SAJHOTELS - Saj
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
The Hospitality Services segment grew 5.1% YoY, reaching INR 7.63 Cr in H1 FY26 compared to INR 7.26 Cr in H1 FY25. However, Q2 FY26 revenue of INR 3.95 Cr showed a 4.8% decline compared to INR 4.15 Cr in Q2 FY25.
Geographic Revenue Split
100% of revenue is generated within India, primarily from resort operations in Maharashtra (Mahabaleshwar and Satara).
Profitability Margins
Net profit margin compressed significantly from 20.4% in H1 FY25 to 10.7% in H1 FY26. This was driven by a 60.3% increase in total expenses, which rose from INR 4.98 Cr to INR 7.98 Cr YoY.
EBITDA Margin
EBITDA margin declined from 45.4% in H1 FY25 to 37% in H1 FY26. Core profitability was impacted by a 39.6% rise in employee benefit expenses and a 65.3% increase in other operating expenses.
Capital Expenditure
The company has a planned capital expenditure of INR 17.00 Cr for the expansion of existing resorts. As of September 30, 2025, INR 2.12 Cr (12.4%) has been utilized.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
Long-term borrowings surged from INR 0.21 Cr in March 2025 to INR 17.15 Cr in September 2025. Finance costs increased by 2,997% YoY, from INR 3.39 Lakhs to INR 1.05 Cr, reflecting the impact of new debt for expansion.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Food and beverages consumed represent the primary raw material cost, totaling INR 75.47 Lakhs in H1 FY26, which is 9.45% of total expenses.
Capacity Expansion
Current capacity is being expanded with a budget of INR 17.00 Cr dedicated to resort infrastructure. INR 2.12 Cr has been spent on this expansion as of Q2 FY26.
Raw Material Costs
Food and beverage costs increased 14.5% YoY from INR 65.92 Lakhs to INR 75.47 Lakhs. Procurement is managed through local sourcing for resort operations.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Not applicable as the company operates in the service-based hospitality sector.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
Not disclosed
Growth Strategy
Growth is targeted through the expansion of existing resort capacity (INR 17 Cr project) and a strategic partnership with Lemon Tree Hotels to market 'Saj by the Lake' under the 'Keys Prima' brand, gaining access to a larger customer base.
Products & Services
Hospitality services including resort accommodation, restaurant services (food and beverages), and event hosting.
Brand Portfolio
Saj Hotels, Saj by the Lake, Saj on the Mountains, and Keys Prima (via strategic partnership).
New Products/Services
Expansion of existing resort facilities is expected to contribute to future revenue once the INR 17 Cr project is completed.
Market Expansion
Focusing on strengthening presence in the Maharashtra leisure travel market through resort upgrades.
Strategic Alliances
Strategic partnership with Lemon Tree Hotels for branding and marketing 'Saj by the Lake'.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is shifting toward branded partnerships to leverage loyalty programs and standardized service levels, as seen in the company's Lemon Tree alliance.
Competitive Landscape
Competes with other leisure resorts and branded hotel chains in the Maharashtra hill station circuit.
Competitive Moat
Moat is built on strategic locations in Mahabaleshwar and brand trust, which is reinforced by the Lemon Tree partnership. Sustainability depends on maintaining service standards.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to discretionary spending trends and domestic tourism cycles in India.
Consumer Behavior
Increasing consumer preference for branded hospitality experiences that offer standardized service and safety.
Geopolitical Risks
Low direct impact as operations are localized in Maharashtra, India.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Operations are subject to hospitality standards and local tourism regulations in Maharashtra.
Taxation Policy Impact
The effective tax rate for H1 FY26 was approximately 18.7%, with a current tax provision of INR 25.69 Lakhs on a profit before tax of INR 1.37 Cr.
Legal Contingencies
The company has pending litigations disclosed in Note 30 of the financial statements; however, specific case values were not provided in the summary documents.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Execution risk of the INR 17 Cr resort expansion and the volatility of finance costs which rose 2,997% YoY.
Geographic Concentration Risk
100% of revenue is concentrated in Maharashtra, making the company vulnerable to regional economic or regulatory shifts.
Third Party Dependencies
Significant dependency on Lemon Tree Hotels for the branding and marketing success of the 'Saj by the Lake' property.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Low risk; the company is focusing on improving internal financial control systems to safeguard assets.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Trade receivables increased 78.8% from INR 1.42 Cr in March 2025 to INR 2.54 Cr in September 2025, indicating a need for tighter credit management.