SANTIAGO, Chile
,
May 10, 2023
(press release)
–
CCU announced today its consolidated financial and operating results for the first quarter 2023, which ended March 31, 2023. Key figures 1Q23 1Q22 Total (In ThHL or CLP million unless stated otherwise) Change % Volumes 9,362 9,685 (3.3) Net sales 732,031 700,465 4.5 Gross profit 354,945 323,725 9.6 EBIT 104,222 105,895 (1.6) EBITDA 135,377 135,126 0.2 Net income 58,368 64,544 (9.6) Earnings per share (CLP) 158.0 174.7 (9.6) 1 For an explanation of the terms used in this report, please refer to the Glossary in Additional Information and Exhibits. Figures in tables and exhibits have been rounded and may not add up exactly to the total shown. 2 All growth or variation references in this Earnings Release refer to 1Q23 compared to 1Q22, unless otherwise stated. Page 1 of 9 PRESS RELEASE COMMENTS FROM THE CEO During the first quarter 2023, CCU posted a recovery in its financial results, with a stable EBITDA from previous year in a tough economic environment. This better performance was mostly driven by our main Operating segment, Chile, as a consequence of the implementation of our recovery profitability regional plan "HerCCUles 2023". The upward trend in results during the last quarters showed us that we are in the right path; nonetheless, we are aware that the results of 1Q23 are only the beginning, and to consolidate this trend we will continue focusing on the 6 pillars of "HerCCUles 2023", which are: (1) maintain business scale, (2) strengthen revenue management efforts, Before describing the performance of the quarter, it is important to mention that results from 1Q22 were still highly influenced by a particularly positive scenario for consumption in Chile, as consolidated volumes during that quarter were up 7.1% versus 1Q21. After that, volumes contracted, compared with the same quarter of the previous year, 2.9%, 2.8% and 5.5% in the 2Q22, 3Q22, and 4Q22, respectively. Therefore, in spite of decreasing volumes in 1Q23, we are still on track to maintain business scale in 2023 ("HerCCUles" pillar #1). During 1Q23, our revenues expanded 4.5%, boosted by 8.1% growth in average prices in CLP, partially offset by a low-single digit drop in volumes (3.3%). The lower volumes were caused by contractions in all the Operating segments, mostly due to a high comparison base, as mentioned above, especially in Chile, a weaker consumption environment in Argentina, and lower wine exports. The better average prices in CLP were mainly explained by revenue management initiatives in all our main geographies and categories, despite negative mix effects ("HerCCUles" pillar #2"). In line with this, Gross profit jumped 9.6%, and Gross margin rose 227 bps, from 46.2% to 48.5%, the latter also associated with lower cost pressures, as a consequence of more favorable costs in some key packaging materials. MSD&A expenses as a percentage of net sales deteriorated 317 bps, mainly as a consequence of a low base of marketing expenses in 1Q22, due to phasing, and higher distribution expenses. This was partially compensated with efficiencies through all our operating segments, which will be more reflected during the rest of the year ("HerCCUles" pillar #3"). In all, EBITDA reached CLP 135,377 million, a 0.2% increase, and EBITDA margin contracted 80 bps, from 19.3% to 18.5%. The slight expansion in EBITDA is surely a good start to recover our financial results, although more efforts are needed to consolidate the profitability improvement in an inflationary scenario. Regarding Net income, we totalized a gain of CLP 58,368 million, a 9.6% drop, associated with a lower Non- operating result mostly due to higher financial costs and a higher loss in Equity and income of JVs and associated. Additionally, in 1Q23 we delivered a stronger cash generation. Net cash inflow from operating activities expanded by CLP 42,746 million versus 1Q22, while Net cash (outflow) from investing activities were stable versus last year ("HerCCUles" pillar #4"). Furthermore, we reduced our portfolio complexity while brand equity remained in high levels, especially in our core brands, and continued to be key to gain/maintain market share in our main categories ("HerCCUles" pillars #5 & #6"). In the Chile Operating segment, our results posted a positive turning point after four consecutive quarters of contractions in EBITDA. Top line expanded 6.4%, driven by 7.6% growth in average prices, while volumes dropped 1.1%. Prices were higher due to revenue management efforts in all our categories, partially offset by negative mix effects in the portfolio. Volumes were resilient through the quarter, although decreased mainly associated with a tough comparison base (volumes grew 7.6% in 1Q22 vs 1Q21). Gross profit expanded 14.9%, and Gross margin improved from 44.0% to 47.5%, also as a result of lower cost pressures, and efficiencies in manufacturing costs. MSD&A expenses as a percentage of net sales deteriorated 357 bps, mainly explained by a lower comparison base in marketing expenses in 1Q22 due to phasing, and higher distribution expenses. Consequently, EBITDA totaled CLP 99,761 million, increasing 6.8% and EBITDA margin was stable, from 20.4% to 20.5%. In the International Business Operating segment, which includes Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay, Net sales recorded a 4.7% rise, as a result of an increase of 13.9% in average prices in CLP, partially offset by 8.1% contraction in volumes. Industry volumes were weaker in all the geographies, but mainly in Argentina as a consequence of a difficult economic context. The better average prices in CLP were explained by prices increasing in line with inflation in Argentina, and revenue management initiatives in all the other geographies. Consequently, Gross profit expanded 9.3%, and Gross margin grew from 52.9% to 55.3%. MSD&A expenses as a percentage of Net sales deteriorated by 161 bps, due to a lower scale in Argentina. Altogether, EBITDA reached CLP 35,807 million, a 7.9% expansion, and EBITDA margin reached 18.1%, improving 53 bps from 17.6%. The Wine Operating segment faced a particularly challenging scenario during the quarter. Revenues were down 17.7%, fully explained by weaker volumes. Average prices were flat, as revenue management efforts in domestic markets were offset by negative mix effects in the portfolio. The lower volume was mostly attributable to exports, which contracted in the low-twenties, associated with inventories adjustment from our clients and distributors. On the other side, domestic volumes in Chile dropped mid-single digits. As a result of all the above, Gross profit deteriorated 32.5% and Gross margin contracted 699 bps. MSD&A expenses dropped 1.9%, although as a percentage of Net sales deteriorated by 508 bps, due to the lower revenues. In all, EBITDA reached CLP 3,496 million, a 69.5% fall. Regarding our main JVs and associated businesses, in Colombia, we started 2023 with a low-single digit decrease in volumes, while in Argentina, our water business with Danone showed a low-teens expansion in volumes. Both businesses are relevant for our regional multicategory beverage strategy, being committed to continue gaining scale to build profitability in the future. In 1Q23 we delivered a recovery in our financial results in a tough economic environment. The latter was mainly driven by the implementation of "HerCCUles 2023". For the rest of the year we will continue executing this plan. These are the first steps to deliver profitable and sustainable growth in a volatile context. Page 2 of 10 PRESS RELEASE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS - FIRST QUARTER (Exhibit 1 & 2) 3 The ARS currency variation against the USD considers 2023 end of period (eop) compared with 2022 (eop) 4 See Note 32 Other Gain/(Losses) of our 1Q23 Financial Statements Page 3 of 10 PRESS RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS OPERATING SEGMENTS FIRST QUARTER CHILE OPERATING SEGMENT In the Chile Operating segment, our results posted a positive turning point after four consecutive quarters of contractions. Top line expanded 6.4%, driven by 7.6% growth in average prices, while volumes dropped 1.1%. Prices were higher due to revenue management efforts in all our categories, partially offset by negative mix effects in the portfolio. Volumes were resilient through the quarter, although decreased mainly associated with a tough comparison base (volumes grew 7.6% in 1Q22 vs 1Q21). Gross profit expanded 14.9%, and Gross margin improved from 44.0% to 47.5%, also as a result of lower cost pressures, and efficiencies in manufacturing costs. MSD&A expenses as a percentage of net sales deteriorated 357 bps, mainly explained by a lower comparison base in marketing expenses in 1Q22 due to phasing, and higher distribution expenses. Consequently, EBITDA totaled CLP 99,761 million, increasing 6.8% and EBITDA margin was stable, from 20.4% to 20.5%. In January 2023, 20 years have passed since the beginning of the strategic alliance with Heineken, the second largest brewery in the world and a shareholder of CCU through a 50/50 joint venture with Quiñenco. Since the beginning of this alliance, we have multiplied our consolidated volumes by 3.4 times, and increased our Net income by 5.4 times. In addition, this joint work has helped us to broaden our portfolio and to adopt the best production and marketing practices in all our categories, especially in beer. In terms of innovation, through a license with PepsiCo we added the brand Rockstar, an energy drink with natural ingredients, to strengthened our position as a leader in the energy drink category. Rockstar is among the three best-selling energy brands in the world, with presence in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom. In addition, our water brand MAS, added a Mango & Passion fruit flavor to its broad variety of options. Regarding sustainability initiatives, CCU was distinguished among the 100 most responsible companies in the MERCO Responsibility ESG Chile 2022 ranking, which evaluated concrete progress on issues related to the environment, customers and communities, and ethical and corporate governance metrics. CCU achieved the 1st place in the beverage sector for the fourth consecutive year. Also, during the quarter our sport drink brand Gatorade inaugurates the first sport court built with more than 2 tons of recycled PET in Chile. This was a joint work with the communities and will have an impact of approximately 1,500 people that live nearby. In addition, as a response to the fires that affected the south of Chile during the quarter, CCU rapidly helped in different ways to those who fought the fire and those who were affected by them. Among the initiatives that we developed are: (i) we donated over 75 thousand liters of products to hydrate firefighters, police officers, brigade members and volunteers among others, (ii) together with "Desafio Levantemos Chile", we contributed rapidly with three trucks with water to reach the most affected zones by wildfires, and (iii) an internal donation campaign with our employees called "1+1", in which any donation made by our workers, will be doubled by CCU, also to help the families that were affected by the fires. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OPERATING SEGMENT In the International Business Operating segment, which includes Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay, Net sales recorded a 4.7% rise, as a result of an increase of 13.9% in average prices in CLP, partially offset by 8.1% contraction in volumes. Industry volumes were weaker in all the geographies, but mainly in Argentina as a consequence of a difficult economic context. The better average prices in CLP were explained by prices increasing in line with inflation in Argentina, and revenue management initiatives in all the other geographies. Consequently, Gross profit expanded 9.3%, and Gross margin grew from 52.9% to 55.3%. MSD&A expenses as a percentage of Net sales deteriorated by 161 bps, due to a lower scale in Argentina. Altogether, EBITDA reached CLP 35,807 million, a 7.9% expansion, and EBITDA margin reached 18.1%, improving 53 bps from 17.6%. In March 2023, CCU reached irrevocable and definitive agreements regarding Bebidas del Paraguay S.A. and Distribuidora del Paraguay S.A., which settled the exit of the Cartes group from those companies, and the incorporation of a new partner, Sudameris Bank S.A.E.C.A. Thus, as of March 1, 2023, we increased our participation in Bebidas del Paraguay S.A. from 50.005% to 55.007%, and in Distribuidora del Paraguay S.A. from 49.959% to 54.964%. Consequently, currently the only shareholders of the above-mentioned companies in Paraguay are CCU, through its subsidiary CCU Inversiones II SpA, and Sudameris Bank S.A.E.A.C. Bebidas del Paraguay S.A. and Distribuidora del Paraguay S.A are controlled by CCU. WINE OPERATING SEGMENT The Wine Operating segment faced a particularly challenging scenario during the quarter. Revenues were down 17.7%, fully explained by weaker volumes. Average prices were flat, as revenue management efforts in domestic markets were offset by negative mix effects in the portfolio. The lower volume was mostly attributable to exports, which contracted in the low-twenties, associated with inventories adjustment from our clients and distributors. On the other side, domestic volumes in Chile dropped mid-single digits. As a result of all the above, Gross profit deteriorated 32.5% and Gross margin contracted 699 bps. MSD&A expenses dropped 1.9%, although as a percentage of Net sales deteriorated by 508 bps, due to the lower revenues. In all, EBITDA reached CLP 3,496 million, a 69.5% fall. Thanks to its commitment and actions dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, VSPT Wine Group obtained the prestigious Gold Member category in the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). The IWCA is an organization that brings together different wineries around the world in a collaborative work table, who are committed to the environment and who adopt a science-based approach to reduce carbon emissions throughout the wine industry. VSPT is a Gold Member thanks to its rigorous climate action standards, being able to self-generate more than 20% of its renewable energy -both thermal and electrical- in its operation, as well as maintain a reduction of its greenhouse gases, on a sustained basis, according to the commitments established with the IWCA, having already reduced its CO2 emissions by 6.8%, between 2019 and 2021. Page 4 of 10 PRESS RELEASE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS ABOUT CCU CCU is a multi-category beverage company with operations in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay. CCU is one of the largest players in each one of the beverage categories in which it participates in Chile, including beer, soft drinks, mineral and bottled water, nectar, wine and pisco, among others. CCU is the second-largest brewer in Argentina and also participates in the cider, spirits and wine industries. In Uruguay and Paraguay, the Company is present in the beer, mineral and bottled water, soft drinks, wine and nectar categories. In Bolivia, CCU participates in the beer, water, soft drinks and malt beverage categories. In Colombia, the Company participates in the beer and in the malt industry. The Company's principal licensing, distribution and / or joint venture agreements include Heineken Brouwerijen B.V., PepsiCo Inc., Seven-up International, Schweppes Holdings Limited, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Pernod Ricard Chile S.A., Promarca S.A. (Watt's), Red Bull Panamá S.A., Stokely Van Camp Inc., and Coors Brewing Company. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Vitacura 2670, 26th floor Santiago Chile STOCK TICKER Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago: CCU NYSE: CCU CAUTIONARY STATEMENT Statements made in this press release that relate to CCU's future performance or financial results are forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to materially differ. We undertake no obligation to update any of these statements. Persons reading this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements should be taken in conjunction with the additional information about risk and uncertainties set forth in CCU's annual report on Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and in the annual report submitted to the CMF (Chilean Market Regulator) and available on our web page. GLOSSARY Operating segments The Operating segments are defined with respect to its revenues in the geographic areas of commercial activity: Page 5 of 10 Attachments Disclaimer CCU - Compañía Cervecerías Unidas SA published this content on 10 May 2023 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 10 May 2023 21:40:48 UTC. (C) Copyright 2023 - CCU - Compañía Cervecerías Unidas SA
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