In light of the recent multibagger listing of Tata Technologies, with an impressive gain of 140% (IPO Price: 500, Listing Price: 1200), investors are understandably in search of the next lucrative opportunity in the IPO market. While it is crucial to exercise prudence amid such market euphoria, it is equally important not to overlook potential opportunities.
At our firm, we have consistently managed client funds with a conservative approach, yet delivering a healthy alpha over benchmarks. As a testament to our success, our assets under management have increased 3X in the last 2 years.
Recently, we identified a compelling opportunity in the unlisted space – NSE (National Stock Exchange). In the following paragraphs, we aim to delve into the fundamentals of this potential investment. It’s important to note that the information provided does not constitute guidelines or recommendations for any specific course of action. It is essential for investors to conduct their due diligence and understand that the information presented here is for informational purposes only.
Key Facts about NSE:
Incorporation: NSE was established in 1992 and received recognition as a stock exchange from SEBI in April 1993, commencing operations in 1994.
Global Ranking: NSE is currently ranked as the third-largest stock exchange globally in terms of the number of equity trades.
Financial Performance: Between FY19 and FY23, NSE exhibited a remarkable revenue growth, outpacing the global average by 3.5 times, and a profit growth of 10.6 times.
Corporate Structure: NSE boasts 16 subsidiaries, reflecting a diversified and robust business model.
Investor Confidence: Noteworthy investments by Morgan Stanley and Citibank in 2007, when the market cap stood at 10,000 crores, have yielded exceptional returns. Today, the market cap has soared to around 1.7 lakh crores, representing a remarkable 17x increase over 16 years, with a commendable 22% IRR excluding dividends.
Market Outlook: According to Prabhudas Liladher, NSE stands among the most prominent unlisted stocks in India.
Healthy Financial Growth:
Over the last eight years, NSE has experienced a fivefold increase in revenue and a eleven fold increase in profits with a healthy operating profit margin of 80% (FY23)
A robust and healthy increase in dividend payout serves as an indicator of financial strength.
Why NSE?
Recently, the number of unique clients at NSE surpassed the 8 crore mark. According to various reports, this figure is anticipated to double in the next 3-4 years. The increase in clients is evident in the substantial rise in turnover.
Regardless of whether a client realizes profits or not, charges from the government, broker, and exchange are inevitable. The brokerage industry is highly competitive, and the shares of government are not available. Consequently, investing in the exchange remains the primary option.
Shareholding pattern:
We were genuinely surprised to see the list of investors in NSE.
Sixty percent of NSE is held by top-notch institutions, offering a reassuring level of comfort. Additionally, some of the most prominent investors maintain significant holdings in NSE:
Valuations:
Valuation stands as a paramount factor in the evaluation of any potential investment.
Currently, NSE is trading at approximately Rs. 3500 in the unlisted market. Considering the FY23 earnings per share (EPS) of Rs. 148, the P/E ratio is calculated at around 24.
Comparison with peers:
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE):
In comparison to BSE, NSE surpasses its counterpart by 10X across various dimensions. Presently, BSE trades at a P/E ratio of 46 on the bourses. Applying a similar multiple to NSE suggests a potential trading value of approximately Rs. 7500 in the public market.
BSE went public with an IPO at Rs. 806 in 2017. As of the current date, it is trading at Rs. 4600 (Bonus pre-adjusted), marking an approximate sixfold increase in six years. Notably, at the time of its IPO, BSE maintained a comparable P/E ratio of 23. The growth not only reflects an increase in earnings but also a P/E rerating over the years.
We have identified two major opportunities:
SEBI has proposed an extension of trading hours for derivatives until 11 PM. This potential adjustment could lead to increased turnover, consequently resulting in higher revenue for the exchanges.
The NSE stands to derive significant advantages from its association with the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (Gift City). Positioned as an international financial hub, Gift City offers NSE the prospect of heightened global connectivity and increased trading volumes. The diverse range of financial instruments supported in Gift City provides an avenue for NSE to expand its product portfolio and attract a more varied investor base.
Risks:
Every investment inherently carries risks, and in the context of NSE, two key risks have been identified.
There is an ongoing colocation case with the Supreme Court. NSE emerged victorious in the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) in February 2023; however, the matter escalated to the Supreme Court, which affirmed SAT’s decision in April 2023. Subsequently, SEBI appealed the decision, leading to a hearing in November 2023. The Supreme Court requested additional information, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 2024.
There is a risk associated with the regulatory stance of SEBI regarding significant retail participation in derivatives. SEBI may introduce guidelines restricting such participation, adding an element of uncertainty to the market.
These factors underscore the importance of careful consideration and risk management in investment decisions involving NSE.