Moneycontrol Bureau
India's largest spirits company United Spirits (USL) posted huge loss of Rs 4,489 crore in the year ended March 2014 on consolidated basis, increased by 44.4 times compared to a loss of Rs 101.2 crore in previous year. Impairment loss of Rs 3,235.73 crore, provision of Rs 1,123.16 crore and higher interest cost impacted bottomline of the company.
"Corresponding to the provision for doubtful advances and diminution in the value of investments recognised in the standalone financial statement and impairment loss of Rs 3,235.73 crore on goodwill of WMG, Palmer Investment Group and Montrose International SA has been recognised in the consolidated financials. This impairment loss reported as an exceptional item," the company explained.
In addition to the above, there was other provision for doubtful debts/advances/deposits at Rs 1,123.16 crore in FY14, increased significantly from Rs 1.45 crore in previous year, said the company.
Consolidated revenue increased by 1 percent to Rs 10,615 crore in FY14 compared to Rs 10,498 crore in previous year.
Operating loss stood at Rs 138 crore as against profit of Rs 1,317 crore and margin was negative 1.3 percent versus positive 12.5 percent during the same period.
The company has earned foreign exchange gain of Rs 564 crore in the year ended March 2014 as against loss of Rs 226 crore previous financial year. Finance cost during the period increased to Rs 1,322.57 crore from Rs 984.9 crore. Advertising and sales promotion climbed to Rs 1,300 crore from Rs 1,061.08 crore.
United Spirits Q4
For the quarter ended March 2014, the liquor maker reported a net loss of Rs 5,380 crore as against profit of Rs 56 crore in same quarter last year on standalone basis. Total income from operations during the same period rose to Rs 1,943 crore from Rs 1,871 crore.
Standalone EBITDA loss was Rs 896 crore in January-March quarter as against profit of Rs 214 crore in corresponding quarter of last fiscal. Standalone margin was negative 46.1 percent versus positive 11.5 percent during the period.
At 09:46 hours IST, the stock was quoting at Rs 2,413, up 0.58 percent on the BSE after hitting a 52-week low of Rs 2,310.05.
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