Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited (500040) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

January 22, 2025

BSE Limited IN Real Estate Real Estate Management and Development earnings 64 min

Earnings Call Speaker Segments

Operator

operator
#1

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited Q3 FY '25 Earnings Conference Call hosted by Nomura. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. I now hand the conference over to Mr. Akash Gupta from Equity Research Nomura.

Akash Gupta

analyst
#2

Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. On behalf of Nomura, I welcome you all to the 3Q FY '25 Earnings Call for Aditya Birla Real Estate. We have with us from the management, Mr. R.K. Dalmia, Managing Director, Aditya Birla Real Estate; K.T. Jithendran, MD and CEO; and Mr. Snehal Shah, CFO. Sir, we will start with the call with opening remarks from the management, which will be followed by a Q&A. Over to you, sir.

R. Dalmia

executive
#3

Okay. Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. And welcome to the earnings conference call for the third quarter and 9 months of financial year 2025. Let me now take you all through the financial highlights, followed by the business-wise operational highlights. For the third quarter of financial year 2025, the consolidated turnover of continuing operations declined by 4% year-on-year to INR 946 crores, EBITDA for the quarter was reported at INR 18 crores. This EBITDA margin reported at 1.9%, while the net loss for the quarter was INR 37 crores. For 9 months of financial year 2025, the consolidated turnover of continuing operations grew by 18% year-on-year to INR 3,206 crores. EBITDA for this period was INR 241 crores with EBITDA margin reported at 7.5%. The net profit of continued operations for this period was INR 3 crores. Now let me take you through some of the key highlights across our business verticals, starting with the real estate business. During the quarter, the Indian real estate sector recorded a strong sales, consistently growing appetite for new launches. The premium and agri residential housing segment continued to outperform, driven by factors such as a large space requirement, advanced amenities and the desire to secure and well-designed living spaces. Premiumization continue to remain the defining feature in the residential segment. Q3 '25, the real estate business performed very well with booking value increasing by 257%. Year-on-year to INR 675 crores at our already launched projects and collection increased by 175% year-on-year to INR 501 crores. The revenue of Birla Estate grew by 117% year-on-year to INR 184 crores, driven by continued deliveries at project Birla Alokya in Bengaluru, Birla Vanya, Kalyan and Birla Vanya Navya Phase 1 in Gurugram. Adhering to our commitment of diversifying the portfolio while catering to demand for spacious homes, we acquired a 70 acres land parcel in Boisar for our first ever plotted development project. In other updates, Birla Aurora has been awarded the prestigious Net Zero Energy-Existing Building certification by the Indian Green Building Council. Also Birla Anayu, Walkeshwar has received LEED Gold precertification, reaffirming our commitment to energy efficiency and global sustainability. Let me also take this opportunity to provide some clarity regarding on Honorable Supreme Court order on land bearing C.S. 1546 that appeared in media publication of Times of India. The Worli West land comprises of freehold and leased land. The lease land, which is under Supreme Court order measuring to 25,544 square meters or equivalent to 6.31 acres under the development potential of approximately 95 lakhs square feet to INR 5,000 crores booking potential. This has no impact on Birla Niyaara project, as land parcel are different. Additionally, there would not be an impact on our long-term plan of the company, through this order as a company had planned to develop this post 3 to 4 years. It is important to note that Birla Estate added a total of INR 63,000 crores GDV till date and we have strong business pipelines across our key markets of MMR, NCR, Pune, Bengaluru. We plan to stay on course with our long-term growth plan. Lastly, our outlook on the sector continued to remain optimistic, driven by increasing urbanization trend, rising disposable income and government investment in infrastructure. With the ongoing reduction in unsold inventory, India's real estate sector is strategically positioned and resilient and dynamic future effectively addressing overhang concern. Now moving to the Pulp and Paper segment. Q3 '25, paper, board and tissue prices continued to witness a downturn due to weak domestic demand. Rising finished goods inventory, and rising input cost pressure from increasing wood and imported pulp cost. Average net sales realization for the quarter were down by 6% year-on-year and 3% vis-a-vis previous quarter. While production volume fell by around 15% year-on-year, sales volume decreased by 16% year-on-year. That resulted in EBITDA declining by 79% year-on-year. Writing and printing paper segment witnessed a soft market demand in Q3 financial year '25. The board segment faced challenging market conditions in Q3 with price correction by domestic mills for machine coverage. The company continued to implement various cost reduction initiative to counter these market conditions, like trial of using bagasse pulp in middle layer of board without compromising on quality. Bamboo usage in fiberline was increased from 14% in Q1 to 31% in Q3 to reduce cost of captive pulp. Additional capacity of chippers was utilized to store wood chips instead of wood logs thereby reducing downtime in pulp mills. On the sustainability front, the company developed 138 nurseries in 13 districts to increase wood catchment area with about 110 lakh plantation completed till Q3 '25. The company generated around 44 metric tonne of compressed methane gas, CMG from wastewater and utilized the same instead of LPG in tissue machine. Company is also taking various strategic measures like conducting a management leadership workshop, Mission Everest with a leading faculty. We also reworked the copier market strategy to revamp the product portfolio. Additionally, B2C strategic initiatives are also under development stage. On the market outlook, prices have received in writing and printing paper segment at the end of Q3. On the market outlook prices have recovered in writing and printing paper segment at the end of Q3 and Q4, realizations are expected to be higher, while the operating environment in the tissue segment is expected to be challenging in Q4, given the disruption from entry of new players and adverse demand-supply balance in the domestic market. In both segments, both volume and pricing outlook in Q4 remains subdued given market condition and competitive intensity from low-cost imports with rising domestic competition, we are making efforts to develop export market to obtain orders with a positive contribution margin and ensure machine coverage. Export in paper segment are expected to increase from Q4. With that, I will now conclude our opening remarks, and we can start the question-and-answer session. Thank you.

Operator

operator
#4

[Operator Instructions] The first question comes from the line of Akash Gupta from Nomura.

Akash Gupta

analyst
#5

So sir, we did not have any launches in the third quarter in the festive season. And now you are saying that we'll have roughly 6 launches in the fourth quarter. So I just wanted to understand like where are we with respect to RERA time lines for these 6 projects? And how confident are we that all these 6 projects will go through? My second question is with respect to the loss in your real estate segment this quarter on the P&L. I just wanted to understand, could you give us a brief background as to why do we have a loss in the third quarter for the resi segment?

K. Jithendran

executive
#6

Yes. So our launch calendar for this quarter, largely based on our RERA clearances, is we are expecting the Birla Trimaya and Birla in Sangamwadi, which is in Pune, we are expecting these 2 launches in February. Also, we are expecting to launch Sector 31 in Gurgaon, Barmalt project in February, and we're expecting 2 launches in March. One is in Sarjapur, Bangalore and the other one is the new phase of Navya in Gurugram. So together, we expect to launch about INR 8,000 crores of new projects worth of inventory. So with that, it's our confidence that we'll be able to achieve our guidance.

Snehal Shah

executive
#7

So Akash, on the lost part of real estate, basically, the reason is, of course, our corporate overheads are going up. and we were expected to realize some EBITDA from the handover of our completed properties in Kalyan, particularly. So that has not happened in this quarter, so we could not recognize that revenue as well as the profits from that, which will probably happen in this quarter.

K. Jithendran

executive
#8

So Akash, I just want to assure you all our margins for these projects are all protected. We are running a margin of at least 25% to 32% in all the projects which we are handing over. And overall, it's close to about 30% to 35% margin. But just because the revenue number has not come in while our overheads is evenly distributed across this thing. We have this -- blemishes there.

Akash Gupta

analyst
#9

And sir, one more question for FY '26. What is our presales guidance? How are you looking at that?

K. Jithendran

executive
#10

So we'll refrain from giving any guidance at this point of time. Let's see about the quarter 4.

Snehal Shah

executive
#11

So Akash, essentially, as K.T. mentioned, that we have a couple of -- few launches in this quarter, we have to see what is the performance of those launches. And based on that, we have to consider the sustain and sales of the balance, including our existing launched properties. And based on that, we will work on the number and probably end of quarter 4, we'll be able to give you a better guidance.

Operator

operator
#12

Next question comes from the line of Dixit Doshi with Whitestone Financial Advisors Private Limited.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#13

So my questions are related to this recent Supreme Court order. So some of the things you have already covered in the opening speech, but a few doubts regarding that. So firstly, is it only the litigation is only in the West part? Or is there any litigation on the east part of the land as well? Secondly, this west part is a 10-acre, so entire 10-acre is under litigation and only the judgment has come for 6-acre and -- or only 6-acre was under litigation and 4 acres is absolutely clear? The next part is whether we will be -- we will have to develop any units for the BMC? And if yes, then how much it will cost us? I have a few more if you want, I can cover entire things.

K. Jithendran

executive
#14

So just to give a little more clarification on this litigation aspect, which is already covered by Mr. Dalmiaji in the opening statement. So the litigation is clearly on restricted to that 10 acres of land on the Worli -- sorry, the litigation is restricted only to the Worli West land, not to the East land. East land is totally clear, and has nothing to do with it. On the West land, which is approximately 10 acres, 3.5 acres was freehold, there is no problem, it's absolutely clear. If you remember a few years back, we had said that we have won in the high court, et cetera, on this 6.5 acre land, which is a long lease land from BMC. So that is where the order got reversed in the Supreme Court. So the thing remains that only the 6.5 acres is where we have suffered a loss in this litigation. Otherwise, the rest remains intact. Also it's pertinent to mention that there is a lot of obligation in terms of building the workers' colony there, et cetera. So if the land goes, obviously, the responsibility and the liability of redevelopment, et cetera, also moves to the owner of the land.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#15

So in case this land goes, so we will not have to build anything?

K. Jithendran

executive
#16

Right. You're absolutely right.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#17

And is there any -- I mean, is there any space where we can appeal against this order or it's full and final done?

K. Jithendran

executive
#18

These legal options we are exploring at this point of time.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#19

And just regarding this, if we surrender this land, I mean whether we will be getting any additional FSI, TDR or anything? And is there any option where we can give them this line somewhere else and keep this land?

K. Jithendran

executive
#20

Yes. This 6 acres, you clearly understand Worli East is 30 acres now because we also acquired the Vanya land. So that is completely a separate story. There are no issues on that. This is a 10-acre property on which -- of which partly 4 acres roughly is our own leasehold land. So there is no litigation or any encumbrances or anything on that land. So that is free for us to develop. And we maintain that we will develop that. The issue is only on the 6 acres land, 6 acres land belongs to BMC. So BMC has leased it to us. And we wanted to take procession of that, which the Supreme Court has said now you can't get it. So therefore, now everything related to that is BMC. So we don't have to surrender because it is not -- it is not our land that we have to surrender. It is their land now at the moment. I hope I'm clear about that. So anything they have to do on that land is their liability. We have absolutely no liability on that land.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#21

And my second question is regarding the Niyaara project. So how much units are unsold in the first tower in the second tower?

K. Jithendran

executive
#22

Yes. We've sold how much -- one second. Yes, so in the first tower, about 400 units are sold out of 414. Second tower, about 86 units are sold out of 148.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#23

And any thoughts on Tower 3?

K. Jithendran

executive
#24

Yes, that we are planning to bring it in this coming year.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#25

FY '26?

K. Jithendran

executive
#26

Yes.

Operator

operator
#27

Next question comes from the line of Sidhant Chhabra with Minerva Asset Advisors.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#28

Just had a couple of questions on the Paper and Pulp segment. Firstly, if possible, can you give me a split of bold procurement between subabul, casuarina and eucalyptus, the 3 types of wood?

K. Jithendran

executive
#29

I don't have that breakup at the moment. So we can -- off-line, you can drop an e-mail, I'll send it to you.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#30

Okay. So -- and when I dropped the e-mail off-line, could you also tell me how it's changed over the last year. That's also possible?

K. Jithendran

executive
#31

Okay. I try to send you this trend or whatever. You want to know Eucalyptus and popular, right, the breakup?

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#32

No. So subabul, casuarina and eucalyptus, what your -- the split is of wood procurement between these 3.

K. Jithendran

executive
#33

Okay. Fine.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#34

Okay. So my second question now is regarding wood prices. If you can give me an idea that how do you see domestic and imported wood prices moving over the current year -- calendar year '25 over the rest of the year?

K. Jithendran

executive
#35

I think the cost pressures will continue. The wood prices have gone up by close to around 6.5% from last year. and imported pulp has gone up close to almost 17-odd percent up. So that pressure will continue, particularly imported pulp because of the dollar -- the rupee depreciation also would impact the pricing of that. So that is one thing. And there is the demand supply part, probably it will also continue because there are new capacities that have come up in the market and all that. So that -- those cost pressures will certainly continue in the near future. There is a possibility that slowly as the demand picks up, we can pass on some of it in the pricing.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#36

So are you saying that the domestic wood price, there you expect them stay stable or increase or...

K. Jithendran

executive
#37

Mostly, they would expect -- we expect them to be at least sustained. But it won't -- we don't expect it to considerably go down.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#38

So domestic wood prices, you don't expect a decline over the rest of this year, say, by December end of the year.

K. Jithendran

executive
#39

Correct.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#40

Okay, right. And on imported wood, you told me imported pulp, what about imported wood?

K. Jithendran

executive
#41

We don't import wood.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#42

Then my last question would be on Shandon Chenming, the Chinese paper company. they had a significant part of their capacity shut down in this last December quarter. So first thing would be, have you heard any update on that, if it's come back or to any extent? And secondly, because of that, have you seen that the competitive intensity in paperboard has come down due to their capacities being shut off in the last quarter because they're quite a large player in the paperboard segment?

K. Jithendran

executive
#43

So I absolutely don't have any update on that part. But you have to understand that we were facing pressures, both from imports as well as from new capacities coming up in the market. So imports probably are slowing down, that is what we are seeing, but the pressure is still up because of the new capacities in the domestic market.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#44

Okay. So you're saying that in paperboard, import pressure has been slowing down?

K. Jithendran

executive
#45

Yes.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#46

Okay. And do you expect that to remain the trend going forward? Or do you expect the competitiveness to increase again?

K. Jithendran

executive
#47

So well, I think it would probably always be there. And now with particularly rupee depreciating also would probably slow it down a bit in my opinion. So the pressure may be there, but it won't be as intense it was in this financial year.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#48

Okay. So again, like the decline has happened and you expect it to be slow -- the pressure from imported paperboard to be slow as well, not a pickup again?

K. Jithendran

executive
#49

Yes.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#50

Right. So okay, I'll reach out to you regarding the split between the 3 types of wood procurement.

Operator

operator
#51

[Operator Instructions] Next question comes from the line of Harsh Pathak with Emkay Global.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#52

So K.T., with regards to your remarks that in fourth quarter, we'll be launching INR 8,000 crores of new inventory. But to meet our original guidance to INR 7,000 crores to INR 8,000 crores of presales for the year, I think the ask rate is close to around INR 5,000 crores to INR 5,500 crores. So how confident are we that we'll be able to achieve this high sales from whatever we are launching in the last quarter?

K. Jithendran

executive
#53

Harsh. So apart from the launches, there are also sustain sales -- so with a combination of both that we are pretty reasonably confident that we will be able to achieve this promised target.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#54

Sure. So that INR 7,000 crores to INR 8,000 crores remains intact -- guidance.

K. Jithendran

executive
#55

Yes, yes, with the help of new launches and sustenance support.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#56

Sure. But in the sustenance launch, I was looking at the Q3 performance. So I think the third quarter was mainly driven by Niyaara sales. I think 55% came from Birla Niyaara Phase 1, Phase 2 combined. But now again, Walkeshwar, we have not seen any sales during the quarter. So first is, how is the traction in the lux and premium segment and the sustenance inventory is also low. So my question was more around that.

K. Jithendran

executive
#57

Yes. So I'm not expecting huge listing because we don't have much of sustenance except whatever is leftover inventory from Silas and Walkeshwar, which is Birla Anayu. But I can be confident in saying that we are getting a lot of traction in both these projects, a lot of interest is being shown, people are coming and going. But as we know in this luxury sales, once the launch is done, it takes its own time for deals to be concluded. And usually, most times you have noticed that Q4 is a high action period for these very high-end values -- high-end value units, luxury sales are now about INR 10 crores is -- usually seen pretty strong traction in that final quarter.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#58

Right. But are we seeing footfalls, good footfall still at our projects at the luxury side?

K. Jithendran

executive
#59

Yes, yes, yes. Pretty strong.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#60

Sure. And my next question was regarding this Boisar land parcel. So what kind of development are we eyeing there? And when do we expect the launch of this particular project?

K. Jithendran

executive
#61

Yes. So it should be a pretty quick launch. It's a plotted development that we are planning there. So we are -- and it's very well located, very close to the -- there's a bullet train station, which is coming up from Ahmedabad, Mumbai. The location is very strategic. We've got a very good deal. So it's largely a plotted development. So I expect this to be launched in the next financial year.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#62

So in the first half, we can expect this launch?

K. Jithendran

executive
#63

Yes, I don't like to guide so sharply. But I can, at this point of time, confidently say that should be in the next financial year.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#64

And what would be the GDV of this particular project?

K. Jithendran

executive
#65

Roughly about INR 500 crores being a plotted development.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#66

The entire project. And this is completed our share, right? I think it's an outright purchase so.

K. Jithendran

executive
#67

Right.

Harsh Pathak

analyst
#68

And regarding the BD pipeline, I think in this year, we have already done a very good business development. So how does the pipeline look for the future acquisitions?

K. Jithendran

executive
#69

Yes. So we have already done about INR 23,000 crores. So pipeline looks pretty robust, still very strong deals, both JDA and outright, we are pursuing at this point of time.

Operator

operator
#70

Next question comes from the line of Pritesh Sheth with Axis Capital.

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#71

Just one question or actually a couple of them. One, first is on Sarjapur, since it's a big project. we would get approvals for the whole project, and we would launch 1 or 2 phase out of it? Or what's the plan there?

K. Jithendran

executive
#72

Yes, considering the market demand and the land structure, et cetera, we are actually planning for a single phase launch.

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#73

Okay. So whole of projects will get launched at one go. Okay. That's good to hear. And secondly, on the debt part, INR 4,000 crores, which is like close to 1:1 in terms of equity. How are we looking ahead in terms of managing the leverage. Is there some comfortable ratio that we have in mind? And from the trajectory perspective, is this going to go down from here on? And if yes, then how are you planning to bring this leverage down? I know, I mean, we have a good pipeline, expecting a good cash flow from it, but it will take probably a couple of years for us to scale up to that cash flows, but in between how are we going to manage it and keeping the growth also in mind.

Operator

operator
#74

Ladies and gentlemen, the management line has been disconnected. The management line has been reconnected.

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#75

Yes. So I'll just repeat my question. If you ...

K. Jithendran

executive
#76

I got our question. In the interest of time, you don't need to repeat it. So yes, the comfortable level for us will be somewhere around 1.1 of the equity. And I know we are very close to it. But then the thing you have to understand is we have these launches. So a lot of cash is expected to come roughly to -- even if you take 20% of what we are going to launch, that would be about INR 1,000-odd crores, at least that will come. That will help in reducing the net debt to us. The cash may not be available, but it will reduce the net debt. Therefore, we can access additional borrowings against that. Plus, if you look at the launches that we have already done and the amount of bookings that we've done and you net off the balance expenditure and the balance cash that we have to receive from our launch project, we are much more comfortable, roughly around INR 5,000 crores of cash is in the bank right now to be received in the next 2, 3 years based on that. Is it clear or you want some more clarification?

Pritesh Sheth

analyst
#77

I was on mute, sorry, Just -- I got that answer. Just one more follow-up there. In terms of land investments, we have some target in terms of how much we are going to invest to acquire projects, considering we have already built a reasonable pipeline. So what's the target there for next year?

K. Jithendran

executive
#78

So as said, we have exceeded our this year's target by more than 25%. So -- but we -- as we mentioned in the past also, we keep looking for good value-adding projects at good locations, which will further enhance our brand and we'll be able to do justice to the business. So whenever we get such opportunities, we are at this point of time chasing up quite a few with no particular time lines. So whatever we get, it's a good deal within our parameters within our broad guidelines, we will be happy to acquire it.

Operator

operator
#79

Next question comes from the line of Saksham with AMBIT Capital.

Saksham Mongia

analyst
#80

My first question is related to the presentation. For the MMR region, on Slide 17 for the MMR region, saleable area is increased by 0.5 million square feet, compared to the previous presentation. While the GPV decreased approximately by INR 5,000 crores. So can you please explain the disconnect over here?

K. Jithendran

executive
#81

Yes. So we had just kind of kept the one -- the litigation part, whatever, that we kept it aside.

Saksham Mongia

analyst
#82

But if you would observe that your saleable area has increased by 0.5 million square feet. So it is now 10.6%. It was earlier at 10.1%.

K. Jithendran

executive
#83

The MMR. I will just check that and come back to you.

Saksham Mongia

analyst
#84

Sure. And my next question is related to the Noida update. So we haven't got any update on Noida currently. Any potential time line or the GDV potential of that project, if you could highlight that as well?

K. Jithendran

executive
#85

Yes. So Noida is still work in progress. There are -- as I mentioned last time, there are a few conditions precedent, which still is being handled by the land JV partner, the landowner. So unless that is complied with, we are in no position to declare or talk about it.

Saksham Mongia

analyst
#86

So no time lines on that as of now?

K. Jithendran

executive
#87

Yes, difficult to guess, wager a guess there. We'll be able to tell you once we do it.

Saksham Mongia

analyst
#88

Sure. And my last question is related to the Worli land. So what about the potential launches for FY '26, as you mentioned that you would be launching for Niyaara for Phase 3. What about the Wadia family land that we have bought and the Century Bhavan, if you could highlight that as well?

K. Jithendran

executive
#89

Yes. It's too early to kind of give a guidance at this point of time. We are right now focusing on our launches for current quarter. Once we kind of make progress on this, we will be, maybe in a better position to assess the situation. For sure, we are pretty confident of launching Tower C, this is the third tower. As far as the -- the rest of the parcel is concerned, that we are in the process of market assessment, et cetera. So difficult to wager a guess now.

Operator

operator
#90

Next question comes from the line of Sidhant Chhabra with Minerva Asset Advisors.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#91

I just wanted a reclarification on the paperboard part I asked because in the IP, it says that the Q4 outlook, both volume and pricing remain subdued in the board segment due to competitive intensity from low-cost imports. But when I asked the question earlier, we had discussed that pressures from import is slowing down. So I just wanted a clarification, am I misunderstanding something?

K. Jithendran

executive
#92

We are not saying that the pressure is off. We are only -- I have just mentioned that the intensity might kind of reduce because you've seen some -- particularly, we've seen some good -- I wouldn't say good on the rupee-dollar side. So that makes imports bit competitive. That's all I'm trying to say.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#93

Okay. That's all you -- and you had mentioned about domestic capacity also coming on within board. So could you...

Snehal Shah

executive
#94

It's come -- in board, it's come in tissue also.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#95

Okay. Can you -- is it possible to disclose some names of the players where it's come up?

Snehal Shah

executive
#96

I think in our presentation on the tissue, we have already discussed. And in terms of board, you -- they are all big players like ITC, JK, et cetera.

Operator

operator
#97

Next question comes from the line of [ Chetan Shivami ] with Accenture.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#98

I had a question that, what kind of revenue split do you think between Pulp and Paper and real estate segment going forward? I understand that you are cautious about the performance of the upcoming launches in Q4, but still I would like to know like what kind of split do you think going forward because we are seeing consistent decline in Pulp and Paper segment, because of economic headwinds also, but we have also seen aggressive increase in the real estate segment in terms of revenue. So how do you expect the split? Yes, that's my first question.

Snehal Shah

executive
#99

So yes. I mean our focus -- I mean, in terms of revenue growth is going to be in the real estate sector, because we are not adding any -- we have no plans to add any capacities in our Pulp and Paper business. So gradually, you will see the turnover amount increasing in favor of the real estate business. And the Pulp and Paper business may just marginally improve its turnover, which would depend slightly on the volumes that we have planned in terms of better capacity utilization. And in case the LSR of the products improve.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#100

My second question is what -- like you would have expected some kind of EBITDA margin for the new launches, or for the real estate segment or just quarter 4, so I understand that there is a lot of uncertainty about how the projects will perform. But still, can you give guidance about what do you expect EBITDA margin for the Q4?

K. Jithendran

executive
#101

So largely, it's between 25% to 35% of margins. I also wanted to give a clarification because the question raised by Saksham from Amit Capital that, how the MMR, GDV increased from 10.1 million to 10.5 million. it's largely -- there has been a reduction in the overall Worli portfolio because of this Worli West land, where the litigation has -- results have come. But there has been an increase because of Boisar land acquisition, which is in the tune of about 1.4 million square feet. So netted off, it comes from 10.1 million to 10.5 million square feet. Just wanted to give that clarification.

Operator

operator
#102

Next question comes from the line of Amit Srivastava with B&K Securities.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#103

My first question is in terms of the -- what is the plan for the construction cost in Birla Estate this year FY '25 and next year, FY '26? And what is the collection we are looking at in this overall business?

K. Jithendran

executive
#104

Hi, Amit. So collections, of course, we have collected INR 1,600-plus crores last quarter, which is already higher than what we collected the whole of last year. And through all these launches and further handovers, et cetera, we are reasonably confident of adding another INR 1,000 to INR 1,200 crores in that range. So -- and we are having a good net cash flow from these operating projects of almost plus INR 500 crores. So construction is not a challenge. We're already running at a positive cash flow from our operating projects at INR 500-plus crores.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#105

Any ballpark number, sir, on our construction cost?

K. Jithendran

executive
#106

Construction cost moves from project to project, depending on percentage...

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#107

Overall total for the FY '25, sir.

K. Jithendran

executive
#108

We can come back to you on that number. Around INR 1,800 crores is our construction spend going to be this year, roughly.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#109

And in terms of the project pipeline you have given 5,6 projects which you're going to launch. If you can give us the breakup in terms of the GDV because the Thane project is large, but what is the kind of value we are launching in first phase in terms of Sangamwadi, what is the value you are going to launch?

K. Jithendran

executive
#110

So Sangamwadi, we are launching in the range of about INR 400 crores.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#111

How much, sir?

K. Jithendran

executive
#112

INR 400 crores Sangamwadi Phase 1. Trimaya, we are launching the new phase of INR 800 crores. Sarjapur, we are aiming for a launch of almost INR 3,000 crores. Birla Navya, about INR 1,000 crores. Barmalt in Gurgaon about INR 3,000 crores.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#113

And in terms of the Birla Niyaara, have we seen any kind of price increase over the last 1 quarter, sir, particularly in Silas?

K. Jithendran

executive
#114

Sorry, what is that, Amit?

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#115

So in the second phase, Birla Niyaara, have we seen a price increase?

K. Jithendran

executive
#116

Price increase. No. we haven't done it.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#117

Okay. And in terms of, sir, balance sheet you have already clarified, but just wanted to understand that this cash flow, which we are looking at, the collection will be in terms of the project, but that cannot be utilized for the -- getting a newer project on a BD. So looking at the current balance sheet, it looks like that next year, getting a new pipeline and adding is becoming a challenge from the balance sheet perspective.

Snehal Shah

executive
#118

So Amit, what I meant was this money which comes gets into our RERA account. But that account -- that balance that I have ends up reducing my net debt. I have, therefore, more leverage to borrow against that. Did you understand what I'm saying?

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#119

Yes, yes. So basically a stand-alone business will keep on raising the fund.

Snehal Shah

executive
#120

Exactly, yes.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#121

Any thought process on the Paper business because this -- we are working since last 3, 4 years to improve on our operational efficiency, but we are not getting any results, though the market conditions are also not very conducive, but what is the long-term plan, so are we planning to continue this business? Or we have a plan to do something to release the fund from there to...

Snehal Shah

executive
#122

At the moment, I will not comment on the second part. In terms, of course, this year has been not so good for the entire industry, you know very well. And we certainly faced that situation more. And we -- our CapEx that is happening is continuing to happen. But then if the cash flows are not in because of the business situation, then we can't -- we postpone our CapEx also and that impacts our -- this about increasing our capacity and reducing our costs. So -- but we are pretty hopeful that till the time we continue this business, we -- I mean going forward, it will start producing the required cash flows. And at the moment, of course, the business will continue.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#123

Okay. Sir, last question, is that when are we going to develop the Century Bazaar and adding it into our GDP, any thought process?

K. Jithendran

executive
#124

So Amit, on Century Bazaar, we have some plans, but with the acquisition of this additional land, we are rethinking on the entire strategy. Because we have enough of supply in this micro market. So we need to strategize and plan this properly. So that's work in progress.

Amit Srivastava

analyst
#125

So it will be resi plus commercial, or how will be the mix? Any comment?

K. Jithendran

executive
#126

Both options are open. We are not inclined at this point towards resi, but both options are open. Now we have enough of inventories. So we're exploring, yes.

Operator

operator
#127

Next question comes from the line of Dixit Doshi from Whitestone Financial Advisors Private Limited.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#128

So Birla Vanya, Alokya and Navya are under the delivery phase. So how much revenue recognition would be pending still?

K. Jithendran

executive
#129

So largely, I think Navya and Alokya is done, it's 100% done, except some customer receipts. People are taking their time to take possession, et cetera. As far as Vanya is concerned, we have done about half of it and the rest half of it will be partly for this year.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#130

So around INR 400 crores, INR 450 crores of revenue.

Snehal Shah

executive
#131

Roughly that is the number. Yes.

Dixit Doshi

analyst
#132

And it will happen in Q4 only or some will...

K. Jithendran

executive
#133

Bulk of it will happen in Q4, there may be some spillover to the next year.

Operator

operator
#134

Next question comes from the line of Raj with [indiscernible] Partners.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#135

Sir, out of the INR 14,980 crores of the ongoing projects, what will be the time line for completion?

K. Jithendran

executive
#136

Time lines will range -- it may go all the way up to 2029. We keep adding projects spaces will keep extending. And we're going to launch new phases this year. So that will run for another 4, 4.5 years from here.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#137

Understood. And sir, how much would be the EBITDA on this ongoing part?

Snehal Shah

executive
#138

Ongoing, it roughly takes 30% to 35%.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#139

30%, 35% EBITDA?

Snehal Shah

executive
#140

Yes.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#141

And sir, then on the upcoming part, which is around INR 48,000.

Snehal Shah

executive
#142

Sorry, INR 48,000.

K. Jithendran

executive
#143

Yes, I think at this point of time, we should assume similar EBITDA. That's what we are doing. But largely, as I've always tried to guide the analysts that we look for IRRs, we're focused on IRRs. So we'll keep selling inventory and convert inventory into cash and move into new projects. So that is constantly our model being very capital efficient and also trying to convert inventory into cash and keep turning over cash because in a business which is essentially cyclical, I think it's very important to focus on return on equity, return on capital employed rather than purely on EBITDA. So EBITDA may guide you to keep on sitting on inventory to achieve your targeted margins. So we are more about cash turnover.

Operator

operator
#144

Next question comes from the line of Hardik Jain with ISJ Securities.

Hardik Jain

analyst
#145

Yes. I think most of my questions are answered. Just 2 things. Any thoughts on Prabhadevi, I think last time once it was asked, I think it's answered that it's in distant future.

K. Jithendran

executive
#146

Not at the moment Hardik.

Hardik Jain

analyst
#147

And is there a chance or are we thinking on redeveloping Century Bhavan?

Snehal Shah

executive
#148

That will come before Prabhadevi.

Hardik Jain

analyst
#149

So how big is that portion ?

K. Jithendran

executive
#150

So Century Bhavan is situated in a plot of about an acre roughly, and it has a potential of about roughly 4 lakh square feet. We also have to be careful how to schedule the entire launch phases of Worli. Worli, we have plenty of inventory, positioning, planning, pricing, all of that is required. So accordingly, we will -- we are -- that plan is work in progress at this point of time.

Operator

operator
#151

Next question comes from the line of [indiscernible] Enterprise.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#152

My first question is, last year -- in last con call, you had mentioned that for project Mathura road, Delhi, there were few approvals that were pending. So I would like to know what's the status on that? And are we planning to launch that? Or what's the status over there? The second question is related to the Pulp and Paper business. Sir, what would be the NSR and operating cost per tonne as compared to our competitors?

K. Jithendran

executive
#153

So on the Indian Hume Pipe project in Delhi, there has not been much progress on the approvals. We are expecting after the elections, things will improve. There will be more responsible people taking charge. At this time, committee is not in place, et cetera. So definitely, that's not going to be launched this year. If at all, it will happen only in the next financial year. We haven't made much progress there, as of now. We're waiting for the new establishment to come, post elections and then take charge.

Snehal Shah

executive
#154

On the Pulp and Paper business question, I mean I would not like to comment on the NSR comparison because it's not just one single product. There are different kinds of products. And within those products segment also, there are different varieties of products. So there will be some places where our NSR is better than the competitors or maybe equal or maybe lower. What is important is on the cost factor roughly on an overall aggregate basis. Usually, we have a little bit of a cost disadvantage of close to about 5% to 6%. We service our premier competitors.

Operator

operator
#155

Next question comes from the line of [indiscernible].

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#156

You said you had a 4% to 5% cost disadvantage to your competitors. So any reason why?

Snehal Shah

executive
#157

See, there are a couple of reasons. One is we have -- some competitors have certain subsidiaries available. They have just slightly older plant, et cetera. And we have a locational disadvantage also where we can't -- if you want to go out of north, it becomes a little challenging for us in terms of logistics. And there are a few competitors with higher capacity could afford to put some captive plants for processing mechanical pulp which we -- for us, it doesn't make sense. So we have to import them. So based on the pricing of the imported pulp, sometimes it becomes our disadvantage. So there are a variety of reasons. But broadly, we have estimated that we kind of more or less at any given time, would range between 5% to 6% of the competitors cost. So our EBITDA margins are not as -- would be if they are 20% competitors -- I'm just talking about the major competitors, they would be probably about 25%, 26%.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#158

My second question was on the antidumping duty. So are we working with the government?

Snehal Shah

executive
#159

We are constantly -- I think paper body, which is there, is constantly in dialogue with the ministry, et cetera, to ensure that. But the case is not very strong as we feel, I mean, from what we understand.

Operator

operator
#160

Next question comes from the line of Akshay Ajmera with Nizar Securities LLP.

Akshay Ajmera

analyst
#161

Just a quick question on the Worli West land litigation, you mentioned that how much GDV is revised downward because of adverse Supreme Court ruling?

Snehal Shah

executive
#162

INR 5,000 crores, roughly INR 5,000 crores.

Akshay Ajmera

analyst
#163

INR 5,000 crores. And in area, it would be how much, sir?

K. Jithendran

executive
#164

6.5 acres -- 6.3 acres. About 6.8 lakhs of FSI potential. But we must also remember that along with this, also, there is a lot of rehabilitation liabilities also. So the margins of this will be much lower than the usual margins. It is expected 4 to 5 years down the line. So the NAV will not be significant here, the NPV of this.

Akshay Ajmera

analyst
#165

So there are no thoughts of procuring this land from BMC going forward?

K. Jithendran

executive
#166

So we are exploring all options. Too early to come to a conclusion.

Operator

operator
#167

Next question comes from the line of [ Prashant Gaikwan ] and Individual investor.

Unknown Shareholder

shareholder
#168

I would just like to ask you one question with respect to the Century Bhavan. So what would be the revenue potential for that?

K. Jithendran

executive
#169

Century Bhavan, roughly about INR 4,000 crores.

Operator

operator
#170

Next question comes from the line of [ Himanshu Zaveri ] and Individual Investor.

Unknown Shareholder

shareholder
#171

What launches are we expecting in this quarter? And do we expect around INR 3,000 to INR 4,000 crores of presales this quarter to meet our guidance for the full year?

K. Jithendran

executive
#172

Himanshu, I have already explained the entire launch calendar, month-wise, project-wise, area-wise, value-wise. So -- and -- right in the beginning and also we are reasonably confident of achieving our guidance.

Unknown Shareholder

shareholder
#173

Okay. And can you share -- like are we seeing some slowdown in prices as in the end, the real estate is connected to the stock market and there their prices are down like 30%, 40%. So just to know for the knowledge.

K. Jithendran

executive
#174

So Himanshu, to what we are saying that we are coming up for launches also is that the inventory overhang continues to be very low, far lower than what it used to be in the past when the markets are not so great. Demand has been strong. Overall, if you look at year-to-year, there has been a higher intake of -- compared to last year, the sales have been much higher than what it has been last year. So it's too early to predict that there is going to be a slowdown any of that. So there's been no let down in pricing. We had a launch in Q2 in Bengaluru. And what we sold a Phase 1 of Trimaya last year is INR 6,200 crores, got sold at INR 8,200 crores -- INR 6, 800 crores sold out at INR 8,200 crores this -- I mean, last quarter, and again, a full sellout. So that is what the data tells you.

Unknown Shareholder

shareholder
#175

But as of now, we are not seeing any kind of slowdown?

Snehal Shah

executive
#176

No, not to my knowledge.

Operator

operator
#177

Next question comes from the line of Sidhant Chhabra with Minerva Asset Advisors.

Sidhant Chhabra

analyst
#178

So you mentioned your investor presentation that the writing and printing segment has witnessed soft demand in Q3. So within that segment, specifically copier paper if you can give me an idea how the pricing has been over the last 2 quarters, so sequentially and how import intensity has been, you said it's increased, and how do you expect import intensity to be going forward within copier paper only?

Snehal Shah

executive
#179

I -- right now, I don't have the numbers. [Technical Difficulty]

Operator

operator
#180

Ladies and gentlemen, the management line has been disconnected. Please be on hold, while we quickly get them reconnected. Ladies and gentlemen, the management line has been reconnected.

Snehal Shah

executive
#181

Yes. So I was telling you, I mean, you have a few questions. So why don't you just -- I don't have all the numbers with me right now. So just drop by e-mail, I'll answer your questions.

Operator

operator
#182

Next question comes from the line of Raj from [indiscernible] Partners.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#183

On the upcoming launches part, which is around INR 48,000 crores, right?

Snehal Shah

executive
#184

Upcoming launches of the future, in the long future.

K. Jithendran

executive
#185

Yes, as of now, it's INR 48,000 crores because 14 we have launched, which will happen over the next 5 to 6 years.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#186

It will launch over the next 5 to 6 years, all right. And how much is our share from this whole amount?

Snehal Shah

executive
#187

See, on the -- most of it is -- apart from 4 or 5, I think there are only 2 revenue shares. So out of INR 63,000 crores, about INR 47 crores is ours. Roughly 90%, this is ours.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#188

Understood. And how much would be the EBITDA on this upcoming project?

K. Jithendran

executive
#189

Yes. So for projects like Worli, which is about 50%, our EBITDA is expected to the margin about 45%, 45% and the others we have acquired and the JDA, et cetera, range from about 25% to 35%.

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#190

And how much would be the overall cost in constructing all the INR 63,000 crores of portfolio?

Snehal Shah

executive
#191

So we take out the margin, and that's what it says minus land cost is up. So if you look at INR 63,000 crores, and we say that the EBITDA margin is 35%, rest is all cost, right? [Foreign Language]

Unknown Analyst

analyst
#192

I think it comes to around 10% PAT. Am I right, after including the PAT part?

Snehal Shah

executive
#193

Anyway, so this detailed accounting, this thing we can discuss outside. Our EBITDA margins is, as I told you in the range of about 25% to 35% projects like Worli and land around, which is about 45%, that is in broad guidance. The rest of the calculations you can figure out or we can talk about it off-line.

Operator

operator
#194

Ladies and gentlemen, as there are no further questions, we have reached the end of question-and-answer session. I would now like to hand the conference over to Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited management for closing comments.

R. Dalmia

executive
#195

Thank you all for the participating in this earnings call. If you have any further questions, or would like to know more about the company, please reach out to our IR manager at Valorem Advisors. Thank you so much for all your participation and interest in our company. Thank you so much.

Operator

operator
#196

On behalf of Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited management and Nomura, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us. You may now disconnect your lines.

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