly 25 percent compared with ₹335 crore in the same quarter last year.
Revenue from operations for the quarter stood at ₹7,942 crore, up 2.7 percent from ₹7,732 crore a year earlier. Total income grew at a similar pace to ₹7,993 crore, reflecting steady demand across most regions. Operating expenses rose modestly by 2.6 percent to ₹7,442 crore, indicating continued cost discipline even as the company invested in brand building and execution.
United Spirits reported a net sales value of ₹3,683 crore in the quarter, registering a growth of 7.3 percent. The company attributed this to strong traction in the higher end of its portfolio, although gains were partially offset by policy related disruptions in Maharashtra and the absence of a one time retail pipeline fill in Andhra Pradesh that had benefited the previous year’s numbers.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation came in at ₹599 crore, an increase of 5.5 percent, largely driven by the company’s standalone operations. The Prestige and Above segment continued to anchor performance, accounting for around 90 percent of net sales and growing 8.2 percent year on year. In contrast, the popular segment contributed 8.7 percent of net sales and saw a decline of 4.6 percent.
Commenting on the results, Managing Director and CEO Praveen Someshwar said the company delivered a resilient quarter while navigating policy headwinds in one of its most critical markets. He added that sustained momentum in the rest of the country and at the premium end of the portfolio reinforces confidence in long term growth. United Spirits continues to invest behind brands such as McDowell’s, Royal Challenge, Signature, Johnnie Walker and Black Dog to strengthen its market position. Shares of the company closed marginally lower at ₹1,318.55 on the BSE following the results.
