Chile Drinks Maker CCU’s Profit Up 5%
Chilean drinks maker CCU earned about US$16.6 million in the third quarter, up 5%, as sales rose 15.5% on higher prices and volumes. The post Chile Drinks Maker CCU’s Profit Up 5% appeared first on The Rio Times .
CCU, Chile's largest drinks company, reported a 5% increase in quarterly profit to about US$16.6 million for the three months to 30 September 2026, according to a report on 3 November 2026. Net income grew 5.0% year-over-year. Net sales surged 15.5% to CLP 760.4 billion (around US$775 million), driven by a 10.6% rise in average prices and a 4.4% increase in volumes to 8.4 million hectolitres.
EBITDA, a key measure of operating earnings, increased 13.4% to CLP 83.5 billion (approximately US$85 million). However, EBITDA margin fell to 11.0% due to restructuring costs. Without these costs, EBITDA would have grown 21.3%. Earnings per share reached CLP 44.0 (about US$0.045). Chilean home market contributed to the growth, with EBITDA in Chile rising 16.3% to CLP 73.0 billion (about US$74 million) and volumes up 5.0%.
In Argentina, the International Business segment saw a 52.8% surge in net sales and a 74.1% increase in EBITDA, driven by inflation-linked price hikes and hyperinflation accounting rules. The wine segment, however, faced a 35.5% drop in EBITDA, attributed mainly to industry challenges and a stronger Chilean peso. Over the first nine months, net income fell 20.4% to CLP 49.4 billion, indicating a strong recovery in the third quarter.
CCU outlines a 2027-2030 plan, "Vamos por Más," focusing on beer, spirits, health-focused products, and supply chain efficiency. The company's shares, traded on US markets, show strong sales but thin margins. Investors should monitor the turnaround in the wine business and potential restructuring plans.
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