LEMONTREE - Lemon Tree Hotel
π’ Recent Corporate Announcements
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 76-room hotel in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which will be managed by its subsidiary, Carnation Hotels. This signing increases the company's footprint in Uttar Pradesh to 26 hotels, with 8 currently operational and 18 in the pipeline. The property is strategically located near Gorakhpur's airport and railway station, catering to the growing demand for branded hospitality in Eastern UP. This expansion reflects the company's ongoing strategy to penetrate high-potential regional and transit hubs across India.
- New 76-room hotel signed in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, under a license agreement.
- Total portfolio in Uttar Pradesh reaches 26 hotels, including 18 upcoming properties.
- Property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a 100% subsidiary.
- Strategic location 14 km from Gorakhpur Airport and 8.5 km from the Railway Station.
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 49-room hotel in Barog, Himachal Pradesh, to be managed by its subsidiary Carnation Hotels. This marks the company's 10th property in the state, where it currently has 4 operational hotels and 6 under development. The property is strategically located near Chandigarh and Kalka to attract leisure travelers and corporate events. This expansion aligns with Lemon Tree's asset-light growth model and focus on high-potential leisure micro-markets.
- Signed a license agreement for a 49-room hotel in Barog, Himachal Pradesh
- Marks the 10th property in Himachal Pradesh, with 4 currently operational and 6 under development
- Property to be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary
- Strategically located 64 km from Chandigarh Airport and 32 km from Kalka Railway Station
- Lemon Tree's total pipeline now includes 130+ upcoming properties globally
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 55-room hotel in Akola, Maharashtra, under the 'Keys Prima' brand. The property will be managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carnation Hotels Private Limited, following the company's asset-light growth strategy. This signing increases Lemon Tree's presence in Maharashtra to 28 hotels, consisting of 15 operational and 13 upcoming properties. The expansion targets Akola's growing status as a commercial and agricultural hub in the Vidarbha region.
- New hotel signing in Akola, Maharashtra, featuring 55 well-appointed rooms and premium amenities.
- Expands Maharashtra portfolio to a total of 28 hotels, with 13 currently in the pipeline.
- Property to be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, reinforcing an asset-light business model.
- The hotel includes a restaurant, banquet hall, conference room, fitness center, swimming pool, and spa.
- Lemon Tree's total portfolio now stands at 260+ properties, including 120+ operational hotels.
Lemon Tree Hotels' subsidiary, Hyacinth Hotels Private Limited, has successfully resolved a property tax assessment dispute with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The subsidiary opted for the SUNIYO Scheme, a tax settlement initiative, and deposited the required property tax amount. Consequently, the Honβble High Court of Delhi permitted the withdrawal of the pending appeal on February 18, 2026. This settlement brings closure to a litigation matter previously disclosed in September 2025, reducing legal uncertainty for the company.
- Subsidiary Hyacinth Hotels Private Limited settles property tax litigation with MCD.
- Company utilized the SUNIYO Scheme to deposit tax and resolve the assessment order.
- Delhi High Court permitted the withdrawal of the appeal on February 18, 2026.
- The resolution concludes legal proceedings that were ongoing since at least September 2025.
Lemon Tree Hotels has officially released the audio recording of its Q3 FY26 earnings conference call held on February 10, 2026. The call focused on the company's unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine-month period ending December 31, 2025. This disclosure ensures transparency and provides all stakeholders access to management's detailed discussion on business performance. The recording is available on the company's investor relations website for public review.
- Earnings call audio recording for Q3 FY26 is now available for public access via the company website.
- The session addressed financial performance for the nine months ended December 31, 2025.
- Filing complies with Regulation 30 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
- The call was conducted on February 10, 2026, following the results announcement.
Lemon Tree Hotels reported its highest-ever quarterly revenue and EBITDA in Q3 FY26, with revenue growing 15% YoY to βΉ407.8 Cr. While EBITDA margins contracted slightly by 133 bps to 50.6% due to renovation and GST impacts, the company saw an 11% YoY increase in Average Room Rate (ARR) to βΉ7,487. Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by 2% to βΉ81.8 Cr, impacted by a βΉ31.3 Cr one-off exceptional item related to labor codes and taxes. The company continues its aggressive asset-light expansion, signing 17 new contracts and adding 1,855 rooms to its pipeline this quarter.
- Record quarterly revenue of βΉ407.8 Cr (up 15% YoY) and Net EBITDA of βΉ206.4 Cr (up 12% YoY)
- Average Room Rate (ARR) increased by 11% YoY to βΉ7,487, driving a 9% growth in RevPAR to βΉ5,494
- Exceptional one-time expense of βΉ31.3 Cr for labor code provisions and property taxes impacted PAT growth
- Asset-light pipeline expanded significantly with 17 new management/franchise contracts adding 1,855 rooms
- Total management fees grew to βΉ48.2 Cr, with fees from third-party owned hotels increasing 24% YoY
Lemon Tree Hotels has approved the grant of 99,16,000 Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR) units to eligible employees under its 2024 scheme. The SAR price is fixed at Rs. 129.37 per unit, reflecting the market price prior to the grant date. These units will vest after a minimum period of two years and can extend up to eight years, subject to performance milestones. The scheme is designed to align employee incentives with long-term shareholder value through the issuance of equity shares upon exercise.
- Grant of 99,16,000 SAR Units to eligible employees under the LTHL SAR Scheme - 2024.
- SAR Price set at Rs. 129.37 per unit based on the closing price prior to the grant date.
- Vesting period starts after a minimum of 2 years and can extend up to 8 years from the scheme's effective date.
- Vested units must be exercised within 1 year from the date of vesting.
- Settlement will be made through the allotment of new equity shares based on the appreciation value at the time of exercise.
Lemon Tree Hotels reported a strong 19.6% YoY growth in standalone revenue to βΉ124.62 crore for Q3 FY26, driven by seasonal demand. However, standalone Net Profit fell 18.7% YoY to βΉ23.16 crore, primarily due to one-time exceptional charges totaling βΉ18.78 crore. These charges include a βΉ9.27 crore ex-gratia payment to employees and a βΉ7.35 crore provision for the new Labour Code. The company also announced a major restructuring plan to separate its hotel ownership and management businesses into focused platforms.
- Standalone Revenue from operations grew 19.6% YoY to βΉ12,461.90 lakhs compared to βΉ10,420.64 lakhs in Q3 FY25.
- Standalone Net Profit stood at βΉ2,315.76 lakhs, impacted by βΉ1,877.53 lakhs in one-time exceptional items.
- Exceptional costs include βΉ926.91 lakhs for employee ex-gratia and βΉ735.03 lakhs for new Labour Code compliance.
- EBITDA (Profit before depreciation, finance cost, and tax) rose 16.2% YoY to βΉ6,320.43 lakhs.
- Board approved a Composite Scheme of Arrangement to segregate hotel ownership and management businesses into separate platforms.
Lemon Tree Hotels (LTHL) has scheduled its earnings conference call for Q3 and 9M FY26 on February 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM IST. This follows the planned declaration of financial results on February 6, 2026. The company currently operates 130 hotels across 80+ cities and has an aggressive expansion strategy with a pipeline of 130 upcoming properties. The call will feature senior management discussing financial performance and future outlook followed by a Q&A session.
- Earnings conference call set for February 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM IST.
- Q3 and 9M FY26 financial results to be declared on February 6, 2026.
- Company currently operates 130 hotels with a pipeline of 130 upcoming properties.
- Portfolio includes 7 brands across upscale to economy segments in 80+ cities.
Lemon Tree Hotels has appointed Mr. Vivek Jhawar as Senior Vice President β Business Development and Senior Management Personnel, effective January 23, 2026. Mr. Jhawar brings over 17 years of extensive experience in the retail and business development sectors, having worked with prominent organizations like Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail and Future Group. This strategic appointment is aimed at strengthening the company's expansion and growth initiatives. The hire aligns with the company's focus on scaling its portfolio through experienced leadership.
- Appointment of Mr. Vivek Jhawar as SVP - Business Development effective January 23, 2026.
- Mr. Jhawar possesses over 17 years of professional experience in retail and business development.
- Previous leadership roles held at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, BIBA Apparels, and Future Group.
- Educational background includes a PGDM from S.P. Jain Center of Management and B.Com (Hons) from University of Calcutta.
Lemon Tree Hotels is implementing a Composite Scheme of Arrangement to separate its business into two distinct entities: an asset-light management company and an asset-heavy ownership platform (Fleur Hotels). Warburg Pincus has committed a primary capital infusion of βΉ960 crores into Fleur Hotels to accelerate growth and acquisitions. Post-reorganization, Lemon Tree shareholders will effectively own approximately 74% of Fleur Hotels through a combination of direct and indirect holdings. The move aims to make Lemon Tree a debt-free, high-ROCE entity focused on management fees and digital services within 12-15 months.
- Warburg Pincus to invest βΉ960 crores in primary capital to fund Fleur Hotels' expansion.
- Lemon Tree Hotels aims to become a debt-free, pure-play management company with high margins.
- Fleur Hotels is currently in active discussions to acquire or develop over 2,500 additional rooms.
- Existing shareholders will hold a 74% effective stake in Fleur (33% direct and 41% indirect via Lemon Tree).
- The company currently operates 11,700 rooms with a total pipeline of approximately 10,000 rooms.
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 85-room 'Lemon Tree Premier' property in the pilgrimage destination of Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. The hotel will be managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carnation Hotels Private Limited, and is expected to feature a spa, swimming pool, and banquet facilities. This signing strengthens the company's presence in Madhya Pradesh, bringing its total portfolio in the state to 4 operational and 10 upcoming hotels. The move strategically targets the growing spiritual tourism segment in India.
- New 85-room 'Lemon Tree Premier' property signed in the spiritual hub of Omkareshwar.
- Property to be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary.
- Expands Madhya Pradesh portfolio to 4 operational and 10 upcoming properties.
- Strategically located near one of the 12 Jyotirlingas to capture high-volume pilgrimage traffic.
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 48-room property under the 'Keys Select' brand in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh. The property will be managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carnation Hotels Private Limited, targeting the religious and leisure tourism segment. This signing strengthens the company's presence in Uttar Pradesh, where it currently has 8 operational and 14 upcoming hotels. The hotel is strategically located 10 kms from Chitrakoot Airport and 5 kms from the railway station, enhancing its accessibility for travelers.
- New 48-room 'Keys Select' property signed in the spiritually significant town of Chitrakoot.
- Property to be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary.
- Expands Uttar Pradesh portfolio to 8 operational and 14 upcoming hotels.
- Features include a restaurant, banquet hall, meeting room, fitness centre, and swimming pool.
- Strategic location 10 kms from Chitrakoot Airport and 5 kms from Chitrakutdham Karwi Railway Station.
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 120-room property under the Keys Select brand in Khurpatal, Uttarakhand. The hotel will be managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carnation Hotels Private Limited, and is expected to cater to leisure and spiritual travelers. This signing strengthens the company's footprint in Uttarakhand, where it currently has 9 operational and 10 upcoming hotels. The property features a restaurant, banquet hall, and recreational facilities including a spa and swimming pool.
- New 120-room property signed under the Keys Select brand in Khurpatal, Uttarakhand.
- Property to be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary.
- Expansion increases the company's Uttarakhand pipeline to 10 upcoming hotels alongside 9 operational ones.
- Strategic location 36 kms from Kathgodam Railway Station and 70 kms from Pantnagar Airport.
- The hotel will include a banquet hall, meeting room, spa, and fitness centre.
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has issued a clarification regarding a clerical error in its previous regulatory filing dated January 15, 2026. The company noted that the date in the original announcement letter was inadvertently mentioned as January 15, 2025, instead of January 15, 2026. This correction specifically concerns the disclosure of the outcome of a conference call held with analysts and institutional investors. The company confirmed that all other contents of the original announcement remain unchanged and valid.
- Correction of a typographical error in the date of a previous regulatory filing.
- Original date mentioned as January 15, 2025, corrected to January 15, 2026.
- The filing pertains to the outcome of a conference call with analysts and institutional investors.
- No changes were made to the substantive content or financial details of the original announcement.
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Owned hotels revenue grew 8% YoY to INR 293 Cr in Q2 FY26, representing 63% of total network revenue. Managed and franchised hotel network revenue grew 13% YoY to INR 174 Cr (37% of network). Management fees from third-party hotels rose 7% YoY to INR 14.3 Cr, while fees from Fleur Hotels increased 8% to INR 19.9 Cr.
Geographic Revenue Split
The company operates a pan-India portfolio across 73 cities. Significant revenue is concentrated in major metros including Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, where major renovations and rebranding (e.g., Red Fox Aerocity to Lemon Tree Hotel) are driving repricing and higher revenue capture.
Profitability Margins
Profit After Tax (PAT) margin improved to 18.9% in FY25 from 17.0% in FY24. For Q2 FY26, PAT stood at INR 41.9 Cr, up 20% YoY. Cash profit for Q2 FY26 was INR 76.3 Cr, a 9.2% YoY increase.
EBITDA Margin
Net EBITDA margin was 43.0% in Q2 FY26, down 306 bps YoY from 46.1% in Q2 FY25. This was primarily due to investments in renovation, technology, and one-time ex-gratia payments which together accounted for 8% of revenue. Margins are expected to expand as these costs reduce to 5% in FY27 and 2% by FY28.
Capital Expenditure
Planned maintenance and renovation capital expenditure is estimated at INR 60-70 Cr per annum over the next three fiscals (FY26-FY28).
Credit Rating & Borrowing
Credit rating improved from A to A+ (Positive outlook from ICRA/CRISIL). This upgrade reduced the average cost of borrowing by 96 bps YoY to 7.72% in Q2 FY26 compared to 8.68% in Q2 FY25.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Not applicable as a service provider; however, key operational costs include employee ex-gratia payments, technology investments, and renovation materials for hotel upgrades.
Capacity Expansion
Current operational capacity is 10,956 rooms across 121 hotels. The total pipeline includes 9,118 rooms, aiming for a total group inventory of 20,074 rooms across 242 hotels. A new 500-550 room Aurika hotel is planned for Nehru Place, New Delhi.
Raw Material Costs
Renovation, technology, and one-time employee payments accounted for 8% of Q2 FY26 revenue (approx. INR 24.5 Cr). Total expenses for Q2 FY26 were INR 175.6 Cr, up 14% YoY.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Occupancy stood at 69.8% in Q2 FY26 (up 139 bps YoY). Gross Average Room Rate (ARR) increased 6% YoY to INR 6,247, resulting in a RevPAR of INR 4,358 (up 8% YoY).
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
20%
Growth Strategy
Aggressive expansion of the management and franchise pipeline (currently 9,118 rooms). Rebranding lower-tier hotels to higher-tier brands (e.g., Red Fox to Lemon Tree Hotel) to drive RevPAR growth, as evidenced by a 47% RevPAR increase in a renovated Pune property. Focus on high-demand markets like New Delhi with the new Aurika project.
Products & Services
Hotel room stays, Food & Beverage (F&B) services, and hotel management/franchise services for third-party owners.
Brand Portfolio
Aurika Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Premier, Lemon Tree Hotels, Red Fox by Lemon Tree Hotels, Keys Prima, Keys Select, and Keys Lite.
New Products/Services
Launch of Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram (246 rooms) and the upcoming 500+ room Aurika in New Delhi.
Market Expansion
Expansion into northern India and major business hubs; signed 15 new contracts adding 1,138 rooms to the pipeline in Q2 FY26 alone.
Market Share & Ranking
Among the top three hotel chains in India by number of rooms.
Strategic Alliances
Management arm Carnation Hotels Private Limited manages properties for third-party asset owners; Fleur Hotels serves as a key internal management partner.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is seeing a demand-supply mismatch in major metros favoring incumbents. Lemon Tree is positioning itself by upgrading existing assets to capture higher rates as supply growth remains minimal in prime locations.
Competitive Landscape
Competes with major domestic and international hotel chains in India; maintains competitive edge through a dominant mid-scale presence and rapid asset-light expansion.
Competitive Moat
Durable advantage through a diversified brand portfolio covering economy to upscale segments and a massive pan-India footprint (111+ hotels) which is difficult for new entrants to replicate quickly.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to domestic tourism trends and corporate travel demand; H1 FY26 demand was muted due to floods and geopolitical tensions.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward branded mid-scale and upscale accommodation; company is responding by upgrading 'Keys' and 'Red Fox' properties to 'Lemon Tree' and 'Keys Prima' brands.
Geopolitical Risks
Geopolitical tensions cited as a headwind causing muted demand in the first half of FY26.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Compliance with hospitality standards and GST regulations; forward-looking risks include changes in tax laws and import duties.
Taxation Policy Impact
Tax expense for Q2 FY26 was INR 13.9 Cr, up 36% YoY. GST revisions in the hospitality sector were noted as a demand headwind in H1 FY26.
Legal Contingencies
Maintains 100% resolution rate for sexual harassment cases over the last four years; governance includes 67% independent directors.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Susceptibility to cyclicality in the hospitality industry and potential slower-than-expected ramp-up of new or renovated assets impacting short-term profitability.
Geographic Concentration Risk
While pan-India, a significant portion of owned asset value is concentrated in Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Third Party Dependencies
Dependency on third-party hotel owners for the 'managed' portfolio expansion; delays in their construction timelines impact management fee growth.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Investing heavily in technology to mitigate obsolescence; tech spend is expected to stabilize at 2% of revenue by FY28.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Net debt to EBITDA ratio (including lease liabilities) is a key monitorable, currently targeted to stay below 2.6x for further rating upgrades.