Expect a boom in the real estate sector in next few years– Godrej Properties

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Expect a boom in the real estate sector in next few years– Godrej Properties

Excerpts of an interview with Mr. Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Chairman, Godrej Properties (GODREJPROP), aired on CNBC-TV18 on 11thJanuary 2021:
● The Maharashtra Government has cut real estate premiums by 50% until 31st December 2021.
● In 1HFY21, volume growth went up 11% for GODREJPROPwith ~4.2 mn sq. ft. of sales in the same period.
● Covid-19 concerns are in the past now for the company and the management is expecting a much better 2HFY21E. 4QFY21E will be especially good as the company has planned several launches. The overall industry momentum is becoming positive.
● On the cash flow front, collections in 3QFY21 were much stronger than 1HFY21 as construction resumed in full swing.
● Mumbai, Pune, NCR, and Bangalore are important markets forGODREJPROP and the company is seeing good traction across these markets.
● Decisions of MaharashtraGovt. to first reduce stamp duty and now premium is very encouraging for the real estate market in Maharashtra. As a result management expects to see Mumbai market to do well.
● Final notification in relation to reduction in premiums is yet to come out. Management’s sense currently is that there will be about 5-10% reduction in overall development costs depending on the type of project. That is a meaningful reduction which will spur activity in the sector.
● Premium cost is an upfront cost to be borne by thedeveloper. The upfront expense will come down significantly which will improve liquidity.
● The 2 steps taken by the government, in combination with other factors- increased desire for home ownership post covid-19, affordability in terms of lower interest rates, property prices not having appreciated in last 5-7 years- bode well for the real estate sector in years ahead.
● Rise in commodity prices is concerning. But overall, the Government’s attention on real estate sector as a lever for economic growth is meaningful. The industry can take some cost increase in stride provided the overall industry continues to move in a positive direction.
● A boom in real estate sector could start sometime in next couple years. Fresh inventory addition has been limited in the last few years and the demand-supply equilibrium will tilt as demand starts coming back gradually.
● Confidence to invest into under construction houses has started coming back- but the beneficiaries of that are largely the leading players in each market and not the smaller players.

Consensus Estimate (Source: market screener website)
● The closing price of GODREJPROPwas ₹ 1,474as of 12-January-2021. It traded at 154x/ 96x/ 61x the consensus EPS estimate of ₹9.6/15.4/24.0 for FY21E/ FY22E/ FY23E respectively.
● The consensus target price of ₹ 960/- implies a PE multiple of 40x on FY23E EPS of ₹24.0/-.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are for information purposes only. The information provided herein should not be considered as investment advice or research recommendation. The users should rely on their own research and analysis and should consult their own investment advisors to determine the merit, risks, and suitability of the information provided.”