Sept 10, 2008

Indiabulls Real Estate

cmp: Rs 286.80
target price: Rs 300

Deutsche Securities has initiated coverage on Indiabulls Real Estate with a ‘hold’ rating as it feels the company has limited track record in execution. Weakness in the Mumbai office market for high-end office properties, and a large free float — which allows much larger head-room for “borrowing” and selling short — are downsides for the stock.

According to a Deutsche Bank note, Indiabulls’ revenue growth would be driven by volumes and stake sale of associate and/or subsidiaries. “We expect a revenue CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 41% over FY08 to FY11 (estimated). \

We expect EBITDA margins to drop from 72% in FY08 to 55% in FY11 (estimated), mainly driven by higher costs (land, construction, employees, SG&A).

Further, we expect the tax rate to increase from around 28% in FY08 to nearly 30% in FY11 (estimated). Thus, while we expect volume growth (around 40%), we expect PAT (profit after tax) to grow by only a 19% CAGR over FY08-11 (estimated),” the note to clients said.

However, the Deutsche Bank note added that the demerging and listing of its forays in power and retailing would drive growth and shareholder value in the near term. Meanwhile, SEZs, townships and annuities from completed projects will drive long-term growth, it added.