Radico Khaitan Limited (RADICO.NS) Q3 FY2026 Earnings Call Transcript & Summary
January 23, 2026
Earnings Call Speaker Segments
Operator
OperatorLadies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the Radico Khaitan Limited Q3 FY '26 Earnings Conference Call hosted by DAM Capital Advisors. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is now being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Sanjay Manyal from DAM Capital Advisors. Thank you, and over to you, sir.
Sanjay Manyal
AttendeesGood afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, wishing everyone a very, very happy new year, and thank you for joining us on Radico Khaitan's Q3 FY '26 Earnings Conference Call. The third quarter represents a defining phase of acceleration for Radico Khaitan where strategic clarity, portfolio depth and execution excellence have translated into tangible outcomes. The Indian spirit sector continues to build strong momentum, led by premiumization and evolving consumer aspirations. We have converted these structural tailwinds into our highest ever quarterly performance with volumes of 9.75 million cases, net revenue of INR 1,547 crores and EBITDA of INR 265 crores. These results reflect the strength and quality of our business model. Our performance was led by our premium and luxury focused portfolio, supported by a benign raw material environment and strong operating leverage. This translated into meaningful margin expansion and a sharp improvement in return ratios, marking a clear inflection point in the sustainability and predictability of our earnings. On the brand front, our recent launches are seeing strong early traction, validating the depth of our consumer insights and disciplined innovation and approach. The launch of Rampur 1943 VIRASAT Indian Single Malt marks a defining milestone in our journey of building world-class luxury Indian spirits. The brand carries forward the soul of Rampur Distillery, an institution with legacy since 1943, where tradition and innovation come together to create whiskeys of depth, warmth and character. Rooted in heritage and craftsmanship and shaped by modern aspiration, it is positioned to set the new benchmarks in the category. Alongside this, our broader premium portfolio continues to scale steadily across key markets, supported by sharper execution and increasing consumer pull. Royal Ranthambore Whisky delivered an outstanding performance with over 50% growth in Q3, driven by strong demand across both civil and CSD channels. Magic Moments Vodka continued its strong growth trajectory with 18% volume growth during quarter 3 and crossed INR 1,050 crores of sales in the 9-month period. This performance was led by the recent flavor innovations. After Dark Whisky continued to deliver strong performance, recording 40% growth year-on-year in the quarter, crossing 2.4 million cases volume in the 9 months. 8PM Premium Black, where we unveiled the new packaging earlier this year has started gaining strong momentum. This brand will also be a key driver of our premium volumes going forward. We are seeing broad-based strength across our premium brands, driven by strategic price positioning and sharper execution. This balanced performance across categories is enhancing brand equity while providing greater stability and consistency to our overall portfolio. The on-trade channel continues to be a strategic priority for us. As consumption increasingly shifts towards experiences and brand-led choices, we are deepening our partnership with key outlets and influencers. Strong brand advocacy in the on-trade is improving visibility, accelerating trials and strengthening long-term consumer franchise across premium segments. I'm also pleased to share that during the quarter, Rampur Indian Single Malt became the only Indian spirits brand to be served on Air India first and business class on international flights. This is a moment of pride for us as an Indian brand carrying Indian craftsmanship, heritage and excellence to global consumers and a strong validation of the growing stature of Indian spirits on the world stage. Looking ahead, our confidence is supported by strong forward visibility, a robust balance sheet, a stable cost environment, improving mix and a pipeline of brands and extensions that align well with evolving consumer preferences. We remain focused on disciplined growth, capital efficiency and building brands that endure with a differentiated portfolio and execution-driven organization and a clear premiumization-led strategy. We are well positioned to sustain momentum and deliver consistent profitable growth in the next quarter and the year ahead. With that, I would now like to hand over the call to our CFO, Dilip Banthiya for a detailed review of our financial and operational performance. Thank you. Over to you, Dilip.
Dilip Banthiya
ExecutivesThank you, Abhishek. Thank you, everyone, for joining us on this call today. Quarter 3 of FY '26 was a strong quarter, encouraging operating performance, translating into higher profitability and improved return ratios. The results reflect the combined impact of premiumization, scale benefits, input cost stability and the simple financial management. During the quarter, we delivered a strong all-round performance with highest ever total IMFL volume of 9.75 million cases, reflecting 16.7% year-on-year growth. Prestige & Above category, excluding the Royalty brand, continued its steady upward trajectory, recording 26% volume growth and 29% value growth with realization improving by 2.8% on a year-on-year basis. Our regular category volume grew by 33% in the quarter. The change in route to the market in Andhra Pradesh was a key driver of this robust supported by agile execution, strengthened brand availability. Our performance in Andhra Pradesh has been encouraging with our market share increasing over 15% in Q3 of last year to 26% in the quarter gone by, making us the leading player in the state. On profitability front, gross margin during the quarter was 46.9%, representing a 350 basis point expansion on a year-on-year basis, 290 basis point expansion on a quarter-on-quarter basis. Gross margin improved on Y-o-Y basis due to improved raw material scenario, coupled with ongoing premiumization. Raw material accounted for 225 basis points of gross margin expansion during the quarter as compared to last year Q3. We remain optimistic that ENA and grain prices will stay stable to favorable in near term, providing continued margin support. Our A&SP investments were at 6.9% of IMFL revenue compared to 5.5% in Q3 of FY '25. While quarterly variation are expected due to the campaign timing, we continue to guide for A&SP spending in the range of 6% to 8% to sustain strong brand visibility and growth. EBITDA margin expanded by 300 basis points on a year-on-year basis to 17.2%. Turning to the balance sheet. Net debt reduced by INR 209 crores since March '25, driven by improved profitability. Our balance sheet remains strong, and we are on track to become debt-free by FY '27. Board of Directors has approved setting up 100% wholly owned subsidiary of the company in Scotland. This is in line with our strategy of investing in our malt capabilities. Radico Khaitan is one of the largest importers of blended malt spirit and this step is towards securing access to the matured malt supply chain for distillation and maturation in a cost-effective manner. Capital allocation continues to be prudent and selective. Our ongoing CapEx are largely directed towards maintenance CapEx and essential capacity optimization. Looking ahead, while we remain mindful of external volatility, the current cost environment, operating leverage benefits and financial discipline, providing comfort on margin sustainability and cash flow generation. Our focus remains on improving profitability, strengthening the balance sheet and enhancing returns. With this, now we open the line for Q&A. Thank you.
Operator
Operator[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of Abneesh Roy from Nuvama.
Abneesh Roy
AnalystsCongrats on a great performance. My first question is on -- apart from Andhra market, where you highlighted market share gains and very strong absolute performance, my question is which are the markets either you have grown faster than the company average, which are the states you have gained market share. So either of these, when you think you have gained market share or clearly, the growth is faster than the company average?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesI think our growth has come from basically everywhere except Maharashtra. But more than that, the major states where we have grown would be Andhra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, MP, Haryana, these would be the markets where we've grown faster.
Abneesh Roy
AnalystsOn 2 specific states which you mentioned, in UP, if you could comment if in the country liquor, is there any increase in competition? And second, in Telangana, some of the other companies have mentioned that in Q3, there was some adverse impact of route to market change. So have you also seen in these 2 markets? Both are different questions. So one in UP, if any competition increase and Telangana, if any route to market is seen?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSo as far as UP, the Country Liquor segment goes, see, there's competition everywhere. But Radico, we have got the highest volume and highest market share as far as the Country Liquor segment goes. And to the second question about Telangana, there was a lottery which was done in the month of December. So October, November, the sales was slow, but December, it was a bumper sale for everyone.
Abneesh Roy
AnalystsEntire quarter, how was it in Telangana?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesEntire quarter would be...
Dilip Banthiya
ExecutivesIt was in high single digit.
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesIt was high single-digit growth, about 5% to 6%, yes.
Abneesh Roy
AnalystsNow last question, we are seeing most of the liquor companies see good expansion in gross margins, which is a good development. But in the past, if we see such good periods of gross margin expansion, have you seen some of the players become a bit more competitive, a bit more focused on market share? I understand ad spend, everyone will see an increase. That's not a problem. But from a pricing perspective, is there a risk that in some markets, some players might become more aggressive?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSee, eventually, we see because we feel alcohol is more of a luxury product, it's more of a brand. So by cutting prices, the brands are not built. So -- and as far as Radico is concerned, we don't chase volumes. So we always prefer to build brands, which always pays off in the longer run. So we are not seeing any kind of such activity.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Harit Kapoor from Investec.
Harit Kapoor
AnalystsCongratulations on excellent results again. So I just had 3 questions. One was on 8PM Black. So this has been a brand that did extremely well for us, and then we saw it slow down a little bit last year. It seems to have kind of picked up in terms of growth again. So if you could just kind of highlight any changes that you made in the brand, in the packaging blend? Is it just increased distribution expansion? And just an outlook for -- do you see increased market share gains in that price point segment now? You also have After Dark there. So just some sense on 8PM Premium Black and its trajectory? That's my first question.
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesHarit, 8PM Premium Black, we have gone for a packaging change. Gradually, we have extended to all the states now. And in fact, last quarter, the brand did extremely well. It grew by 40% and overall, we've been plus this year. And I think now it's back into a growth trajectory. And as far as After Dark goes, it has grown very well. For the quarter, we've grown again at 40% and for the entire year, it's up by 80%. So I think both the brands are on the right trajectory right now.
Harit Kapoor
AnalystsGot it. The second thing was on the Scotland subsidiary. So if you just explain a little bit about how this helps in terms of your procurement and what benefits you get out of this as well as is there any investment required on this now?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSo Harit, as you know that we are the largest importer of the matured malt spirit from Scotland. And as we are working and our focus is the malt-based alcohol and malt-based whisky, so this is a step -- this is the first step in that direction that we want to as we are procuring more and more mature malt spirit. So to actually do start with whether there are various options available, which can be buying of fresh malt, they are maturing it, they are exchanging the malt and if need be then in future, investing in malt. So I think as the period goes by, this is the right direction for the company. And since our uses are increasing every year, we feel fit that we should have an investment into that part of the world.
Harit Kapoor
AnalystsWill be any incremental initial investment required there? Or you're just going to figure this out as time progresses?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSo I think it -- we're actually starting in very small way, but in due course of time, as the value creations happen, we will look at that being 100% subsidiary. And in ODI route, we don't have any issue. But as time will come, we will come out with our listing strategy what we want to do with that.
Harit Kapoor
AnalystsGot it. Got it. And last question was on -- we've seen a host of new initiatives in P&A in the last, say, 6 to 12 months. When we look at the next, say, 12 to 15 months going forward, apart from the D’YAVOL investment and likely outcome of that over the next few months, quarters, whenever that happens, do we see that it's going to be more investment in what we've done so far over the last 6, 12 months because we've done a lot and trying to kind of expand distribution for these new initiatives, focus there? Or you think there is -- at least in the next 12, 15 months, there is more scope for filling white spaces, adding new variants and stuff like that. So my short question is, is it kind of consolidation and distribution expansion for our recent new initiatives is the way to look at kind of P&A over the next 12, 15 months rather than a host of new things, which we have done over the last 6 months?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesHarit, this is a very good question. Like if you see in the last 2 to 3 years, the kind of brands we have launched starting from our latest 2 brands, which are Virasat Indian Single Malt, our Spirit of Kashmy Vodka, then even Kohinoor Rum and Sangam, and the Morpheus Whisky, I think these are very powerful brands. And if I see them 5 years down the line, we will be really, really big brands, hopefully. So I think the time is where Radico with its distribution might, next 2 years, we are going to take it to all India and concentrate on the building part of these brands because these all brands are -- apart from Morpheus, they are in the luxury space and we feel there is a huge potential which we can harness what we did with our Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, which now commands more than 50% of market share in the luxury gin space. So I think what you have rightly said, this is a consolidation apart from the delivery portfolio and we are going to spread and focus on our distribution.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Karan from Choice Institutional Equity.
Karan Kamdar
AnalystsCongrats on a great set of numbers. So I've seen Royal Ranthambore being available here in Gymkhanas as an on-trade kind of exercise. Could you throw some more color on what we are doing as part of increasing our on-trade? And what is the current percentage of on-trade versus off-trade?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesIf you see about 1.5 years back in our con call, we had said that the thing which we have to really work hard is on our on-trade part because now we've got the luxury brand. So in fact, in the last 1.5 years, we have really beefed up our on-trade team. We have recruited from all the institutions, et cetera. We'll be adding close to about 50 to 70 people on the on-trade side and we have addressed each of the bars, clubs and everything because I think that is where the future of these luxury brands are there. And what we are seeing, there is a huge visibility which we have achieved. Like even in the airports, which you see 70%, 80% of the outlets carry our brand now. So I think on-trade, we have worked very hard and we have got great results there.
Karan Kamdar
AnalystsOkay. So any color on where was this...
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesPercentage of on-trade would be about close to 6% to 7% of our total sales.
Karan Kamdar
AnalystsOkay. 6% to 7%. That's great. So what do we plan -- so there were also offers. Do we plan on continuing with offers? And these offers, like Buy One Get One included in our A&P? Or is that above revenue line?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSo it's a part of A&P. So on-trade has many activities. You have DJ nights, you have your loads of activities, then there are Happy Hours , then there's also the visibility part and everything. So it is all a part of the A&P.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Het Raichura from Ananya Research.
Unknown Analyst
AnalystsCongratulations on the set of numbers, sir. I would like to know the update on the Tequila category. So what kind of margins are we looking at and what kind of revenues can be expected in the coming quarters?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesAs you know, tequila is a very -- it's a high-margin business, but the volumes, it will take time because it's a growing category in India. So margin will be quite healthy in that.
Unknown Analyst
AnalystsOkay. Any numbers you would like to put on?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesWe would not like to comment on the margin number for the tequila.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Nilabja Dey from Ashmore Research.
Unknown Analyst
AnalystsFirst of all, congratulations, sir, for a great set of numbers. Sir, there is a news, specifically in the leading newspaper that alcohol companies are facing issues in collections in Telangana and also some operational challenges after this new excise policy. Obviously, the second one is not new in Maharashtra. But Telangana, there is a collection issues and the government is not reducing money. Is there any improvement? Can you just throw some light how the things are panning out?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSee, the collection issue has been going on for the last 2 years. In fact, in the last 1, 2 months, we've got payment out of the old outstanding. And hopefully, the entire old outstanding should be cleared within a month. So I think we are quite hopeful things should improve.
Unknown Analyst
AnalystsOkay. And Maharashtra, sir, what is the -- after this new excise thing, the country liquor is getting traction and the premium ones are getting some issue. So is there any normalization of this stuff?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSee, what has happened in Maharashtra is they have introduced this Maharashtra Made Liquor, MML, which can be catered by only the local companies who have a Maharashtrian as a partner or ownership originally. So what has happened is the MRPs have been raised from the regular range to INR 200 plus for a bottle. So the industry in the Q3 has declined by close to about 20% but the Maharashtra Made Liquor is slowly gaining pace. And I think total market size of Maharashtra will be about 2.4 million cases per month, which is down to about 1.8 million cases and Maharashtra Made Liquor is right now 4 lakh to 5 lakh cases.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Nitin from Emkay.
Nitin Gupta
AnalystsI'd like to continue with the previous participant question. I just wanted to have some clarity around are we sort of what is the stance with respect to the court allowing all the companies can participate in MML. So are we also looking to participate under our JV? That's the first question.
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesActually, in this month only, we are going to launch our MML through our joint venture that is RNV, and we should be in the market in the month of -- this month onwards.
Nitin Gupta
AnalystsOkay. That's heartening to know. Second question pertains to like with respect to the raw material setting. First is around the scotch prices. Are they inflationary, how we are placed with the scotch price for sourcing?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSee, I don't know about inflationary because if you see all the articles, it is saying that there is a sea of scotch which is available in Scotland, there's a glut. So I think we are seeing a price decline, in fact, in the scotch prices. And there is enough of scotch, which is there. So we are seeing softening of prices.
Nitin Gupta
AnalystsSure, this is good. And in terms of -- I just wanted to have some perspective around this banqueting market like where we are wedding parties, corporate events. So how material is this segment for the overall [alcohol] sector? And how we are placed in this segment since we have the full portfolio available with us now?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesAs I told earlier, the same question was asked, this is one of our key focus areas now. And in the last 1.5 years, we have really beefed up our team, and we are addressing this part of the segment since we have our portfolio and we've got substantial gains from it. More is that you have to be seen in these banquets, these parties, et cetera, which create a brand. So I think this is one of the biggest focus areas of Radico right now.
Nitin Gupta
AnalystsAnd how material would be the contribution for the industry?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSee. I won't say the contribution -- as I said, on-trade combining these banquets, et cetera, would be in the range of about 7% to 8%. So more than the volumes, it's more the imagery and more of being visible or being seen at these spaces and sampling.
Nitin Gupta
AnalystsOkay. This is good. And my last question pertains to this luxury portfolio. So would you be able to quantify what is the salience of revenue for the 9 months?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSee, for the full year last year, we were INR 340 crores and this year, we should be close to about INR 500 crores in revenue terms.
Operator
Operator[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Abhijeet Kundu from Antique Stockbroking.
Abhijeet Kundu
AnalystsCongratulations, sir, on a very strong set of numbers. My first question was on Andhra. You have done really well. I mean, you outperformed, increased your market share sequentially and which, I believe, has been driven by brandy. So getting into the next year, how do you see the overall scenario there? Because the market share gains have been very consistent and have been going up. But how do you see that market growing for you, in the sense that -- because sustaining that kind of growth on this kind of base would be challenging? How do you see that?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesYes. Andhra has been a very good market for us as of now. And what we are seeing is that the luxury -- the premium side of the portfolio has started now increasing in the last 2, 3 months, which we feel that should gain traction, which should be very good for Radico. And as far as the brand goes where we have a lion's share at the regular segment, I think going forward, we'll be happy if we can maintain our market share and participate how the industry shows there.
Abhijeet Kundu
AnalystsOkay. And in case of your debt levels, those have been coming down consistently. Over what period do you plan to, I mean, repay majority of that?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesYou see our debt is hardly anything which is left now. So that is least of our concern. But I think the kind of cash flow the company is growing, by next year FY '27, we have this...
Abhijeet Kundu
AnalystsGreat. And third question is, you have now created a subsidiary in Scotland. So I mean, acquisition of Scottish breweries or distilleries, all of that would be a part of this, right? Because there are a lot of Scottish breweries or distilleries there, which are -- which could be on the block. So obviously, that -- those would be your target?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesYes. As Dilip was saying that we are the largest buyers of scotch and our premium portfolio is growing, the need of the scotch is going to go up. And also we are seeing a decrease in the prices of scotch because there is oversupply, a lot of the things are getting closed. So that's why we created a subsidiary so that we'll be evaluating, but we are not in a hurry or we are not like doing that, but we have taken an enabling thing by making company, whether be it mature malt out there, we buy directly or if there is something which is available at a very, very good price, which has inventory of scotch, not brands. So we can look at it. But as of now, nothing is on the cards.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Naveen Trivedi from Motilal Oswal.
Naveen Trivedi
AnalystsCongrats on very strong numbers. Sir, just a couple of things from my side. In terms of the P&A volume growth, if I look at it, there has been consistent kind of strong [indiscernible] despite we have seen other players have not kind of seen this sort of a growth rate. Any color about the market where we've seen ahead of what we kind of reporting the numbers to get a sense about which of the markets we are kind of gaining share? So that's on the first question. And the second question is on the margin side.
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesYes. To answer your first question, already, we've answered. The same question was asked where we said that we've seen market share increases compared to competition in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, MP, Haryana, Telangana, all these states. Naveen, what is your next question?
Naveen Trivedi
AnalystsSir, my next question was on the margin side. So this quarter, we have seen both gross margin and EBITDA margin has seen plus 300 sort of kind of expansion. So what is the outlook on the gross margin side and the EBITDA margin side for next year? And also in terms of margins, how mix is playing the role and how much RM cost is being supported this quarter, sir, if you have any breakup?
Dilip Banthiya
ExecutivesSo the gross margin in this quarter has improved by 150 basis points. It is largely on the back of the softer raw material scenario where we have had an improvement in margin of around 225 basis points. And the product premium margin product mix has been 125 basis point margin improvement. As far as the EBITDA margin is concerned, again, 100 to 110 where there is an operating leverage and other things is also playing a key role now. 100 to 125 basis points is on account of that and 200 basis points is roughly on account of the raw material improvement. On a sequential basis, however, the product premiumization has played a key role. And there also, the margin has improved by more than 250 basis points. The 200 basis points is on account of the product premiumization and 50, 60 basis points is on account of the raw material softening.
Naveen Trivedi
AnalystsSir, any comments on the outlook side?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesScenario of raw material, we see the scenario of raw material to be stable to benign to stable. And I think the upward trajectory, as we guided earlier also that in the next 2 years, we are going to improve our margin on the basis of our product profile and premiumization happening by 125 basis each for the next 2 years, thereby to go to mid-teen kind of margin.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Jasdeep from Clockvine Capital.
Jasdeep Walia
AnalystsSir, what have been the trends on the export front in 9 months? What is exports as a percentage of sales? And by how much has it grown over the last 9 months?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesWell, in terms of as a percentage of the overall business, the volume is about -- it's 6% and the -- on revenue is about 10% and we've been having a steady growth in our Export business both in terms of the luxury portfolio as well as the regular portfolio. We're also focusing a lot on the global travel retail, and that's a key market expansion or channel expansion that we foresee in the coming years.
Jasdeep Walia
AnalystsGot it. And sir, what has been the growth in revenues in the last 9 months in exports?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesIt's been consistent. So we are happy with that.
Jasdeep Walia
AnalystsGot it, sir. And what's the composition of exports in terms of the contribution of P&A to the overall export revenue?
Dilip Banthiya
ExecutivesSo we give at composite. Composite which is 7.5% by value and 5% by volume.
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesAnd P&A would be about 80% of the portfolio would be P&A in export.
Jasdeep Walia
Analysts80% of portfolio is P&A. Got it.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Nitin Awasthi from InCred Research.
Nitin Awasthi
AnalystsA broader question from my side. About a decade ago, if we would sit down with any liquor company, which would have aspiration and ask about the end goal asset acquisitions. At the end, finally, you would end up with a distillery in Scotland being a must for any company in India and Indian company to do well. However, over a period of time, we saw Japanese whiskeys doing very well with Japanese malts and of course, Indian malts itself doing very well. Then it seemed like that the Scottish distillation and malt unit was no more required for Indian brands or Indian companies to succeed. Is there a misread in this assumption of mine? Or is that a very, very big requirement still even after the success of Indian malts?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesThis is an interesting question. Like earlier, if you would say that the wines -- if you talk about wines, it would be only France. But now you see wines coming from all the regions across the globe. In fact, new age wines are somewhere much better than maybe the old age wines. So same thing like even the malts if you see, earlier it was the Scottish malts. And now the Japanese malts are more expensive than the Scottish malts. In fact, Indian malts are becoming more expensive than even the Scottish malls as of now. So I think the trend is changing. And more importantly is people across the globe, people in India want a different taste and a different experience. And malt has its unique character where every country has a different kind of pellet to the malt. So I think it's now kind of a global phenomenon and you no longer have to be in Scotland to have the right malt.
Nitin Awasthi
AnalystsUnderstood, sir. Would this be -- and thanks to this phenomena that has taken place in the last decade in Japan and India, would probably be the reason for the supply of the [indiscernible] being there and increasing in Scotland, having the pressure on the prices of the said malts because they had naming rights, right, on their malt. They were the only guys who could call it scotch, nobody else could. Everything else was still called malt. But since because of that reason, you would be the reason of the price correction that these guys would have seen. So the current move, if any, should be seen as a opportunistic move rather than the play of Scottish malt still being the premium brand to go to. Is that understanding correct?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSee, it's a yes and a no. To some extent, 100% what you're saying is right, the malts from India, malts from Japanese, Japanese malts, even Taiwan, a lot of countries have got their own malts, but Japanese and Indian malts have really done well. And second is there is a slowdown in U.S. and Europe, which has added further pain to the -- and China, which has further added pain to the scotch industry. So I think it's a combination of all the activities where it's a great opportunity because for the existing brands when you are using X kind of malt, we [indiscernible].
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Anurag Jain , an individual investor.
Unknown Attendee
AttendeesCongratulations on an excellent set of numbers. My question is till now Radico has developed all the brands in-house across different categories within the Spirits segment. For tequila, you have taken a markedly different approach in terms of how to tap the market. So what are the reasons driving the same, if you could throw some light on that?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSo first of all, Radico has created all the brands organically. So even in tequila, it will be our brand, which will be created organically bottled in Mexico. So I think in Radico, we are following the same policy because we know the art of creating brands and we always prefer to build versus buy. So I think we are following the same thing in the tequila also.
Unknown Attendee
AttendeesOkay. As per the press release, it shows that Radico will be holding a 47.5% stake. So is there some other arrangement for the brand ownership or that would be also 47.5% only currently?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesThis is a joint venture between Radico Khaitan 47.5%. 47.5% is Shah Rukh and his associates and 5% is Nikhil Kamath.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Abhijeet from Antique Stockbroking.
Abhijeet Kundu
AnalystsMy question was on Morpheus Whisky. I believe it is now available across 8 states. And so which are the -- so how has been the initial response to it? And to follow it up, you would be also registering it with the CSD at some point in time. When do you see that? I mean, what are the plans with that?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSo as far as Morpheus goes, it is right now at the seeding stage and the initial response what we are getting is quite positive. We have priced it higher than the leading brands. So it's a higher price point, which Radico has always done with all its brands. So I think the response what we are getting from the market is encouraging. It will take time because as we said, we do not chase volumes. We let the brand grow on its own. And we feel that it has a good potential. And as far as the CSD goes, it's still a long way off to get into CSD because they e have lot of criterias about the number of years. It has to be in the civil market cases, then it takes 1 year to come in. So I think there's still a lot of time left for it to enter the CSD.
Operator
OperatorThe next question is from the line of Ajay Thakur from Anand Rathi Securities.
Ajay Thakur
AnalystsI had 2 questions. One was, I wanted to understand what...
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesCan you speak a little louder?
Operator
OperatorMr. Thakur, can you please speak little louder?
Ajay Thakur
AnalystsYes. I had 2 questions. First was, I wanted to understand more on the contribution that we have from the -- or the contribution kind of run rate that we have from the Super Premium and the Luxury segment. I remember the last time, a few quarters back, you had indicated that the run rate was roughly about INR 400 crores to INR 500 crores on an annual basis for the Super Premium and the Luxury brands. What it would be now, if you can share some details around the same?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesSee, we've already told in our calls that we expect it to be close to INR 500 crores for the coming year, which last year was INR 330 crores.
Ajay Thakur
AnalystsOkay. And the second part, I wanted to understand a bit more on the -- what would be the policy for the cash we would be generating post the debt repayment? How would we be utilizing this cash? And how would we be in terms of distribution of this cash as well? If you can share some insights into that as well?
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesI think depending on the Board's decision, but I think mostly it will be used for dividend payout.
Operator
OperatorLadies and gentlemen, that was the last question for today. I now hand the conference over to the management for closing comments. Over to you, sir.
Abhishek Khaitan
ExecutivesIn the closing, we want to say that this quarter underscore the strength and momentum of Radico Khaitan business model, record operating performance, expanding margins, improving returns and strong cash generation highlights the quality and durability of our growth. With the differentiated portfolio and disciplined financial execution and robust balance sheet, we are well positioned to sustain this momentum and continue to deliver consistent profitable growth. We remain highly confident in the road ahead and committed to creating long-term value for our shareholders. Thank you for joining us this call today. Look forward to connect with you next quarter. Thank you.
Operator
OperatorThank you. On behalf of DAM Capital Advisors, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines. Thank you.
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