- We expect United Spirits (UNSP) to post 8.5% revenue growth to INR20.2b in 4QFY13E, led by 4-5% volume growth.
- Trade issues in Tamil Nadu will continue to impact underlying volume growth.
- The premium segment would grow at a faster pace aided by up-trading. Price hikes would also contribute to realization growth.
- Expect margin expansion of 200bp (poor base) to 11.6%.
- Expect UNSP to report ~INR600m PBT from operations, against a loss of INR77m in the base quarter.
- PAT is estimated at INR718m, against INR79m in 4QFY12.
- Andhra Pradesh has announced a price increase, which would provide support to margins in 4Q.
- Maharashtra, a key UNSP market, recently increased excise duty on IMFL by 25%.
- The stock trades at 33.6x FY14E EPS and 23.5x FY15E EPS. Buy.