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Credit Scores
E Pabaney & Co.
CREDIT ANALYSIS

Max Estates Limited

Max Estates Limited scores 4.74 — positioned in the investment-grade range, equivalent to S&P BBB+ / Moody's Baa1.

India Real Estate Development Financial Statement: 31/03/2025Download PDF Report
Business Risk
4.29
Equivalent of A-
S&P A- / Moody's A3
Strong
Financial Risk
5.54
Equivalent of BBB-
S&P BBB- / Moody's Baa3
Intermediate
Standalone
5.24
Equivalent of BBB
S&P BBB / Moody's Baa2
Satisfactory
Final Score
4.74
Equivalent of BBB+
S&P BBB+ / Moody's Baa1
SatisfactoryPD: 0.127%
Final Credit Score: 4.74 (Satisfactory)
Equivalent of BBB+ | S&P BBB+ / Moody's Baa1 | PD: 0.127% | Outlook: Positive
4.74
Equivalent of BBB+

Scoring Methodology

Our proprietary credit scores are expressed on a 1 to 10 scale, where 1 represents the highest creditworthiness (minimal default risk, equivalent to AAA/Aaa) and 10 represents the highest credit risk (imminent default, equivalent to D/C). This inverse scale mirrors the risk-return spectrum: lower scores indicate stronger credit fundamentals, greater debt-servicing capacity, and a lower probability of default.

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Highest CreditworthinessHighest Credit Risk
Max Estates Limited scores 4.74 — positioned in the investment-grade range, equivalent to S&P BBB+ / Moody's Baa1.

Probability of Default (PD)

The Probability of Default (PD) represents the statistical likelihood that the borrower will fail to meet its debt obligations within the next 12 months. It is a forward-looking measure derived from the company's financial profile, industry risk, management quality, and macroeconomic conditions. A lower PD indicates stronger creditworthiness and a reduced risk of non-payment.

0.127%12-Month Default ProbabilityLow Risk
Financial Ratio Analysis
The corporate entity under review demonstrates a strong financial position, reflecting a significantly high EBITDA Interest Coverage ratio of 40.11. This underlines their ample operating profit to service its interest payment, indicating a low default risk. The Return on Capital (ROC) of 13.61% confirms effective utilization of capital, showcasing solid profitability. Additionally, the Funds from Operations (FFO) to Total Debt ratio of 4.32% is evidence of a commendable cash flow generation ability that can further facilitate debt servicing. However, the modest Total Debt to Capital ratio at 5.2% presents a balanced leverage scenario in the capital structure. Despite this low ratio, it implies the company's significant reliance on equity (₹2,810 crore) rather than borrowed capital, which reduces the risk of insolvency. Overall, the financial health report insinuates that the company is creditworthy with a relatively low credit risk and well poised to meet its financial obligations. Key strengths are high profitability, manageable capital leverage, and robust cash flow capabilities. Yet, any sharp contraction in operating margins or an unexpected surge in capital requirements may pose risks to its financial stability.
Country Risk — India
India is a fast-growing major economy with a stable macroeconomic outlook, robust GDP growth, and ongoing structural reforms. However, there are persistent concerns regarding institutional effectiveness, regulatory complexity, and the legal environment. The financial system, while improving, still faces issues such as non-performing assets and periodic liquidity constraints. Payment culture and enforcement of contracts can be slow and unpredictable, and political risk remains moderate due to policy changes and regulatory interventions.
Industry Risk — Real Estate Development
The real estate development sector in India is exposed to significant risks. The industry is highly cyclical, capital intensive, and sensitive to macroeconomic fluctuations, interest rates, and regulatory changes. There are ongoing challenges with land acquisition, project approvals, and compliance with evolving environmental and building regulations. The sector is also vulnerable to policy shifts, such as RERA and GST, and faces issues with delayed project deliveries and payment defaults. While there is strong demand in premium segments and urbanization trends are positive, the sector's history of volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and reliance on external financing elevate its risk profile above average.
Competitive Position

Business Diversification

Diversified portfolio across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments in Delhi NCR. Geographic concentration in a single region increases vulnerability to local market downturns. Expanding into new asset classes but focus remains regional.

Market Position

Strong presence in the premium segment of Delhi NCR with high occupancy rates and premium pricing. Industry recognition and marquee clients. However, market position is largely regional with competition from larger, pan-India players.

Operating Efficiency

Strong operating efficiency with high occupancy rates, premium rental yields, and disciplined project execution. Digital tools and SOPs implemented. Rapid portfolio expansion could strain operational controls.

Management Assessment

Quality & Depth

High-quality asset base with LEED/IGBC/WELL certifications. Experienced management team with deep industry expertise. Company is relatively young (est. 2016) with a shorter track record than established peers.

Continuity & Governance

Stable management team with strong governance and succession planning. Diverse board with independent directors. Still in growth phase — ability to maintain continuity through cycles is less proven.

Risk Tolerance

Disciplined capital allocation with net cash surplus and prudent leverage. However, aggressive expansion strategy and focus on premium/luxury segments expose the company to market and execution risks.

Counterparty Risk

Diversified tenant base with no single occupier >25% of space. Strong institutional relationships. Concentration in a few large projects and reliance on pre-sales collections create counterparty exposure.

Financial Flexibility

Access to Funding: Excellent

Successful QIP raising ₹800 crore, preferential allotments, and deepening partnership with New York Life Insurance (₹1,800 crore committed). Net cash surplus, zero-net-debt balance sheet, strong bank and institutional relationships.

Need for Funding: Average

Growth phase with significant expansion plans (3M sq. ft. annually target). Currently holds ₹435 crore net cash surplus with strong operating cash flows. Capital needs driven by growth ambitions, not liquidity stress.

Liquidity Analysis
Exceptional liquidity position as of March 31, 2025. Current ratio of 37.02x (up from 2.70x), driven by substantial rise in current assets (₹1,295 crore) relative to current liabilities (₹35 crore). Cash and equivalents total over ₹327 crore. Net debt negative — cash exceeds total debt. Strong cash surplus of ₹1,785 crore at consolidated level. No material overdue payables or significant liquidity stress. Conservative leverage and robust current asset coverage provide substantial buffer against potential shocks.
Key Performance Indicators
FY2025 marked significant expansion: total assets rising to ₹2,490 crore (standalone) and ₹7,246 crore (consolidated). Net worth nearly doubled to ₹2,361 crore. Strong pre-sales growth (₹5,300+ crore), net debt-positive position (cash surplus ₹435 crore), current ratio surge from 2.7x to 37x. Portfolio now 17.1 million sq. ft. with 100% commercial occupancy and 95% net worth growth in FY25.
Financial Performance
Standalone revenue grew to ₹161 crore. Profit after tax swung from -₹55 crore to +₹26 crore. EBITDA margin improved to 61.99%, net profit margin rose to 6.83%. Benefited from significant non-operating income (asset sales, stake sales in subsidiaries) which may not be recurring. Operating expenses and finance costs well managed, but a large portion of profit was driven by exceptional items.
Cashflow Analysis
Operating cash flow remains negative at -₹48.7 crore (standalone), reflecting ongoing investments and working capital needs, offset by strong financing inflows. Large investing outflows due to land and project acquisitions, funded by QIP (₹800 crore) and preferential allotments. Cash and equivalents increased to ₹1,785 crore, exceeding debt of ₹1,350 crore — resulting in a net cash surplus. Supported by undrawn bank lines and temporarily parked QIP proceeds.
Balance Sheet
Significantly strengthened post-QIP: net worth at ₹2,361 crore, debt-equity ratio near zero. Current assets surged (cash and investments), current liabilities fell sharply. Inventory and project assets increased reflecting ongoing development. Off-balance sheet exposures: corporate guarantees (₹819 crore) for subsidiary borrowings, capital commitments (₹1,335 crore) — could pressure liquidity if not matched by sales or collections.
Debt Maturity & Liquidity Room
Gross debt reduced to ₹107 crore (standalone) and ₹1,469 crore (consolidated). Most borrowings now long-term, secured against project assets. DSCR healthy at 1.5x, interest coverage robust. No major maturities due in next 12 months. Ample liquidity from cash reserves and undrawn facilities. However, contingent liabilities from guarantees and deferred land payments could create future funding needs.
Outlook & Trend
Positive outlook. Management targeting 15-20% pre-sales growth with continued portfolio expansion. Well positioned for strong demand in premium/luxury housing and Grade-A commercial assets in Delhi NCR. Key catalysts: Max Square Phase II launch, new residential projects, and deepening institutional partnerships. Risks include execution on large pipeline, regulatory changes, and market cyclicality. The company's net cash position and strong parentage provide a buffer against downside scenarios.
Key Risks & Concerns
Execution risk on large, capital-intensive projects. Potential delays in collections or project approvals. Exposure to off-balance sheet guarantees for subsidiaries. Significant portion of recent profit is non-recurring. Large capital commitments and deferred land payments could pressure liquidity if market conditions deteriorate. Rising regulatory and ESG compliance requirements. Concentration in Delhi NCR market. Monitoring of contingent liabilities and off-balance sheet exposures is critical.

Parental Support

Max Estates Limited is the real estate development arm of the Max Group. The report repeatedly references the financial strength, legacy, and strategic backing of the Max Group. The company benefits from the Max Group's capital, governance, and operational expertise. The parent's support is highlighted as a key factor in Max Estates' ability to scale, attract investment, and execute large projects. There is no mention of negative influence from the parent company.

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