EIH Limited (EIHOTEL)

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Summary from August 2024

EIH Limited Investor Call Summary (August 2024)

Communication Update • Issued on August 9, 2024, regarding an investor call on August 7, 2024. • Updated link to video and transcript available on the company's website. • Unaudited financial results for Q2 FY24 approved by the Board on August 6, 2024.

Q1 FY25 Earnings Webinar HighlightsParticipants: Mr. Vikram Oberoi (MD & CEO), Mr. Kallol Kundu (CFO). • Market Outlook: Positive hotel sector driven by inbound tourism, weddings, and MICE events. • Financial Performance: • Standalone revenues increased to 498 crore. • Slight declines in EBITDA and PAT due to stable rates and rising expenses. • Strong cash position of 818 crores. • Future Projects: Ongoing projects in Bangalore and renovations at Oberoi Grand.

Business Recovery and ChallengesJuly Performance: Over 20% growth reported. • EBITDA Margin Decline: Attributed to increased employee costs and ongoing renovations. • Management Focus: Strong relationships with government partners and learning from past experiences.

Regional Performance InsightsBombay: 6% decline in RevPAR; optimism due to new residential suites at Oberoi Mumbai. • Occupancy Rates: Currently around 80%. • Future Demand: Strong outlook for winter months; confidence in increasing room rates.

Growth StrategyExpansion Plans: Aim to add 50 properties in India by 2030, exploring international opportunities. • Balanced Approach: Focus on both owned and managed properties.

Renovation and Capital ExpenditureOberoi Grand Renovation: Emphasis on preserving heritage while modernizing. • Hebbal Project: Fully funded by EIH; includes commercial office space and retail.

Financial Estimates and Performance MetricsCurrent Fiscal Year: No specific estimates provided due to challenging first quarter. • Revenue Growth: 10% increase noted by CFO despite tough conditions. • Average Room Rates: Potential for increases, especially in leisure hotels.

Operational InsightsProfitability: New property in Marrakech performing well; restructuring needed in international operations. • Airport Lounge: Significant contribution to gross operating profit.

Future Communication and Project AnnouncementsProject Finalization: Announcements will occur only once projects are fully finalized. • Vision 2030: Goal to double room capacity; need for clarity on growth plans.

ConclusionOptimism: Positive sentiment regarding performance and growth prospects. • Recognition: Appreciation for the team at Oberoi Rajvilas, noted as the best hotel in the world.

Summary from June 2024

EIH Limited Q4 FY24 and FY24 Earnings Webinar Summary

Overview of the Webinar • Date: June 6, 2024 • Key Presenters: Mr. Vikram Oberoi (MD & CEO), Mr. Kallol Kundu (CFO) • Focus: Financial results for Q4 FY24 and fiscal year ending March 31, 2024

Hospitality Sector Outlook • Positive outlook driven by: • Domestic tourism • Corporate travel • MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) • RevPAR growth: • 11% for owned hotels • 15% for all domestic hotels • Key markets: • Significant recovery in Mumbai and New Delhi • Leisure destinations outperforming urban areas • Challenges in international markets, particularly Egypt

Financial Performance • Q4 FY24 Results: • Standalone revenue: Rs. 692 crore • Profit After Tax (PAT): Rs. 159 crore (after Rs. 60 crore exceptional items) • Consolidated PAT: Rs. 248 crore • FY24 Results: • Consolidated EBITDA: Over Rs. 1,000 crore • PAT nearly doubled to Rs. 678 crore • Cash position: Rs. 744 crore for future expansion • Plans to open two hotels in FY25 with projects in Tirupati, Vizag, and Goa

Expansion Strategy and Partnerships • Discussion on hotel expansion and partnerships • Concerns raised about standalone growth and profit leakage • Management emphasized overall growth strategy • Ongoing legal matters regarding Wildflower hotel mentioned

Renovation and Revenue Growth • Renovations at Oberoi Mumbai nearing completion • Positive feedback received; revenue impact expected in future quarters • RevPAR growth in Mumbai: 6% increase year-over-year

Airline Business and Catering • Optimism about airline business growth due to strong Indian economy • No plans for international expansion of flight catering • Management contract fees for the last financial year: approximately Rs. 70 crore

Competitive Position and Market Insights • Strong RevPAR growth at Amarvilas hotel in Agra • High service quality compared to competitors like Four Seasons • Capital expenditures clarified, with Goa CapEx at Rs. 4.7 crore per room

Revenue Management and Guest Experience • Importance of revenue management and guest experience emphasized • Anticipated growth in upper upscale and luxury segments • Management fees from managed hotels contribute fully to EBITDA

Currency Exposure and Food & Beverage Revenue • Exposure to currency fluctuations discussed, particularly with the Egyptian Pound • Food & Beverages revenue approximately 45% of overall revenue

Conclusion • Closing remarks from CEO Vikram Oberoi and CFO Kallol Kundu • Expression of gratitude to participants and anticipation for future calls

Summary from February 2024

EIH Limited Q3 FY24 Earnings Call Summary

Investor Call Overview • Date: February 7, 2024 • Focus: Unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ending December 31, 2023 • Compliance: SEBI regulations, addressed to National Stock Exchange of India and BSE Limited

Key Highlights from ManagementMr. Vikram Oberoi, MD & CEO: • Strong quarterly results with increased average room rates and occupancy. • Acknowledged hotel staff efforts in enhancing guest experiences. • Announced development of three new hotels, aiming for 15 new hotels by 2030.

Mr. Kallol Kundu, CFO: • Insights from a Horwath report indicating robust growth in the Indian hotel sector. • EIH's RevPAR growth outperforms industry averages, especially in metro cities. • Domestic performance remains strong despite international challenges.

Financial Performance • Overall occupancy rate: 79% (up from 77% YoY) • Average room rate (ARR): Approximately ₹20,000 (up from ₹16,700) • Significant RevPAR growth in Agra (39% increase). • Strong margins in Flight Catering and Airport Lounge segments (~35%). • Financials: EBITDA of ₹309 crores, revenues of ₹680 crores, PAT of ₹187 crores. • Consolidated funds position improved to ₹684 crores.

Future Growth Plans • Plans to add 50 hotels and 4,500 rooms by FY30, focusing on leisure destinations. • Emphasis on location for city hotels and potential for higher margins in leisure segment.

Management Discussion • Addressed occupancy rates and seasonality in leisure hotels. • Future hotel developments discussed, including a vacant land in Gurugram. • Employee costs attributed to work-life balance initiatives. • Investments in repairs, maintenance, and marketing highlighted.

Market Dynamics • Discussion on pricing power and average room rates in India. • Indian hotels considered underpriced compared to international standards. • Potential for rate increases as disposable incomes rise.

Closing Remarks • Gratitude expressed to participants for their engagement. • Unanswered questions to be addressed via email. • Anticipation for future discussions on full-year results.

Summary from November 2023

EIH Limited Q2 FY24 Earnings Webinar Summary

Investor Call Overview • Date: November 6, 2023 • Focus: Unaudited financial results for the quarter and six months ending September 30, 2023 • Compliance: SEBI regulations, addressed to National Stock Exchange of India and BSE Limited

Company Performance HighlightsStrong Results: Record performance for both the quarter and half-year • Travel Resurgence: Optimism about growth in foreign travel, though not yet at pre-pandemic levels • Economic Context: Challenges from rising interest rates and inflation, but positive outlook for the Indian economy and hospitality sector

Operational TrendsRevPAR Growth: EIH's RevPAR growth exceeded industry average, particularly in luxury segment (23% increase) • Room Revenue Recovery: Overall hotel room revenues recovering, with luxury and upper upscale categories benefiting from less new supply • Corporate and MICE Segments: Continued growth anticipated in corporate bookings and MICE

Financial PerformanceRevenue Figures: Standalone revenue at Rs. 490 crores; consolidated revenue at Rs. 552 crores • EBITDA and PAT: Significant increases reflecting strong operational performance • Net Cash Positive: Rs. 227 crores on a standalone basis

Future Outlook and Expansion Plans2030 Vision: Plans to add 50 new hotels and 4,500 additional keys • Market Dynamics: Focus on entering markets with good occupancy and average room rates • Upcoming Projects: Timelines for projects in Tirupati and Vizag aimed to be completed sooner than four years

Management InsightsOccupancy Rates: Slight increase to 77.5% for EIH-owned hotels • Partnerships: Collaborations with Reliance Industries and Mandarin Oriental for new hotels • Financial Management: Plans to take on debt for growth while ensuring financial stability

ConclusionTourism Recovery: Positive signs of recovery in Shimla and overall optimism for the winter season • Cyclicality Considerations: Acknowledgment of potential cyclicality in the hotel sector, with adaptability as necessary

Closing Remarks • Expressions of gratitude and well-wishes for Diwali from executives, concluding the conference call.

Summary from August 2023

Investor Call DetailsDate of Call: August 10, 2023 • Financial Results: Unaudited results for the quarter ending June 30, 2023 • Approval Date: Results approved by the Board on August 8, 2023 • Compliance: Communication made in accordance with SEBI regulations • Digital Signature: Signed by Lalit Kumar Sharma

Key Financial HighlightsRevenue Performance: • 16% increase in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) year-over-year • Quarterly occupancy rate: 70% • Standalone PAT: ₹90 crores (up from ₹42 crores last year) • Total revenues: ₹455 crores • Consolidated PAT: ₹106 crores • Net cash positive: ₹188 crores as of June 30, 2023

Business OverviewHotel Footprint: • 3,772 keys in India and 497 keys abroad • Expansion Plans: • Two new hotels in Madhya Pradesh planned for FY24 • Return on Capital Employed: Over 17% for the previous year, 35% for hotels

Management InsightsManagement Fees: Reported at ₹7 crores, with 54% of keys managed • Focus Areas: • Increasing Average Room Rates (ARR) • Addressing declining management fees in the industry • New Ventures: Positive feedback on club and restaurant (Amadeo)

Future Growth and StrategyUpcoming Events: G20 summit, Cricket World Cup, MotoGP expected to boost demand • Debt Policy: Conservative, maintaining a debt-equity ratio of around 20% • Cyclical Nature: Shift towards stronger domestic demand noted

Renovation and DevelopmentOngoing Renovations: • Regal Room at Oberoi Mumbai and conversion of rooms into long-stay suites • Trident Agra closed for infrastructure upgrades • Flight Services: Optimism about future demand for air travel

Market Trends and ChallengesUdaipur RevPAR Growth: Only 1% increase attributed to fewer high-paying wedding events • Occupancy Trends: Typical seasonal decline in ARR noted

Ownership and Expansion QueriesRajgarh Palace: Confirmed as owned property • Mid-Segment Hotels: Acknowledged potential but focus remains on luxury brands

Customer Mix and Corporate RatesDirect Segment Growth: Increasing significance over the past five years • Corporate Rate Impact: Discussion on ARR growth and customer mix trends

ConclusionFinal Remarks: Management expressed gratitude and invited further questions via email.

Summary from June 2023

Company Structure and Investments • EIH Limited discussed its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and asset distribution. • Total investment: ~$106 million in international operations; ~800 crores in domestic investments. • Growth is a priority; projects are on track despite a property in Doha being on hold due to financing issues.

Growth Strategy and Market Position • CFO Kallol Kundu emphasized a strategy prioritizing quality over quantity. • Focus on being a premium niche player rather than the largest market player. • Cautious expansion approach with potential for leveraging the balance sheet for growth. • Mixed-use developments and a mix of ownership and management contracts are part of the strategy.

Property Performance and Renovations • Ongoing investments in upgrading existing properties to maintain competitiveness. • Successful renovations at hotels like Oberoi New Delhi and Trident Nariman Point. • Aging properties still generating record profits.

Impact of COVID-19 • Successful launch of Marrakech hotel in December 2019 with high average room rates. • Corporate bookings make up 50-55% of business; potential for price adjustments exists. • Employee costs rationalized post-COVID for operational efficiency.

Cautious Growth and Debt Management • Slow and steady approach to room additions and capital allocation over the past decade. • Major shareholders (Reliance and ITC) actively involved in guiding strategy. • Preference for a conservative debt policy with a debt-to-equity ratio around 20%.

Flight Catering Business • Flight catering generates turnover of 200-250 crores with margins around 20%. • Excluding catering, EBITDA margins exceed 40%. • Active construction site: Rajgarh; regular maintenance CapEx around 40-50 crores annually.

Future Outlook • Focus on average room rate (ARR) maximization; current occupancy nearly 80%. • Optimism about hotel performance, particularly in Nariman Point. • Anticipation of recovery in foreign tourist occupancy as travel normalizes.

Investor Feedback and Disclosure • Hrishikesh suggested more detailed disclosures on subsidiary performance. • Kundu acknowledged the feedback and expressed willingness to improve disclosure practices.

Summary from May 2023

EIH Limited Q4 FY23 Earnings Call Summary

Submission and Compliance • EIH Limited submitted a transcript of an investor meeting to the National Stock Exchange of India and BSE Limited. • Communication signed digitally by Lalit Kumar Sharma.

Financial Performance Highlights • Record performance attributed to staff dedication and guest trust. • Q4 FY23 occupancy rates: 70-72%, average rates over ₹8,200. • Standalone revenues increased from ₹279 crores to ₹586 crores (110% increase). • EBITDA rose by 621% to ₹249.3 crores. • Consolidated revenues increased from ₹316.9 crores to ₹663.8 crores. • Strong operational efficiencies with only a 3% rise in expenses.

Strategic Focus and Growth • Emphasis on growth in the luxury hotel segment with a 45% return on capital employed. • Shift from net debt of ₹271 crores to a positive cash balance of ₹129 crores. • Upcoming projects include new hotels and a restaurant in Mumbai. • Interest in opportunities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Management Responses to Inquiries • No current plans for the 13-acre land parcel in Gurgaon. • MV Vrinda boats are not operational; asset written off. • Rajgarh Palace project construction ongoing, expected completion by FY24-25. • Acknowledgment of competition affecting Cuckoo Bar's performance.

Growth Strategies and Market Position • Focus on expanding through owned hotels, management contracts, and partnerships. • Strong financial position with no debt and ample cash reserves. • Operating leverage indicates profitability growth outpacing revenue growth. • Competitive edge through superior guest experiences and service quality.

International Business and Dividend Payout • International properties profitable at EBITDA level, but some losses due to asset impairments. • Current dividend payout ratio above 50%, balancing shareholder returns with growth funds. • Significant improvement in receivables, with room for further enhancement.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook • Positive trend in domestic travel may reduce seasonality. • Cautious approach to acquisitions and refurbishing distressed assets. • Support from major shareholders like Reliance and ITC during challenging times. • Commitment to improving both top and bottom lines while enhancing guest experiences.