We forecast AP’s 2Q24F net profit at Bt1.25bn, down 18.6% YoY but up 24.8% QoQ) despite a 2.4% YoY growth in revenue, pulled down by higher interest expense; revenue grew 19.7% QoQ on higher contribution from the JV QoQ. Strong backlog in 2H24 will back 2924 revenue growth of 10.5% to Bt42bn. However, sharp pressure from interest expense led us to cut our net profit 3% to Bt6.1bn (+1.2%). 3Q24F net profit is expected to grow QoQ but drop YoY. We maintain our tactical call of Outperform based on 10-year PE average of 7x with a 2024 TP of Bt13.60/share (down from Bt15.0/sh).
2Q24F net profit to drop YoY but rise QoQ. We estimate 2Q24F net profit at Bt1.25bn (-18.6% YoY but +24.8% QoQ) on revenue of Bt9.5bn (+2.4 YoY and +19.7% QoQ), 80% from low-rise and 20% from condos, after transfers began at Aspire Ratchayothin (project value Bt1.5bn). Average gross margin is expected at 34.7%, slipping from 37.6% in 2Q23 and 35.7% in 1Q24 on a lower gross margin at +/-33% on the new condo transfers. Contribution from the JV is estimated at Bt156mn (-49.5% YoY but +14.8% QoQ) as transfers started at the new JV condo Life Phahon-Ladprao (project value Bt3.5bn). However, interest expense in 2Q24 is expected to shoot up 88.2% YoY and 23.3% QoQ to Bt152mn as new projects started transfer and interest on the loans are no longer capitalized. We expect 1H24F net profit at Bt2.26bn (-25%).
Downgrade 2024 from higher interest expense. After recording 2Q24 presales, backlog was Bt48bn with 64% to be recognized in 2024 and the rest in 2025-2026. We maintain our 2024 revenue forecast at Bt42bn (+10.5%). However, as interest must now be booked on some project loans, we expect high interest expense in 2H24 and into 2025 and have therefore raised our total 2024 interest expense to Bt559mn (+115%), pulling it down to a new forecast net profit of Bt6.1bn (+1.2%); this is, however still a new high. We expect 3Q24F net profit to go up QoQ on low-rise backlog transfers and the start of transfers at the JV condo Life Rama4-Asoke (project value Bt6.5bn, take-up rate 48%), but drop YoY.
Risks and concerns. Lower economic growth and consumer confidence may pressure residential demand and lead it to miss its presales target by +/-10% to the same value as in 2023. ESG key risks: AP obtains EIAs for both low-rise and condos, which helps lower environmental risks. It plans to work on reducing the environmental risk for low-rise projects by using more green energy (solar) and more efficient waste management.
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