Realty developer DLF has decided to extend the deadline for sale of 40% stake owned by its promoters in its rental arm DLF Cyber City Developers (DCCDL) to March 2018.
Separately, the developer reported a 46% year-on-year drop in its net profit at Rs 98.14 crore for the quarter ended December. Income from operations declined 30% to Rs 2,058 crore compared to Rs 2,949.54 crore a year ago, the company said in its regulatory filing.
“Since the conclusion of CCPS (compulsorily convertible preference shares) sale may not consummate by March 18, 2017, the last date of conversion of CCPS, the CCPS holders have conveyed to DCCDL and the company (DLF) that they are agreeable for extension in conversion of CCPS for one more year i.e., until March 18, 2018, at the existing dividend rate/coupon rate of 0.01% per annum,” DLF informed Bombay Stock Exchange in a regulatory filing. “Accordingly, the board, based on the recommendations of the Audit Committee, accorded its consent for the said extension, being the 100% equity shareholder of DCCDL.”
In the current market scenario, with easing interest rates and falling capitalisation rates, commercial properties are expected to fetch higher valuations. DLF promoters may have kept this in mind while requesting for extension in conversion of their compulsorily convertible preference shares to March 2018.
According to DLF, the discussion with shortlisted investors is at an advanced stage in respect of DCCDL CCPS transaction and will be presented to Committee of Independent Directors for their evaluation and final decision.
In October 2015, DLF had for the first time said that its promoters would sell their 40% stake in the company’s rental arm DLF Cyber City Developers (DCCDL) for an estimated amount of Rs 12,000-14,000 crore. Of this, they would reinvest a substantial sum back into the company after paying tax and other charges and this was aimed at reducing the developer’s debt burden. DLF’s net debt stood atRs 23,530 crore as on September end.
The developer’s finance cost during the December rose 13% from a year ago to Rs 758.64 crore during the quarter as against Rs 670.60crore a year ago. The total expenses of the company declined 35% to Rs 1,242.13 crore in the quarter from Rs 1,911.64 crore a year ago.
According to the company, the performance in the last quarter was subdued as markets adjusted itself to new paradigm initiated by demonetisation move. While demonetisation is extremely positive for the company and the industry, it has had short-term negative impact on secondary sales, which in turn has impacted primary off-take. DLF expects this period of adjustment may continue for next few quarters till the time secondary market stabilizes and customers start to purchase new products. In the interim, it continues to remain focused on execution and creation of finished inventory. With record deliveries of 11 million sq ft in the first nine months of the fiscal, the residential projects under construction have come down to 19 million sq ft, DLF said in its earnings release.
