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Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA (CCU)
NYSE:CCU

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA (CCU) AI Stock Analysis

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CCU

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA

(NYSE:CCU)

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Neutral 53 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:53Neutral
Price Target:
$13.50
▲(6.72% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:02/27/26
The score is held back mainly by weakening recent financial results (lower revenue/earnings and a sharp free-cash-flow decline) and soft technical momentum (negative MACD and sub-50 RSI). Offsetting factors include reasonable valuation with a moderate dividend and a mixed-but-constructive 2026 outlook focused on margin improvement, though significant risks remain from Argentina and the Wine segment.
Positive Factors
Chile segment recovery & margin expansion
CCU's core Chile business delivered mid-single-digit EBITDA growth and margin expansion in 2025, driven by recovered volumes and price mix. A stronger domestic engine provides stable cash generation and earnings resilience that can support group performance even if other segments lag.
Innovation-led RTD and water growth
Sustained double-digit growth in RTD, flavored low-alcohol and enhanced water drives higher-margin categories and portfolio diversification. These structural shifts capture consumer trends, improve revenue mix, and offer durable margin upside versus legacy beer volumes over the next several quarters.
Regional scale & distribution partnerships
Broader regional footprint and new distribution agreements expand route-to-market scale, lower unit distribution costs, and enable cross-category sales. These structural advantages support volume growth and operating leverage across markets, improving long-term revenue stability.
Negative Factors
Argentina-driven international weakness
Heavy exposure to Argentina creates a persistent earnings volatility source: pricing below inflation, translation effects and soft demand drove a large EBITDA drop. This structural market weakness can continue to drag consolidated profitability until pricing and demand normalize.
Wine segment deterioration
The wine business has seen steep declines in volumes, prices and margins, driven by weaker exports and adverse mix. Wine is capital and inventory intensive; prolonged underperformance pressures consolidated margins and cash conversion and limits redeployable capital.
Weaker cash generation & meaningful leverage
Material FCF contraction and less-consistent OCF reduce financial flexibility. Combined with an elevated debt load historically (~0.9x debt/equity and management targeting net debt/EBITDA ≈2x), weaker cash conversion limits investment optionality and raises rating and liquidity risk if earnings stay pressured.

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA (CCU) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCompania Cervecerias Unidas SA (CCU) is a leading beverage company based in Chile, primarily engaged in the production and distribution of a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The company operates in various sectors, including brewing, soft drinks, and bottled water. CCU's core products include beer, sparkling water, and fruit beverages, with a portfolio that features both proprietary brands and licensed products. The company has a strong presence in Chile and has expanded its operations into other Latin American markets.
How the Company Makes MoneyCCU generates revenue primarily through the sale of its diverse beverage offerings. The company's key revenue streams include the sale of beer, which is one of its largest segments, as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and bottled water. CCU also benefits from partnerships with international brands, allowing it to produce and distribute licensed products, which contributes to its earnings. Additionally, the company leverages its extensive distribution network to reach a wide customer base across various retail channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants, thereby enhancing its market penetration and revenue potential.

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 24, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 13, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call reflected a mixed picture: CCU's core Chile business showed clear improvements—recovering volume growth, mid-single-digit EBITDA gains, margin expansion and strong innovation-led growth in RTD and water categories. However, these positives were materially offset by severe underperformance in the International Business (notably Argentina) and the Wine segment, which drove significant quarterly and yearly declines in consolidated EBITDA and net income. Management emphasized operational actions (revenue management, efficiency, high-margin innovation) and some input-cost tailwinds from FX, but notable near-term headwinds remain.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Chile Operating Segment Performance (Full Year)
Chile operating segment delivered robust results in 2025: EBITDA grew 7.8% year-on-year and EBITDA margin expanded by 48 basis points. Consolidated organic volumes growth was fully driven by Chile, with the country recovering volume growth after three years of contraction.
Consolidated Volume Expansion (Full Year)
Consolidated volumes reached 36.2 million hectoliters in 2025, expanding 7.3% versus 2024. Organic volumes increased 0.6% year-over-year.
Quarterly Chile Top-Line and Profitability Strength (Q4 2025)
In Q4 2025 Chile top line rose 5.5% (volumes +4.1%, average prices +1.3%). Gross profit increased 9.1% and EBITDA in the quarter expanded 6.0% despite higher MSD&A expenses.
High Growth in Low-Alcohol / RTD and Water Categories
Low-alcohol ready-to-drink (RTD) and flavored products showed strong growth: RTD products grew over 20% (now ~7% of Chile mix) and flavored/low-alcohol spirits grew ~25%. Enhanced and functional water products posted double-digit growth in Chile.
Regional Footprint and Scale Gains
CCU strengthened its regional presence by integrating PepsiCo's beverage and snacks distribution in Paraguay and growing joint-venture volumes in Colombia to 2.4 million hectoliters (+6.1% in 2025).
Operational & Sustainability Milestones
Company advanced its 2025-2027 strategic plan (Profitability, Growth, Sustainability), reduced industrial water consumption, received Top Employer certifications in Chile and Argentina, and earned recognition for corporate governance practices.
Potential Input Cost Tailwinds from FX
Management highlighted a favorable impact from the appreciation of the Chilean peso on U.S. dollar-linked costs, which could support margin expansion in 2026 if sustained.
Negative Updates
Consolidated Profit Declines (Full Year)
Consolidated EBITDA decreased 2.9% in 2025 when isolating a 2024 nonrecurring land-sale gain; net income fell 16.3% year-on-year.
Sharp Quarter Declines in Consolidated Profitability (Q4 2025)
In Q4 2025 consolidated EBITDA contracted 17.2% and net income declined 25.7%, reflecting weak performance outside the core Chile segment.
Severe International Business Weakness (Argentina Impact)
The International Business operating segment suffered major declines: a 29.5% EBITDA contraction for the year and a 44.5% EBITDA drop in Q4. Net sales in the segment fell ~36.3%, driven by lower average prices (translation effects) and a volume contraction (Argentina beer down high-single digits).
Wine Segment Underperformance
The Wine operating segment experienced steep weakness: EBITDA declined 14.9% year-on-year and 45.2% in Q4. Wine top line contracted 16.8% (volumes -9.7%, average prices -7.9%), hit by weaker exports, negative mix and higher wine costs.
Argentina Pricing and Demand Headwinds
Argentina faced a particularly challenging 2025 with pricing below inflation and a soft alcoholic industry. Beer prices were below inflation for the year (after being above inflation in prior years), pressuring margins and profitability.
Rising Specific Input Costs and Higher SG&A
Management flagged persistent cost pressures in aluminum and higher PET recycling costs. In Q4 Chile MSD&A (SG&A & distribution) rose ~10.1%, driven by higher distribution and marketing spending, which weighed on margins.
Credit / Leverage Considerations
Management aims to keep net financial debt/EBITDA around current levels (about 2x) to preserve ratings; S&P maintains a negative outlook on the company, indicating continued scrutiny of leverage and performance.
Company Guidance
CCU guided that for 2026 it will seek to grow prices in line with inflation, pursue revenue‑management and high‑margin innovation to expand EBITDA and margins (management expects a positive EBITDA/margin impact in 2026), and expects favorable input‑cost dynamics from an appreciated Chilean peso (each 1% CLP appreciation ≈ CLP 4,000 million benefit) partially offset by higher aluminum and PET recycling costs; operationally, management sees beer stabilizing around 0–1% growth while non‑alcoholic and low‑alcohol RTD products should continue double‑digit growth (RTD >20%, low‑alcohol spirits ≈25%), with low‑alcohol RTD already ~7% of Chile mix and CCU holding >80% share in flavored low‑alcohol, plans CapEx roughly in line with depreciation, aims to keep net debt/EBITDA at ≈2 or below to protect its rating, and expects marketing spend to normalize after a temporary Q4 increase—context: CCU closed 2025 with consolidated volumes of 36.2 million hl (+7.3% YoY; organic +0.6%), Chile volumes +1.1% (recovery), Chile FY EBITDA +7.8% and +48 bps margin, while consolidated EBITDA excluding a 2024 land sale fell 2.9% (Q4 consolidated EBITDA -17.2%, Q4 net income -25.7%).

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Profitability and cash generation weakened in the latest year: revenue fell in 2025 and net income declined versus 2024, while operating cash flow and free cash flow contracted materially. Leverage is manageable but still meaningful, which reduces flexibility if earnings remain pressured.
Income Statement
56
Neutral
Profitability remains positive but has weakened. Revenue fell in 2025 (down 8.5%) after growth in 2024, and net income declined meaningfully versus 2024 (111.4B vs. 160.9B). Operating profit also stepped down from 2024, suggesting pressure on the earnings base despite still-solid scale.
Balance Sheet
58
Neutral
Leverage looks manageable but elevated for a consumer staple. Total debt is high relative to equity (about 0.93x in 2024), though it improved from 2023 (~1.09x) and equity has grown over time. Total assets dipped in 2025 versus 2024, and the balance sheet carries meaningful debt load that can limit flexibility if earnings stay under pressure.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash generation is positive but less consistent and recently weaker. Operating cash flow declined in 2025 (227.3B vs. 287.5B in 2024) and free cash flow fell sharply (down 38.5% in 2025). While free cash flow has been positive lately, the history includes a large negative free cash flow year in 2022, indicating potential volatility in cash conversion and/or investment needs.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.77T2.90T2.57T2.71T2.48T
Gross Profit1.23T1.31T1.19T1.20T1.19T
EBITDA350.84B262.70B344.05B211.68B454.00B
Net Income111.40B160.94B105.65B118.17B199.16B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.76T3.99T3.42T3.60T2.85T
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments530.62B707.95B621.47B609.04B279.58B
Total Debt1.33T1.41T1.33T1.37T573.65B
Total Liabilities2.14T2.32T2.09T2.16T1.42T
Stockholders Equity1.48T1.53T1.22T1.32T1.31T
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow91.92B127.43B164.65B-157.67B121.50B
Operating Cash Flow227.31B287.52B294.10B45.94B293.36B
Investing Cash Flow-156.23B-118.29B-137.23B-236.46B-178.99B
Financing Cash Flow-196.43B-125.04B-118.04B537.10B-233.64B

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price12.65
Price Trends
50DMA
13.89
Negative
100DMA
13.25
Positive
200DMA
12.90
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.08
Positive
RSI
38.30
Neutral
STOCH
22.99
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CCU, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 12.65 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 14.37, below the 50-day MA of 13.89, and below the 200-day MA of 12.90, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.08 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 38.30 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 22.99 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CCU.

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA Risk Analysis

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA reported the most risks in the "Macro & Political" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$49.96B17.7817.42%8.22%-0.68%4.29%
68
Neutral
$161.34B23.428.29%1.83%-2.06%21.03%
68
Neutral
$2.37B23.2712.31%-1.13%24.34%
65
Neutral
$22.59B22.855.48%4.33%1.44%-38.87%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
54
Neutral
$9.71B-4.51-18.35%4.08%-4.01%-339.22%
53
Neutral
$2.49B20.009.07%2.53%16.59%1.72%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CCU
Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA
13.34
-0.38
-2.76%
BUD
Anheuser-Busch Inbev Sa
80.95
21.99
37.30%
SAM
Boston Beer
226.78
-16.99
-6.97%
FMX
Fomento Economico Mexicano
112.32
24.71
28.21%
TAP
Molson Coors
48.99
-10.55
-17.72%
ABEV
Ambev SA
3.16
1.25
65.62%

Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA Corporate Events

CCU Publishes 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements, Showing Lower Asset Base Versus 2024
Feb 27, 2026

Compañía Cervecerías Unidas S.A. and its subsidiaries have released their consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, prepared in thousands of Chilean pesos. The report details the group’s assets, liabilities, equity and accounting policies, offering investors and analysts an updated view of CCU’s financial position at the close of 2025, including shifts in cash, receivables, inventories and long-term assets compared with 2024.

The 2025 statements show total assets of Ch$3.65 trillion, down from Ch$3.99 trillion a year earlier, reflecting lower cash and cash equivalents, inventories and certain non-current assets. These disclosures provide transparency on CCU’s capital structure, risk management and segment information, and will inform stakeholders’ assessment of the company’s financial strength, investment needs and strategic flexibility in the regional beverage market.

The most recent analyst rating on (CCU) stock is a Hold with a $13.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA stock, see the CCU Stock Forecast page.

CCU Reports Weaker 4Q25 Earnings as Argentina and Wine Weigh on Otherwise Solid Chile Performance
Feb 25, 2026

On February 24, 2026, CCU reported its consolidated results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, showing modest volume growth but weaker financial performance versus 2024. For 4Q25, consolidated volumes rose 0.6%, net sales fell 11.8%, gross profit declined 15.2%, EBITDA dropped 17.2% to CLP 151,201 million and net income contracted 25.7% to CLP 55,096 million, with earnings per share at CLP 149.1.

For full-year 2025, excluding a non-recurring land sale gain booked in 2024, EBITDA declined 2.9% to CLP 376,208 million and net income fell 16.3% to CLP 117,152 million, despite total volumes growing 7.3% to 36.2 million hectoliters and flat reported net sales. Performance was robust in Chile, where EBITDA grew 7.8% and margins improved, but was offset by a 29.5% EBITDA contraction in the International Business segment and a 14.9% drop in Wine amid a particularly difficult environment in Argentina and softer wine markets.

Management highlighted that, excluding Argentina, consolidated EBITDA would have grown mid-single digit for 2025 and low-single digit in 4Q25, underscoring Argentina’s drag on group results. The Chile segment returned to volume growth after three years of contraction, driven by non-alcoholic categories and high-margin innovations, while CCU also advanced its 2025–2027 strategic plan by integrating PepsiCo’s beverage and snacks distribution in Paraguay, expanding its water and beer scale regionally, and progressing on sustainability and human capital milestones.

The most recent analyst rating on (CCU) stock is a Sell with a $14.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA stock, see the CCU Stock Forecast page.

CCU Announces Leadership Transition as Chairman Francisco Pérez Mackenna Resigns
Jan 21, 2026

On January 21, 2026, Compañía Cervecerías Unidas S.A. announced that long-serving chairman and director Francisco Pérez Mackenna resigned his positions effective January 31, 2026, with the board formally accepting his resignation and acknowledging his contributions. The board appointed Macario Valdés Raczynski as a replacement director effective February 1, 2026, pending a full board renewal at the next ordinary shareholders’ meeting, and named Pablo Granifo Lavín as the new chairman to assume leadership once Pérez’s resignation takes effect, signaling a planned transition at the top of CCU’s governance structure that could shape the company’s strategic direction across its regional beverage operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (CCU) stock is a Sell with a $11.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA stock, see the CCU Stock Forecast page.

CCU Approves New Governance Policy for Subsidiary Directors
Dec 4, 2025

On December 3, 2025, the Board of Directors of Compañía Cervecerías Unidas S.A. (CCU) acknowledged the approval of a new General Policy for the Election of Directors in Subsidiary Companies by its parent company, Inversiones y Rentas S.A. This policy, set to take effect on December 11, 2025, aligns with Chilean corporate law and regulatory guidelines. The policy aims to enhance governance practices and will be accessible to shareholders and interested parties through CCU’s corporate offices and website. This development is expected to strengthen CCU’s governance framework and potentially impact its operational efficiency and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (CCU) stock is a Sell with a $11.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA stock, see the CCU Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026