After Rightmove rejects a third takeover bid, what does the future hold for this FTSE 100 real estate giant?

Main FTSE 100 property gross sales and leases firm Rightmove (LSE: RMV) has rejected a 3rd and sure remaining provide from Australian outfit REA Group. On Wednesday (25 September) it turned down the £6.1bn provide regardless of it representing a 37% premium on the share value. In line with experiences, it felt the proposal “materially undervalues” the corporate.

REA Group is owned by Robert Murdoch’s NewsCorp and operates an identical enterprise mannequin to the UK enterprise, offering an internet property portal for renters and consumers in Australia. A profitable merger within the UK might make it the most important firm of its sort on the planet.

However Rightmove appears set on sticking to its weapons and remaining a solely UK-based enterprise.

So the place to from right here?

The preliminary £5.6bn provide made in early September ramped the share value up by virtually 30% to round 680p. It’s managed to carry that degree by the month whereas negotiations came about. However will that maintain if no additional bid is obtainable?

It’s value noting that the takeover bids haven’t attracted a lot consideration from brokers. Berenberg put a Purchase ranking on the inventory on 3 September however that’s all. Whereas six main capital administration companies have quick positions open on it.

On the face of issues, there’s little to point that the corporate is effective sufficient to confidently reject the provide. However, REA’s enthusiasm to purchase it suggests there could also be untapped worth that isn’t instantly obvious.

Fundamentals

Presently, Rightmove doesn’t signify a large funding alternative for my part. Its ahead price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is sort of excessive, at 25.5, and it solely has a 1.37% dividend yield. Over the previous 5 years, the share value has elevated by 24.6%, representing an annualised return of solely 4.5%.

A £10,000 funding at these figures would solely develop to £13,000 in 5 years, with dividends reinvested. Not a lot to jot down dwelling about. Shopping for and renting one of many firm’s many listed properties would possible ship larger returns. 

The common 12-month value goal for the inventory is round 635p, representing a 7% decline from present ranges. Income is forecast to maintain climbing however earnings are solely anticipated to extend 10% by 2026. 

The argument for progress

One metric that’s very promising is future return on fairness (ROE), which is predicted to be 320% in three years. Furthermore, return on capital employed (ROCE) is at 363%, up from 183% three years in the past. Each of those metrics point out a enterprise that’s allocating its funds in an environment friendly and productive method.

So I feel the analyst’s forecasts could also be a little bit pessimistic. 

The brand new Labour authorities is pushing insurance policies to construct inexpensive housing and assist first-time homebuyers. Ought to these insurance policies materialise, it might possible give Rightmove a much-needed enhance. And let’s not overlook, REA nonetheless has till the tip of September to make one other provide. If the corporate accepts a good larger bid, I count on it might enhance the share value up even additional.

It’s actually an attention-grabbing state of affairs and Rightmove is a inventory I’ll be preserving my eye on whereas additional developments unfold.