Brigade Enterprises Limited (532929) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

February 5, 2021

BSE Limited IN Real Estate Real Estate Management and Development earnings 69 min

Earnings Call Speaker Segments

Operator

operator
#1

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the Q3 FY '21 earnings conference Call of Brigade Enterprises Limited. We have with us on the call today Mr. M. R. Jaishankar, Chairman and Managing Director; Ms. Pavitra Shankar; Ms. Nirupa Shankar; and Mr. Amar Mysore, Executive Directors; Mr. Atul Goyal, CFO; and other senior management team. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. M. R. Jaishankar, Chairman and Managing Director. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#2

Thank you very much. Good afternoon, everybody. We hope all of you and your loved ones are keeping well during this pandemic period, and the good news is the vaccine is here. It's only a matter of a few months and maybe a year before most of us will be vaccinated. So that way we can have something to share about. On behalf of the company, Brigade Enterprises Limited, I would like to welcome you to the earnings call for the third quarter for financial year '21. I'm joined by our Executive Director, Ms. Pavitra Shankar, Ms. Nirupa Shankar, and Mr. Amar Mysore. Our senior management team is also present. Mr. Atul Goyal, our CFO; Mr. Rajendra Joshi, our CEO, Resident; Mr. Vineet Verma, our CEO Hospitality; Mr. Subrata Sharma, Chief Operating Officer of our Office SBU; Mr. Shashie Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of our Retail SBU; Mr. Om Prakash, Company Secretary; Mr. Pradyumna Krishnakumar, Vice President, Investor Relations. And a few other people in the team. As most parts of the world continue to grapple with the long-lasting effects of the pandemic. It is regiment's release that we report the revival of our residential business, along with continued consistency in the commercial business. Retail and hospitality still face challenges, but we are seeing a steady improvement. During the course of quarter 3, our real estate business had its best quarter ever. We ended the quarter with 1.53 million square feet of new bookings, having a value of INR 923 crores, including about 55,000 square feet of office space. The strong performance in quarter 3 has ensured that we are now on par with previous year numbers on a YTD basis, despite the headwinds phased in quarter 1 due to lockdown. The comeback in the residential sector has been sharp, and we expect this to continue in the next quarter, that is the quarter 4, current quarter, and hopefully into the next financial year as well. This is driven by the current favorable environment for consumers to buy a house. We believe there are multiple reasons for our success, having the right projects in the right locations at the right prices. Customers continuing to trust Brigade for quality and service, our focus towards highly effective marketing campaigns and the high quality of our sales team, apart from some consolidation of business to trusted brands. Interest rates at all-time lows have also led to many sale figures, finally making the decision to buy a home. November witnessed the launch of our new project in Hyderabad Moti Nagar called Brigade Citadel, which has been -- which has received very -- which has been received very well in the market, and registered record bookings at the time of launch. Our projects in Chennai continue to deliver consistently high results, along with our projects in Bangalore. We expect larger established players to continue to grow at high levels with further consolidation in the market. Customers continue their preference for completed or near-completion inventory and larger units. Higher demand for homes above INR 45 lakhs as compared to affordable housing has continued. On the collections front, we have had our best quarter so far with INR 518 crores collected from the residential business. This is primarily driven by continued strong sales performance and good construction progress at all project sites, apart from, of course, the good performance of our CRM team. In our office segment, our continued focus on collection of lease rentals has resulted in 99% collection on the leasing front, while we are seeing increased momentum in inquiries, request for proposals and site inspections decisions continue to be prolonged as occupancy levels of employees are still at 10% to 15% across all office parks. However, there is an increased desire by employers to get their employees back to offices. As of date, our pipeline is over 1 million square feet in Brigade Tech Gardens, Bangalore; World Trade Center, Chennai; and the Brigade International Finance Centre, GIFT City. The pipeline constitutes large and medium-sized inquiries at Brigade Tech Gardens to medium-sized inquiries at World Trade Center, Chennai. We expect the inquiry size at Chennai to increase when companies seek consolidation and expansion opportunities. Transaction inquiries at BIFC GIFT City has increased to set up their global in-house centers, generally referred to as GIC. We are also seeing inquiries from fund companies. Managed office inquiries have also increased as there is a growing need for hub and spoke, neighborhood, landing and business continuity planning offices. Overall, our strategically located and well-designed properties, Brigade Tech Gardens and WTC Chennai are attracting prospects because of the superior value proposition. Brigade Tech Gardens with a locational advantage near a high cost and very low vacancy micro market of -- over our Bangalore is a great value proposition for relocation and consolidation. World Trade Center, Chennai, is also very well-located in the most divided micro market. We are making efforts to transact the remaining inventories within the financial year '22. The retail segment is on track to recovery. In the beginning of the quarter, mall occupancy was over 80% with the multiplex and family entertainment formats, back to being operational even though seating capacity was capped at 50% as per government regulations. Overall, retailer sales consumption recovered over 65%. In specific categories like consumer electronics, beauty and cosmetics, sports and leisure wear, key fashion anchor and departmental stores, the recovery is around 80% or more. The recovery in F&B, food and beverages, have been encouraging as well to -- and it's around 60% of pre-COVID levels. With the end of season sale, and multiplex and family entertainment formats being allowed now to trade with full seating capacity, and the regaining of large consumer confidence due to the vaccines and normalization of all public transport, we are looking at a further upward trend with respect to footfall and retailer sales consumer consumption, which will further help with a higher rental revenue recovery in quarter 4 period of this year. Finally, in our hospitality business, we've been seeing a month-on-month improvement in performance of all our hotels starting from October 2020, especially the F&B business. More guests have started dining out, evidenced by a noticeable increase in footfalls in our outlets. Further relaxation of restrictions in number of guests for banquets has also led to increased number of inquiries. While room occupancies continue to be under stress due to continued restrictions on international business travel. We are beginning to see some traction from domestic clients. Average room rates continue to be a challenge due to all hotels fighting for the same business, but occupancies are inching up month-on-month. While we expect to reach pre-COVID levels in due course, depending on how successful the vaccination program is worldwide. We have been able to achieve positive GOP in the most -- in most of our hotels, primarily due to continued monitoring and rationalization of costs. Removal of restrictions from the first of February on meetings in banquet and on swimming pools should boost our F&B room finance and other business. Overall, we have entered the new year 2021 with much more confidence. We would like to consider the lockdown period during first quarter as a [ bad dream ], without forgetting to take all precautions that is required to be taken during the spend abate period. With a central budget giving a blueprint of intent to take Indian economy into USD 5 trillion economy and our PM's policies to make housing for all a reality, the future has to be brighter than the past, particularly the previous year 2020. Therefore, we in Brigade Enterprises would like to seize the opportunities that come our way after proper evaluation. Thank you for your patience. Now Mr. Atul Goyal, our CFO, will present the financial results in detail. Thank you.

Atul Goyal

executive
#3

Thank you, sir. And good afternoon, everybody. On behalf of the company, we would like to welcome you on the earnings call for Q3 FY 2021. To give you a brief macro and company update, as you have been hearing from market experts that [indiscernible] to a V-shaped recovery in most of the sectors. Early high-frequency indicators are showing a spike in the consumer sentiment. Sales of the most larger real estate developers have seen a major uptrend, which indicate change in the market share and a clear preference of customs to buy from -- customers to buy from large and reputed developers. On the other side, the government and RBI has taken a key initiative to revive the economy free of which [ order ] well for the real estate industry. A lower interest rate regime, abundant liquidity in the financial market and specific schemes like CNGs schemes have immensely held the sector, like hospitality and residential. On the company side, this quarter has been much better than last quarter in terms of business performance. To give you some highlights of our performance in the last quarter, we recorded all-time high real estate sale of 1.5 million during this quarter vis-à-vis 1 million during last quarter. But it is that almost 2/3 has come from ongoing and completed projects and 1/3 from the new launches. We have also seen significant jump in residential collections, and this was one of the best quarters in terms of collection, totaling up to INR 518 crores in Q3 FY '21. On the renting side, we continue to achieve 99% rental collections with gradual increase in reoccupancy in the operating portfolio. On the retail side, we retained higher tenant occupancy in the mall, consumption was also 70% of pre-COVID levels. We have also started seeing some uptick in the hospitality performance. Our GOP was positive for the first Indian FY with a GOP margin of 16% vis-a-vis minus 45% last quarter. Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Bengaluru OMR started operations this quarter with 129 keys and have achieved 26% of occupancy for the same period. On consolidated level, there is -- there was increase in cash flow from operating activities by 36% from the last quarter. We continue to have adequate liquidity and undrawn credit lines from the banks. Our average cost of debt has been coming down consistently over the past few quarters and was at 9% as on December '20 versus 9.62% at December '19, a 62% bps reduction that will result in an annualized saving of more than INR 25 crores. Going by the trend, we expect that this -- to further reduce by 10, 15 bps going forward. Coming to consolidated financial performance for Q3, the consolidated revenue for Q3 FY '21 stood at INR 654 crores versus INR 322 crores in the previous quarter, up by 103%. The real estate segment grossed a turnover of INR 529 crores and EBITDA of 18% in Q3 FY '21. The hospitality segment crossed a turnover of INR 30 crores and EBITDA of 9% in Q3 FY '21 as compared to turnover of INR 18 crores and EBITDA of minus 1.4 in Q2, FY '21. However, as mentioned earlier, going forward, we accept this profit to be much higher. The Leasing segment grossed a turnover of INR 85 crores in EBITDA of 69% in Q3 FY '21. The consolidated EBITDA, including other income for Q3 FY '21 stood at INR 158 crores. EBITDA margin stood at 24%. The interest and finance charges for Q3 FY '21 stood at INR 86 crores. Consolidated profit before tax for Q3 FY '21 is INR 13 crores compared to profit before tax of INR 36 crores for Q3 FY '20. Coming to the debt position, there was a reduction of INR 141 crores in real estate debt, which was driven by the higher sales and collections for 9 months FY '21. The cash and cash equivalents stand at INR 485 crores as of December 31, 2020. Consequently, the company's net debt outstanding as of December 31, 2020 is INR 3,814 crores, out of which [ BS ] share is INR 2,948 crores. Almost 73% of the debt pertains to commercial segment, of which 40% is backed by lease rental income. We have a trade rating of A, with stable outlook, and we have continued to maintain that even in the pandemic, which has been assigned both by CRISIL and ICRA. I'll now hand over back to moderator for questions. Thanks.

Operator

operator
#4

[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of Adhidev Chattopadhyay from ICICI Securities.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#5

Also, first, congratulations for the excellent performance even in such a tough period. Sir, my first question is on our leasing now both for Tech Gardens and for World Trade Center, Chennai. For Tech Gardens, when do you see the first inquiries being converted into actual leases in the pipeline? And for Chennai, when do you see the first rentals start to flow in from that?

Subrata K. Sharma

executive
#6

This is Subrata. As far as Brigade Tech Gardens and Chennai is concerned, of that, we are seeing increased momentum in terms of like inquiries. And you would be glad to know that we have, in principle, closed 1 transaction each in both these properties as of today.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#7

Okay. Sir, so any overall leasing, 1 million square feet, it would be how much? Like, any figure you'd like to share, like incrementally?

Subrata K. Sharma

executive
#8

[ We have property. ] So as of today, the total pipeline for the company is around 1 million square feet, okay? Out of the significant portion of it is in Brigade Tech Gardens as well as in Chennai. So of these pipeline, now we have started seeing the conversions happening because now the site inspections are happening. Though the reoccupancy status is still low. It's around 10% to 15%. And we feel this momentum will further increase when the reoccupancy comes to around the 30% to 40% within the office segment.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#9

Sir, I didn't get this reoccupancy bit, what is this exactly you're referring to?

Subrata K. Sharma

executive
#10

So in easier terms, it means that the employees have not started coming back to their offices, okay? Offices, their actual real estate focus will increase. So that's what I mean. When the offices start getting occupied, then they will actually start focusing on the expansion, consolidation, reducing cost of real estate, all those areas.

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#11

Just to interject. I think, if I'm right, you wanted to know what is already leased also, for that you are quite clear, of what is leased. Already leased is clear. Yes, this is new business.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#12

Okay. Sir, in Chennai, sir, when do the rentals start flowing for WTC Chennai. That was the other...

Subrata K. Sharma

executive
#13

First rental would be like in the end of March and followed by the next quarter, then the rents will start coming in. So that means Q1 of FY '22.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#14

So we are on track. So there is no change to the earlier projection, which you shared in the last quarter.

Subrata K. Sharma

executive
#15

So as you know that it has already happened, all the handovers have already happened.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#16

Okay. Okay. Okay. Handovers have already happened. Okay. Fine. Sir, now on our Twin Towers, so what are the plans over there? Are we like going ahead with the CapEx now? Or are we looking to tie up some funds on that project?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#17

See, the financial closure for Brigade Twin Towers is over long back, and the project is in progress, and it is progressing, all lines, as per our plans.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#18

Okay. So this -- so your structure, that is already in place. Is that how you should read that?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#19

Yes, yes. Yes, it is in progress. It's in progress. It will take 2 years' time to complete. And the market conditions at the end of 2 years are likely to be very, very different and quite positive.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#20

Sure, sir. Sir, lastly, just on our mall. So the occupancy had come on last quarter, you had mentioned there was some churning of tenants in Orion mall. So when do we see the mall occupancy coming back to over the 90% to 95% level?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#21

So the occupancies are in the -- I would say the churn is happening. Some of the major things where some we terminated, something, and few other changes are taking place. That should all happen -- are happening already in this quarter. And the new interiors and rent commencement should happen in Q2 of next financial year.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#22

Q2. Should we read that you will be back to the pre-COVID occupancy level, is that a right way to read it or...

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#23

Certainly. Certainly.

Operator

operator
#24

The next question is from the line of Yash Gupta from Angel Broking.

Yash Gupta

analyst
#25

Sir, my first question is on the cost front. What the average cost material has been increased in the last 6 months? Can you throw some light on?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#26

Yes. See, last 2 months only, the cement -- no, sorry. The steel prices had gone up to the -- almost to the extent of 50%. But I think in the last fortnight, last fortnight or last week, it has dropped by about 25%. And with the government having huge plans for infrastructure, it is likely that the cement prices may see an upward trend. But it is a bit premature. Right now the plans are just plans. So it all depends when the plans -- the government certify. But all along, steel has been a highly volatile product. And for last couple of years, they were -- the steel prices were quite stable and moderate. And I think with economy reviving and a bit of international situation on pricing of iron ore pellets, the prices shot up. I think now it is back to normal. I will say normal. It has come down by 25%.

Yash Gupta

analyst
#27

Sir, I just a hypothetic question, like suppose for next 3 months or 6 months, if the raw material cost has gone up by 10%. So is there any cost escalation on the presales contract that year?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#28

See, on presales, what is already done in the real estate sector, first, will not go up. But on what is not sold, there will be a cost increase. But based on market conditions and ability to absorb the -- for prices by the customer, our decision would be taken. In fact, already in the month of January, we have increased the prices by 2% to 3%, and which may again go up, I feel, in the month of March or April.

Yash Gupta

analyst
#29

Okay. Sir, second question on the lease rental. Can you throw some light on the interest from the customer as previous participant also as the same thing? Like, how the customers are reacting now? If they are looking for the new leases, or just churning it early in the Bangalore market?

Atul Goyal

executive
#30

So there are like -- see, the market is actually in a transition, okay? Now what we are saying currently is there is an increased interest among the customers to actually relocate to a low-cost market, particularly when the outer indoor let the -- most preferred micro market in Bangalore, the rentals have increased significantly, okay? So as a part of their reduction plan, they are wanting to actually relocate to the areas wherein they can get a cost advantage. At the same time, the preference among the midsized companies is actually -- we are experiencing, and we are observing them to actually migrate to the properties, which are perceived as premium, okay? So there is a mix of sentiment, but we are seeing a lot -- many expansion consolidation and movement towards low-cost market.

Yash Gupta

analyst
#31

Okay. And any update on the hard option as -- what I remember is the last March was the due date for the Brigade Tech Gardens of 0.3 million square feet hard option? Do you have any update on that?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#32

So as far as the hard option with our existing client is concerned, they are still keen to actually take the hard option. They will certainly exercise. But as I expressed in my last response, that the employees have yet not returned to their offices, okay? So as soon as [indiscernible] an increase in the percentage occupancy to 30% to 40%, they will certainly exercise. So they have requested for further extension in the time line for about a quarter, which we are yet to decide on. But they are very keen to consume the hard option.

Operator

operator
#33

The next question is from the line of Parikshit Kandpal from HDFC Securities.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#34

Congratulations on a very good set of increase. Sir, my question was on commercial properties at rent. So what was the -- this quarter, what was the leasing -- net leasing for this quarter?

Atul Goyal

executive
#35

For the overall?

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#36

Hello?

Atul Goyal

executive
#37

So yes. So Parikshit, you are actually inquiring about the leasing overall?

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#38

Sir, the leasing, what was the third quarter leasing?

Atul Goyal

executive
#39

Yes. So ours is approximately around 1.25 lac square feet. But however, as I had said earlier, the transaction means even the site inspections, et cetera, were not happening. Though the pipeline is very strong. However, we are seeing the inspections have started to happen, and the closures have also started to happen. What we didn't report in the last quarter, like there is another 1 lac square feet increase that we have actually recently, in principle, transacted, that is actually coming for closure, like, the documentation is being done.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#40

In the last call, we had discussed that on the BTG there were about 2 deals [indiscernible] and sizable, quite sizable, like 0.5 million square feet each. So they are, I think, now supposed to get closed by March of 2021. So any progress on that? Any time lines? I mean are you seeing -- is that extended or something? Or is it on track?

Atul Goyal

executive
#41

So the pipeline is still strong. The discussions are still happening. But as I said, the occupancy trend is still very low. It's hardly 7% across the park, okay? So those discussions are on. The discussions have restarted, and we are looking to close approximately like 2 lacs to 2.5 lacs in the coming quarter.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#42

And by then do you think BTG will get leased out like in how many -- like 2 quarters, 3 quarters, or by the year-end? So any trends on, like this 1 million, the phase 2 will get leased out?

Atul Goyal

executive
#43

Particularly what we are actually positioning ourselves is like by FY '22 we want to actually absolve the entire inventory. That's how we are positioning ourselves, and that's how the pipeline is also trending up. Currently, it's like more than 0.5 million-plus pipeline in BTG. Chennai, we are not concerned at all because it's hardly anything and have hard options and plus the vacant space will be taken up. And Brigade Tech Gardens, as I said, we feel that by FY '22, we will absolve it all.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#44

Earlier in the call, you highlighted that some of the tenants are looking at lower cost options, rental, and there will be a shift because of that. But again, don't you think that the cost of it out and CapEx on that will be a hindrance while making such a decision on the tenant?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#45

See, the thing is, firstly, the Brigade Tech Gardens is not in a high-cost location. So certainly, there is no possibility of people shifting away from that unless as...

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#46

Coming to B2B financing. Some other locations coming to B2B, some new tenant comes in, and lease an existing office, so I'm talking about that. So there has -- just to incur up without costs in the BTG...

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#47

No, that's -- the leases and all categories of clients will be there. There are some with probably lease expiry dates, some with the fit outs, et cetera. So I think there are -- these are all different segments in the market. So by and large, I think we are in advantageous position from a cost perspective, and also quality of the building perfect.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#48

Okay. My second question was on Twin Towers. Now Twin Towers, you started construction. So you said that it's financially closed. Do you still maintain that this will be totally leased out? Or are you also thinking that partly, maybe you can do some start-up sales and raise some equity and then lever it and then do the construction. So what is the thought process on that, Twin Towers?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#49

So on an immediate basis, we are not considering any start-up sale. It is too premature to construct. Right now the foundations are complete. And the super structure is just in progress. And I think at an opportune time, we will look at it. And I think this is still too premature to explore start-up sale because then the concept of a campus of 1.3 million square feet currently approved, and with TDR, we can go up to 2.3 million to 2.5 million square feet, that concept will get defeated. So as a result, at least in this financial year, our next 12 months, we won't consider any start-up sale.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#50

Okay. So a question on the resi. I think now we have done record sales, all-time high sale. And probably one of the best figures, even if I look at the peers in the Bangalore market. So what is driving that? Are you seeing this kind of run rate as a one-off? Or do you think this momentum can be sustained in this quarter of 1.5 million square feet? If you...

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#51

Yes. Our CEO, Joshi, Residential, will handle.

Rajendra Joshi

executive
#52

So while we did see an exceptionally good quarter in Q3. We expect that overall trends will continue, whether we will hit the same kind of volumes is to see because the quarter 3, large part, at least 1/3 of it came from our new launch in Hyderabad. So we do expect the trend to continue, whether we'll hit the same numbers is speculation at this point in time. We do hope to do well in FY as well.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#53

And lastly, sir, on the land acquisitions, I mean, in this quarter, did you close any land negotiations and acquisitions, any major outflows towards that in the next 2 to 3 quarters. So I mean, from the BD side of the -- because the kind of numbers that you are seeing. So I just wanted to get some sense on how you're looking at BD right now? And any major outlays you're expecting, already committed over the next 1 month.

Rajendra Joshi

executive
#54

See in Q3, we did acquire totally about 30 acres out of proposed -- of 47 to 50 acres, in what we are currently calling it as Brigade Utopia 2. We have acquired about 30 acres of total land. And in addition to that, we have also finalized another parcel of some 35 acres, which is under due diligence. So that should also give us about 5 million to 6 million square feet once the due diligence is complete and the formalities are completed.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#55

At the latest in the fourth quarter? In the P&L -- sorry, in the cash flows.

Rajendra Joshi

executive
#56

On the cash flows? Yes, so some amount will come in the fourth quarter. Yes.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#57

So size would be about INR 130 crores, INR 140 crores, I mean there or...

Atul Goyal

executive
#58

See the current -- partially, they are on the joint development project. So that way it will be all -- both together, will be below INR 50 crores.

Operator

operator
#59

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Pritesh Sheth from Edelweiss Wealth.

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#60

So on the residential side, I was just trying to understand, so over the last couple of years and this quarter as well, we have seen your quarterly sales run rate improved over its history. And you have done like 4, 5 million square feet of launches even in [ south ], but we don't get such natural response. So overall, what has changed over the last couple of years for the company, which is driving such high sales growth, more from a strategic point of view.

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#61

Yes. Yes. So I think what has happened very clearly in the last 2 years is that we have built a pipeline of products, the right products in right locations with the right pricing. And that clearly has helped the sales growth in the last 2 years. But I would say that what really has helped on a larger scale is the brand that has been built over the last 3 decades, with a consistent focus on quality, the product and the customer. If you ask me, that really is the reason. What has [indiscernible] is the products and prices in the right locations. But overall, it is the brand that has helped build up sales in the last 2 quarters -- the last 2 years.

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#62

Okay. And how did you differentiate on that front versus the competition? Because we are competing with some larger players in the industry like SOBHAs and Prestige and Godrej. So was there any differentiated strategy? Or any color on that?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#63

No. I would say it's the total overall customer perception. And we are not saying that they have not done well or anything. We feel they have also done well, and -- though some of the results are not yet announced. Another point to add what Joshi said is there is a clear move towards consolidation to maybe about the top 10 developers, top 12 developers like that. Who have the track record of delivery, and those who are in the right product segment. But see, bulk of our projects, are also in the mid-segment, which is between, you can say, INR 50 lakhs to INR 125 lakhs range. So it is also that. Apart from consolidation, and during this period, those who have a track record of delivery in all these good and bad times.

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#64

And just 1 follow up on that. So from here on, how should we look at your launch run rate, i.e. your sales run rate over the next 2, 3 years. So what do you actually internally intend to scale it up to? That would be my last question.

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#65

Yes. So see, we have ongoing projects and projects on drawing board. And I would say the additional phases of existing projects, all those together will be about nearly 40 million square feet in the next 5 -- I feel it can certainly take care of our requirement for the next 5 years. And naturally, year-on-year, we will also be adding more new projects to take care of future growth. So to -- still -- like in FY '20 before the pandemic, we did up -- close to 4 million square feet. And in the 3 quarters, we have done about 3 million square feet. And based on what has happened in the month of January, which is very encouraging, certainly very encouraging, and if all goes well, we should repeat the performance of Q3. So we expect the performance of Q3 should repeat, as I said, if all goes well. But based on January indication, it should do well. And so naturally, we enter 2021 and the next financial year with much more confidence.

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#66

Any internal targets for scaling up further over the next 2, 3 years? Or you will just go quarter-by-quarter and look how the demand will look?

Atul Goyal

executive
#67

Yes, yes. See, in this -- currently, it is [ QT ].

Operator

operator
#68

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Amit Agarwal from Nirmal Bang Securities.

Amit Agarwal

analyst
#69

I had one basic question on the margins. This time, EBITDA margin, you've seen a decline from 28% to about 24%. So reasons for that. And the second question I wanted on a overall basis from what I'm hearing from the market that broad office rental market has improved compared to the worst months of probably April, May, June. But they're probably not back to the pre-pandemic level. So what are your views on that? And given the fact that you can't even travel outside of country and foreigners can't come in. So probably the rental might be a bit delayed for the MNCs. Sir, any view on how the office market could be moving? And will it -- do you expect it to come back to the original pre-pandemic level in the near future?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#70

See, the margins is similar, there is a -- there will always be a plus/minus 2%, et cetera. Yes, always will be plus/minus 2%, which is based on product mix and the current marketing strategy to gain the business in these tough times, which has really helped us. And I think, going forward, we have always maintained the EBITDA will be somewhere in the range of 26% to 30% or so in that range. It is very difficult to exactly say it will be 26% or 27%. It will be in that range. And as far as the office business is concerned, there are definitely -- 2020, the business scenario was pretty bad. The biggest positive is we retained the clients that we have. And as Subrata mentioned, about 125,000 square feet of new leasing we have done. And you're right, till international travel commence, which we hope may happen between April to June or so, or at least by June, things will be beginning to look up. But the overall office leasing market itself, it will take at least 2023 or 2022, definitely, for it to reach 2019 levels.

Amit Agarwal

analyst
#71

Given that, do you expect -- I mean, when you're negotiating for your own leasing, is there a probability that the rates could be softer than what you had thought earlier?

Atul Goyal

executive
#72

See, so far, by and large, the rates are stable. So whatever we have planned to increase rents, lease rent [indiscernible]. But the rents are, I would say, stable.

Amit Agarwal

analyst
#73

So the new leasing...

Atul Goyal

executive
#74

I mean if I -- see, there is a variation of 2%, 3%. I don't think we have to give too much credence to that.

Amit Agarwal

analyst
#75

Sir, for the new leasing or front -- I mean new leasing which you're looking at. I mean that is also in line with what you had thought earlier?

Subrata K. Sharma

executive
#76

So this is Subrata. So as far as -- if you just see these 2 major markets, Chennai and Bangalore, okay? And majorly, where we are present both these micro markets have actually held on to the rentals. And the recent 2 reasons that we have concluded, in fact, the rentals are higher than the weighted average of the rentals that we have achieved thus far, okay? So though the increase trajectory may not be as it was earlier. But as far as the rentals are concerned, it's like holding still, and we are able to get right to more than what we had closed earlier. But one thing is, like, we are experiencing whatever the prospects that we are discussing with, they are coming with an expectation of reduced rentals, but they are signing off the rentals which are at par with the micro market, and we are even better than the average -- weighted average of the micro market rentals.

Amit Agarwal

analyst
#77

And the last question from my side. I mean I just note that you reduced your debt this time. So are you looking at debt reduction further and probably bring it down [indiscernible] level? Any thoughts on that?

Atul Goyal

executive
#78

Yes. We are looking at that. Of course, debt management is always in the sight of the management and we would like to manage this. This real estate reduction -- the reduction in debt has happened in real estate, where have seen that cash flow has been very, very good. And we thought that in appropriate time, whatever the loans we can repay, we are repaying, and we'll -- going forward also, we'll have that effort to reduce as far as possible in the debt. Of course, our 70% of debt is in CapEx and LRD, where it will continue as such.

Operator

operator
#79

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Parvez Akhtar Qazi from Edelweiss Securities.

Parvez Qazi

analyst
#80

Congratulations for a great performance. So 2 questions from my side. One, I mean, with the increase in occupancy that we have seen in both the retail and the hospitality business. What is the kind of cash burn that we are facing now in these businesses? And the related question is that, I think you have mentioned that you have taken the ECLGS facility. So what is the quantum of the facility that we have taken? And the second is, what was the contribution from BTG towards rentals this quarter?

Atul Goyal

executive
#81

Thanks. See, if you see all hospitality -- and retail has always been in positive. Hospitality was operational negative. Now they are operational positive. So there's no operational cash burn happening now. So there is no issue right now on that account. Of course, ECLGS has happened, and it is helping us to service the loans. And in hospitality sector, we have taken around INR 100 crores of ECLGS in various -- against various hotels.

Parvez Qazi

analyst
#82

Sure, sir. And sir, the BTG rental?

Atul Goyal

executive
#83

No, what about BTG rentals? We are getting the BTG rentals. You want the amount?

Parvez Qazi

analyst
#84

Yes, yes. I wanted amount for this quarter. I mean...

Atul Goyal

executive
#85

It is around INR 6.5 crores per month.

Operator

operator
#86

The next question is from the line of Ritika Agarwal from Value Quest.

Ritika Agarwal

analyst
#87

My first question is what kind of area is coming for renewal or expiry in your commercial segment in the next 1 year?

Atul Goyal

executive
#88

So the renewals are approximately like whatever the existing portfolio that we have. It would be hardly 10% to 15% of that existing portfolio. But not -- we are not seeing this for the BTG and the WTC clients because those are the new tenants that we have closed.

Ritika Agarwal

analyst
#89

Right. Okay. Second question is, so we were previously talking about monetization of our hospitality segment. So is there any update on that? Or how are we looking at this right now?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#90

Yes. As I have said, mentioned in earlier analyst call, we -- sometime in the month of February 2020, we had more or less finalized taking a private equity partner. But by that time, unfortunately, the pandemic hit. So during this period, neither -- we did not pursue the discussions, which is naturally the right thing to do. And now I think some discussions are coming back. And probably, I cannot indicate a clear date as to when it may happen. You see, as far as we are concerned, there is no dire urgency. We will try to get the proper value for us whenever we want to dilute the equity. So it cannot be -- we are now -- and it cannot be a distressed situation or anything or it will not be a difficult situation.

Operator

operator
#91

The next question is from the line of Mohit Agrawal from IIFL.

Mohit Agrawal

analyst
#92

Sir, my question is on the residential cash flows and debt. So it's quite commendable. You have reduced the residential debt by about INR 140 crores in this quarter. Wanted a sense that if your collections continue to be healthy in INR 500 crores-plus range, do you think that you can continue to generate free cash flows, given the construction activity, and the debt can consistently keep coming down? Or is it a one-off thing that happened this quarter?

Atul Goyal

executive
#93

Yes, Mohit, the endeavor is debt only. And there is cash flows -- is there -- the cash flow -- what we are having today, the quantum, if it continues, definitely, we will be continuing to reduce our debt. We have taken some sweeping facilities from the banks where a part of collection is going directly into the repayment. So we have been taking this opportunity to reduce our debt as far as follows. Having said that, you already know that we have the lowest real estate debt in the total -- in the -- compared to the competitors in real estate business.

Mohit Agrawal

analyst
#94

Yes, absolutely, sir. And so I want to know that is there a medium-term target of being debt-free on the residential front?

Atul Goyal

executive
#95

So it is very difficult, Mohit, because there are -- new projects are also coming, and we are taking construction loan. But if sales are good, definitely the usage of loans are very, very low. So we are targeting that. I cannot give you an estimated number, but definitely, you will see quarter-on-quarter reduction in real estate debt. That is what we are trying to do.

Mohit Agrawal

analyst
#96

Okay. And sir, my second question is now that we have an idea of what kind of numbers will be in FY '21, presales. What kind of growth are we looking for in FY '22, based on the launch pipeline that is visible. Sir, any guidance there you can give?

Rajendra Joshi

executive
#97

So this is Rajendra Joshi. While you would see that FY '21 is going on well, currently, we do have a strong pipeline of projects coming in FY '22. And we see the overall trend continuing. How much would be the volume, as Chairman mentioned a couple of questions back, one, we'll have to see how the whole situation will pan out. But we expect that the brand consolidation will continue. And given our products, locations and pricing, we should see a good trend in the coming quarters.

Mohit Agrawal

analyst
#98

Okay. And sir, just one last small question from my side. On the retail front, in start of FY '22, do you see most retailers or all retailers going to -- going back to the higher of [ MG ] and rev share? And does it include multiplexes as well or the waivers will continue in FY '22 as well? That is the last one.

Shashie Kumar

executive
#99

So as far -- sorry, I'm Shashie Kumar. So as far as our retail portfolio goes and for our destination model that is Orion Gateway. We are pretty comfortable with this situation. Even now as of the quarter 3, we are 81% occupied, at least traders are trading. And then out of the balance 19% odd, about 4% to 5% is already leased, and it is in the value statement we've put out. We'll be -- we see that by April or at the beginning of next fiscal year, we'll see them adding another 4%, 5% to [ the ones we leased ]. And out of the balance, 14-odd percent, which is remaining, we already have about 9% to 12% in the various advanced stages of concluding these deals. So to that extent, even for -- even at this point in time we are in a very comfortable situation in terms of occupancy and the activity completion goes. Coming to the rental part, this fiscal year, since we already entered into some kind of a rental arrangement. Till about quarter 3, we have recovered by about 45% on a like-to-like compassion of quarter 3 of last fiscal year. And in this -- in the quarter 4 of this fiscal year, you will see that as against 55%, I think it will be more or less 52%, 53%. That is in terms of the recovery, in terms of recovery -- rental recovery growth. But next year, for sure, right from the month of April, we are going towards the normal rental as far as what we have projected [indiscernible] as of 2019, '20 fiscal year. That is beginning of the next fiscal year.

Operator

operator
#100

The next question is from the line of Alpesh from Motilal Oswal.

Alpesh Thacker

analyst
#101

Congratulations for a very good set of numbers, sir. My first question is on the land acquisition that you were talking that we have done like 30 acres of land parcel and 35 acres is in due diligence. So what would be the total development area potential in these 2 land parcels?

Atul Goyal

executive
#102

It should be about 12 million square feet together.

Alpesh Thacker

analyst
#103

12 million? Okay. And everything -- both these land parcels are in Bangalore?

Atul Goyal

executive
#104

Yes, both are in Bangalore, both are substantially residential, but with some component of supporting commercial and neighborhood requirements.

Alpesh Thacker

analyst
#105

Okay. Okay. And my second question is on the hospitality side, sir. So as we understand that most of -- our hospitality business is mostly commercial-driven, so work-related, travel-driven. So do you think that work-related travel will come back to the normal levels anytime soon or even in the medium term, given the fact that there's a large adoption of the technology in the commercial or the professional business meetings that are happening these days. So any color on that would be very helpful.

Vineet Verma

executive
#106

This is Vineet Verma here. You asked a very good question. So what has happened is that, fortunately for us, the January numbers that we have seen, the occupancy are inching up. In fact, 3 of our hotels have now closed that 50% occupancy. And the business mix, fortunately, is mostly domestic, but a lot of it is coming from the pharmaceutical, the manufacturing sector and the start-ups. Interesting that the new segment has picked up. So we are fairly hopeful that occupancy will gradually keep inching up, and hoping to be at least touching 70% to 75% of pre-COVID by the end of this year. If not, early next year.

Alpesh Thacker

analyst
#107

Okay. Okay. Makes sense. And just one from the retail side. So as you are mentioning that as we hit the month of April, and we might go back to the pre-COVID level kind of rental structure. So will it be possible even for multiplexes to come back to the old rental structures or there would be some kind of waiver which would be given to them, given the fact that they have recently started operations?

Vineet Verma

executive
#108

So all our waivers are only effective till last of this fiscal year. And we make it very clear in our understanding that effective from April, it will be back to the normal rental as [indiscernible].

Operator

operator
#109

The next question is from the line of Prem Khurana from Anand Rathi.

Prem Khurana

analyst
#110

I had -- most of my questions have already been answered. Just one from my end, and it was with respect to residential real estate bookings that we've had during the quarter? Amazing number you have in this kind of environment where the market still seems to be recovering. I just want to understand and if you could share the construct of this INR 880-odd crores of residential bookings that we have during the quarter in terms of -- I mean, how much of this would have been sold under subventions or favorable payment plans? And why I ask this is really because of the fact that when we entered into COVID, I mean in the month of April, most developers -- I mean, it requires a kind of [indiscernible] able to kind of get some of these customers come on board and buy properties, either it was in the form of like a discount or subvention schemes, which is how you could have these customers come to. I mean, it was more of a push. So just want to understand if it is still the same situation wherein the developer are quite -- kind of go a little extra mile to be able to kind of get these on board? Or the recovery has come back in a big way, which is where we are able to sell better?

Rajendra Joshi

executive
#111

So this is Rajendra Joshi. To answer your question, for us as -- portfolio subvention would be less than 2%, if at all. In fact, as a company, we are not much into subvention at all. Most of our sales is construction-linked payment, which is why you also see that our cash flows have been so healthy despite all these difficult times. As the COVID started, we did some payment relaxation methods when we started with the pandemic. But over the last 2 quarters, we have more or less withdrawn most of that.

Atul Goyal

executive
#112

For all practical purposes, subvention is 0.

Prem Khurana

analyst
#113

Okay. No, I understand, for us I know it will be negligible, but how about the market? I mean, if it's been a push market or the demand has come? I mean, is it still -- I mean people are required to put in extra efforts to be able to get customers on board? Or the demand has come back in anyway?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#114

No, no. I would say the demand has come back. Push is to the extent of additional efforts with the sales teams and better strategies, it is not in any way -- in any other way. And even in the normal circumstances, we will have a certain, I would say, special efforts like exhibitions, et cetera. And the same strategies continue, and I think that there is no other separate push of [ 5 95 ] or things like that. We don't have such schemes. And by and large, we don't believe in such schemes that will all result in high cancellations later. And I'm also happy to say whatever data we are giving or we are sharing is all net of cancellations. I'm not saying there are no cancellations. There are cancellations, but the data furnished, INR 1.53 billion, is net of cancellations. And our up-to-date -- as on December 31, all our figures are perfect.

Operator

operator
#115

The next question is a follow-up question from the line of Adhidev Chattopadhyay from ICICI Securities.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#116

The question is on this -- our mall project with Prestige in Chennai. So when does the project start? And is there any estimated CapEx number for that project?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#117

See, the best people to say that is Prestige themselves, probably in their investor call on 12th or 13th of this month. So currently, from what we know, it is under a final design approval stage. And considering any project of that nature will take about 1 year time for approval. If also, I think it will start only in year '22. Year '22, and not earlier, is my expectation, give or take plus/minus 2 to 3 months.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#118

Okay. Sir, just on Citadel, which we launched, could you tell what is the overall area launched during the quarter? And what percentage was sold in that project? Just wanted to understand how much is sold on launch over there.

Atul Goyal

executive
#119

Yes. So we have sold in the last quarter, about 0.45 million. We had launched close to about 0.6 million in that quarter, of which 0.45 million has been sold.

Adhidev Chattopadhyay

analyst
#120

So 75% was sold on launch of that inventory.

Operator

operator
#121

The next question is from the line of Parikshit Kandpal from HDFC Securities.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#122

My question is on the residential business. So 1.5 million, which you sold. So I see on you website, there are offers going on, [indiscernible] and registration, and flexible payment plans, which you earlier discussed. So out of those sales, how much will be the contribution from these 2 schemes?

Rajendra Joshi

executive
#123

Yes. So I'll -- this is Rajendra Joshi, again. I would say that the 2 schemes that you mentioned just now were launched in January, and this was not there in the last quarter. While we did have some flexible payment plans earlier in the previous quarters. But as we mentioned in the last question, the uptake for such schemes has been quite low. In fact, most of our sales have been under the construction -- I would say about 95% to 98% of our sales is on the construction plan.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#124

And when you give the schemes, have you bumped up your prices? Or like how do you adjust NPV for these flexible plans?

Rajendra Joshi

executive
#125

Yes. So what we do normally is that in some of our projects, we do already have some discount structure. So all these schemes that we -- you mentioned are worked out within the available discount structure. We normally don't offer further discounts. In some cases, yes, we do bump up prices if there is any such scheme going on. But that's rare.

Parikshit Kandpal

analyst
#126

Okay. My last question is on the residential business again. So we are largely limited to developing projects in the Southern India. So now we are hitting already 1.5 million, and the expectation is running high. And so I analyze that number, it comes closer to 6 million square feet on a very optimistic side. But looking at growth and other launches which developers, your competitors, will plan for the next year and some new entrants in that market who are doing very aggressive BD. So the market share is up for grab for everyone. But beyond South, do you have any plans to diversify into other markets and take some maybe market share and continue giving that kind of a growth number on Y-o-Y basis?

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#127

Look, currently, we have no plans to go beyond India, other than to the extent of GIFT City, which we have made, not a great step, but we have -- we are there in GIFT City. But we will focus on Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad as our focus markets. And I think these 3 metropolitan cities offer enough opportunities, in my opinion. There are large developers, for decades they have delivered only in NCR market. There are large developers who believed only in Mumbai market. So that way, I think the 3 cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad offers enough opportunities. And I think, by and large, we must stick to it.

Operator

operator
#128

Ladies and gentlemen, we'll take the last question from the line of Pritesh Sheth from Edelweiss Wealth.

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#129

I just wanted to know one bookkeeping question. Your breakup of the collections, I mean residential, commercial and hotel, [ what are you seeing there ]?

Atul Goyal

executive
#130

You are not clear.

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#131

Can you just make your question clear?

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#132

Yes. Yes. Breakup of collections between residential, commercial and hotels for this quarter?

Atul Goyal

executive
#133

Yes. So we have, for this quarter, INR 518 crores in resi; INR 14 crores in commercial sale; leasing is INR 117 crores; hospitality, INR 22 crores; and of course, INR 22 crores is security deposit achieved that is totaled to INR [ 682 ] crores.

Operator

operator
#134

Ladies and gentlemen, that was the last question. I now hand the conference over to Ms. Pavitra Shankar, Executive Director, for closing comments. Thank you, and over to you.

Pavitra Shankar

executive
#135

Thank you, everyone, for joining us on this call. 2020 was the year of change and learning, and we certainly did both. The pandemic [ through its span ] on the works for our businesses, but some have recovered faster than expected. Overall, we are hopeful that the worst is behind us. In closing, we'd like to focus on some positives from a business perspective, a more immediate driver to change the current course is a much-needed shot in the arm, both literally and figuratively speaking, the coronavirus vaccine. A lot is riding on the successful distribution and reach of the vaccine, especially our businesses that are directly constrained by the virus because of its in-person services, that is hospitality and retail. A step in the right direction is the recently announced union budget that has earmarked a whopping INR 35,000 crores procurement plan. We wish all those involved in its distribution the very best. While on the topic of the budget, we appreciate the government's continuity of policy and measures that indirectly benefit us. Although we're hopeful that recommendations from the real estate sector will be addressed as soon as possible, especially with regard to lowering GST on cement and reinstatement of input tax credit. Continuous improvement has been intrinsic in our brand philosophy, and the challenges of 2020 has prepared us not only to face uncertainty, but to also revisit processes for business continuity. The important aspects that helped us was the constant top-down communication, teamwork and equipping of teams to efficiently and seamlessly work from home. In fact, we were the first real estate developer to organize multiple successful online exports last year, testament to quickly adapting to the new normal. Furthermore, we are deepening our focus on a long-lasting design philosophy of sustainability in our products by supporting a number of initiatives to enhance the community and the natural environment around our project sites. Some noteworthy examples are Brigade Cornerstone Utopia, a large-scale mixed-use development that offers a future-ready lifestyle, including a range of green measures. And Brigade Tech Gardens, spanning -- that has been certified as a USGBC LEED platinum SEZ development. We are constantly working towards developing safer, greener spaces for the future, and will continue to consciously practice and prioritize sustainability in all that we build. Brigade REAP, our tech accelerator, received over 122 applicants as part of its 19th -- sorry, its ninth cohort of start up. In the past, the start-ups have seen an increase of over 150% year-on-year growth in revenue. 42% of them have raised funding within 12 months of graduating with the real estate industry being actively involved in not just giving business, but also investing in many of these startups. As you've heard, we've established ourselves strongly in Hyderabad and Chennai, which will continue to be geographies of focus. From changing the skyline of Bangalore, we aim to make a difference in these cities as well. On that note, we would like to thank all of you for being part of our Q3 FY '21 update. And on behalf of everyone at Brigade, we wish you the very best. Stay safe and stay healthy. Thank you.

Operator

operator
#136

Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Brigade Enterprises Limited, that concludes this conference. Thank you all for joining us, and you may now disconnect your lines.

Mysore Jaishankar

executive
#137

Thank you very much, everybody.

Atul Goyal

executive
#138

Thank you.

Operator

operator
#139

Thank you.

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