Bajaj Housing Finance just made waves with its record-breaking IPO, oversubscribed 64 times! The discussion dives into its soaring valuation compared to peers and whether it's sustainable. The hosts explore Bajaj's strategic focus on high-quality mortgage loans and its competitive edge in tier two and three cities. They also tackle the key challenges in the housing finance market, including asset quality and management effectiveness. A fascinating look at the dynamics shaping the future of housing finance in India!
Bajaj Housing Finance's record IPO reflects overwhelming demand and significant retail interest in the housing finance sector amidst favorable market conditions.
Concerns regarding Bajaj's high valuation emerge as comparisons to peers reveal it may be overvalued despite strong fundamentals and growth potential.
Deep dives
Record-Breaking IPO Performance
The IPO of Bajaj Housing Finance has set remarkable records, with a subscription rate of 64 times and attracting bids of nearly Rs 3.23 trillion, the highest demand ever recorded for a primary market issue in India. This overwhelming response reflects both the strong reputation of Bajaj as a finance entity and the current market conditions that favor such IPOs. The number of applications received, totaling around 8.9 million, surpassed the previous record held by Tata Technologies, showcasing significant retail investor interest. The timing of the IPO, during the busiest month for IPOs in over a decade, has contributed to this euphoric market environment where investors are eager to capitalize on growth potential in the housing finance sector.
Strategic Focus and Market Positioning
Bajaj Housing Finance differentiates itself through a strategic focus on low-risk, high-quality customers, primarily salaried individuals, with over 75% holding credit scores above 750. The company has maintained a balanced portfolio with products like home loans, loans against property, and lease rental discounting, resulting in substantial growth in Assets Under Management (AUM). As of March 2024, Bajaj's AUM reached Rs 91,370 crore, reflecting a 31% growth from previous years, underscoring the company's effective market positioning amidst its peers. This strategic focus not only provides stability but also places Bajaj Housing in direct competition with traditional banks by equipping it to offer loans at competitive rates.
Valuation Concerns Amidst Growth Potential
Despite its growth trajectory and strong fundamentals, concerns have emerged regarding Bajaj Housing Finance's valuation, with some industry experts labeling it as overvalued. Comparisons to LIC Housing Finance reveal that Bajaj holds a market cap that is vastly higher despite significantly lower net profits, suggesting that its valuation may not align with traditional metrics. The ongoing market euphoria and increased retail participation can lead to potentially unsustainable price levels, warranting caution among investors. While the company's ambitious goal to be a major player like HDFC Corporation showcases its vision, the competitive landscape and market conditions will ultimately determine its long-term sustainability and success.
Bajaj Housing Finance just had a record 6,560 crore rupees IPO, setting records for both demand and applications in the Indian primary market. The issue was oversubscribed 64 times, attracting bids worth 3.23 trillion rupees—surpassing Coal India's 2010 record. Bajaj’s valuation is several multiples of its peers although its financials don’t beat theirs in every instance. Is the company overvalued? Is the valuation sustainable?What price will it settle at? How should investors take this frenzy?
In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Anirban Chowdhury explores all of this with ET’s Saloni Shukla and Jignesh Shial, Director - Research and Head of BFSI Sector at InCred Capital.
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