Release Date: January 30, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Chalet Hotels Ltd (BOM:542399, Financial) reported its best-ever quarter with consolidated revenue growing 22% year on year to INR4.6 billion.
- The company achieved a strong EBITDA margin of 45.5%, with consolidated EBITDA rising 22% year on year to INR2.1 billion.
- The hospitality segment saw an 18% increase in average room rates and a 16% increase in RevPAR, with steady occupancy at 70%.
- The annuity portfolio revenue surged 92% year on year to INR577 million, with significant leasing momentum of an additional 400,000 square feet.
- Chalet Hotels Ltd (BOM:542399) earned the Great Place to Work certification for the sixth consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to a culture of excellence.
Negative Points
- The company experienced delays in the completion timeline for The Dukes Retreat and renovations at Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai.
- Despite strong performance, the MMR market RevPAR growth was only 6-7%, lower than peers who reported 12-14% growth.
- The company's net debt stood at INR15.8 billion as of December 31, with a planned capital expenditure of INR20 billion over the next three years.
- The finance cost increased to INR45 crore in Q3, up from INR30 crore in the previous quarters, due to interest post-OC being charged to P&L.
- The company faces potential competition from new hotel supply, such as the upcoming Fairmont Hotel in Mumbai, which could impact market dynamics.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Could you explain the reasons behind the lower RevPAR growth in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region compared to peers, and the expected impact of the upcoming Fairmont Hotel?
A: Sanjay Sethi, CEO, explained that the RevPAR growth of 6-7% in MMR was driven by an ADR strategy, letting go of low-paying business for long-term benefits. The Fairmont Hotel's opening is expected to bring competition, but Chalet Hotels is confident in maintaining its premium position due to its partnership with Marriott and strong distribution and loyalty programs.
Q: Are there any signs of recovery in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs), and how does this impact ARR growth?
A: Sanjay Sethi noted an expected growth in foreign travel, supported by the upcoming airport expansion in Mumbai. This will create more capacity and opportunities for international flights, potentially boosting foreign arrivals. Although the percentage of foreign guests remained flat, absolute numbers increased by 5% year-on-year.
Q: Can you provide more details on the Kerala project, including CapEx, timelines, and demand expectations?
A: Sanjay Sethi stated that the Kerala project is progressing with government support. The first phase will include 150 rooms and a convention center, with potential expansion based on demand. The project aims to create in-house demand through the convention center, with a focus on leisure and some corporate demand.
Q: What is the reason for the increase in finance costs in Q3, despite previous debt repayment?
A: Nitin Khanna, CFO, explained that the increase in finance costs is due to the capitalization of the Powai commercial building, with interest now being charged to the P&L post-OC. The net debt remains at INR 1,580 crore, and future growth will be supported largely through internal accruals.
Q: How has the Bangalore market achieved a 30% ARR growth, and is this sustainable?
A: Sanjay Sethi attributed the growth to natural market dynamics, with Bangalore catching up to Hyderabad. The addition of 129 rooms will increase capacity, and the company expects continued RevPAR growth as these rooms stabilize.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
