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Sale of New Townhouse in Bangkok Hit a 12-Year Low

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Sale of New Townhouse in Bangkok Hit a 12-Year Low

New sales of townhouses in Bangkok plummeted in the first quarter of 2024 to a 12-year low, nearing levels following the severe floods of 2011, largely attributed to weak demand in the middle to lower-end segments.

Mr. Somboon Wasinchutchawal, acting chief executive of residential developer Frasers Property Home (Thailand), stated that the company has not launched any new townhouse projects in the 3-5 million baht bracket in over a year.

“The townhouse market has hit rock bottom as demand remains very weak,” according to him. “This affects townhouses priced 5-7 million baht because of the sluggish economy and high interest rates.”

According to Prasert Taedullayasatit, chief executive of property business at SET-listed Ananda Development, new sales of townhouses in Greater Bangkok in the preceding quarter were the lowest since Q3 2012.

“The number and value of townhouses sold in the first quarter this year were close to levels in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, following the great floods that hit Greater Bangkok,” said Mr. Singh.

According to Mr Prasert, the number of townhouses sold in the first quarter of 2024 was 3,732 units worth 12.2 billion baht, a decrease of 26% and 58% from the same period last year.

Restructuring real estate loans

Meanwhile, new sales of single detached houses fell by 13% for the period to 3,470 units worth 36 billion baht, an 8% decrease, as higher-priced apartments helped maintain solid sales.

Condominiums saw the biggest year-on-year loss in new unit sales, falling 47% to 7,511 units for 31.6 billion baht, a 26% decrease.

However, from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2021, the quantity and value of new condos sold remained greater than during the epidemic, with sales ranging from 6,382 to 7,407 units.

Townhouse transfers reached a six-year low, with 11,459 units valued at 31 billion baht, down 20% and 17%, respectively.

According to the Real Estate Information Centre (REIC), overall new residential sales in Greater Bangkok fell 26.6% year on year in the first quarter of 2024 to 15,619 units worth 90 billion baht, a 14.5% decrease. Condo sales fell 39%, while low-rise dwelling sales fell 16%.

When combined with new launches, the number of unsold apartments increased by 16.4% to 213,429 units valued 1.22 trillion baht, or 36.5%. Condos saw the greatest gain, up 22%, while low-rise residences up 13%.

Given the economic slowdown and other unfavourable variables like as high interest rates and mortgage rejection rates, REIC forecasted an 8.4% reduction in new sales and a 0.03% decrease in new mortgages this year.

Following a substantial increase in the percentage of non-performing loans (NPLs) for this type of credit, the state planning unit, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), advised financial institutions last month to implement proactive measures in restructuring real estate debts.

Debt structure of home loans

The NESDC, which reported on Monday on social circumstances in the first quarter of this year, said the NPL situation for housing loans in the fourth quarter of 2023 grew to 12.4% year on year, up from 2.4% in the third quarter of 2023. Overall, the NPL rate for real estate loans was 3.34% of total loans in the fourth quarter of 2023.

“Commercial banks should immediately improve the debt structure of these loans. This endeavour should not only focus on promoting debt restructuring, but should also actively invite borrowers to negotiate their debt restructuring, particularly those with debts of less than 3 million baht. A home provides security in people’s life, and a shortage of housing can lead to other social issues,” said Danucha Pichayanan, NESDC secretary-general.

Mr Danucha believes that the problem with real estate loans stems in part from increasing interest rates, which raise people’s expenses and diminish their net income. He suggested that commercial banks change the debt structure for these consumers to better match their income.

Furthermore, he stated that the NPL problem with real estate loans is linked to the current economic condition, which reduces people’s income and raises their other debt obligations.

High Household Debt

Mr Danucha also reviewed the country’s overall household debt, stating that in the fourth quarter of last year, total household debt amounted to 16.3 trillion baht, accounting for 91.3% of GDP.

The growth in household debt is attributable in part to housing loans, notably after the government’s encouragement for homeownership through the first-home scheme, which was implemented when the economy was still developing well. However, the Thai economy is currently facing structural economic challenges.

Furthermore, the NESDC chief stated that bad debt on credit card loans has increased. The rate increased by 17.5% in the fourth quarter of last year compared to the same period the previous year, outpacing the 13.6% growth rate in the third quarter of 2023.

NPLs on credit cards accounted for 3.57% of total loans.

According to Mr Danucha, the NESDC has often warned about the issue of bad debt in credit card lending. This issue is not just tied to spending discipline, but also to the market’s environment, which employs marketing methods to enhance sales by allowing clients to pay in installments using credit cards. Customers are even offered discounts from retailers if they prefer to pay in installments, a requirement imposed by credit card issuers.

He gave an example, noting that today, even purchases of 2,000 to 3,000 baht made with a credit card can be paid in installments. This boosts consumer demand while making them forget about their actual income, resulting in a decline in their net monthly income available for spending. When income falls short of expenses, people take on extra debts, creating a vicious cycle, he explained.

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PepsiCo Reduces Revenue Projections As North American Snacks And Key International Markets Underperform.

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(VOR News) – In the third quarter of this year, Pepsi’s net income was $2.93 billion, which is equivalent to $2.13 per share. This was attributed to the company.

This is in stark contrast to net income of $3.09 billion, which is equivalent to $2.24 per share, during the same period in the previous year. The company’s earnings per share were $2.31 when expenses were excluded.

Net sales decreased by 0.6%, totaling $23.32 billion. Organic sales increased by 1.3% during the quarter when the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and currency changes are excluded.

Pepsi’s beverage sales fell this quarter.

The most recent report indicates that the beverage and food sectors of the organization experienced a 2% decline in volume. Consumers of all income levels are demonstrating a change in their purchasing habits, as indicated by CEOs’ statements from the previous quarter.

Pepsi’s entire volume was adversely affected by the lackluster demand they encountered in North America. An increasing number of Americans are becoming more frugal, reducing the number of snacks they ingest, and reducing the number of times they purchase at convenience stores.

Furthermore, Laguarta observed that the increase in sales was partially attributed to the election that occurred in Mexico during the month of June.

The most significant decrease in volume was experienced by Quaker Foods North America, which was 13%. In December, the company announced its initial recall in response to a potential salmonella infection.

Due to the probability of an illness, the recall was extended in January. Pepsi officially closed a plant that was implicated in the recalls in June, despite the fact that manufacturing had already been halted.

Jamie Caulfield, the Chief Financial Officer of Pepsi and Laguarta, has indicated that the recalls are beginning to have a lessening effect.

Frito-Lay experienced a 1.5% decline in volume in North America. The company has been striving to improve the value it offers to consumers and the accessibility of its snack line, which includes SunChips, Cheetos, and Stacy’s pita chips, in the retail establishments where it is sold.

Despite the fact that the category as a whole has slowed down in comparison to the results of previous years, the level of activity within the division is progressively increasing.

Pepsi executives issued a statement in which they stated that “Salty and savory snacks have underperformed year-to-date after outperforming packaged food categories in previous years.”

Pepsi will spend more on Doritos and Tostitos in the fall and winter before football season.

The company is currently promoting incentive packets for Tostitos and Ruffles, which contain twenty percent more chips than the standard package.

Pepsi is expanding its product line in order to more effectively target individuals who are health-conscious. The business announced its intention to acquire Siete Foods for a total of $1.2 billion approximately one week ago. The restaurant serves Mexican-American cuisine, which is typically modified to meet the dietary needs of a diverse clientele.

The beverage segment of Pepsi in North America experienced a three percent decrease in volume. Despite the fact that the demand for energy drinks, such as Pepsi’s Rockstar, has decreased as a result of consumers visiting convenience stores, the sales of well-known brands such as Gatorade and Pepsi have seen an increase throughout the quarter.

Laguarta expressed his opinion to the analysts during the company’s conference call, asserting, “I am of the opinion that it is a component of the economic cycle that we are currently experiencing, and that it will reverse itself in the future, once consumers feel better.”

Additionally, it has been noted that the food and beverage markets of South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa have experienced a decline in sales volume. The company cut its forecast for organic revenue for the entire year on Tuesday due to the business’s second consecutive quarter of lower-than-anticipated sales.

The company’s performance during the quarter was adversely affected by the Quaker Foods North America recalls, the decrease in demand in the United States, and the interruptions that occurred in specific international markets, as per the statements made by Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta.

Pepsi has revised its forecast for organic sales in 2024, shifting from a 4% growth rate to a low single-digit growth rate. The company reiterated its expectation that the core constant currency profitability per share will increase by a minimum of 8% in comparison to the previous year.

The company’s shares declined by less than one percent during premarket trading. The following discrepancies between the company’s report and the projections of Wall Street were identified by LSEG in a survey of analysts:

SOURCE: CNBC

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Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.

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Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.

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(VOR News) – Old National Bank, a commercial bank with its headquarters in the Midwest, and Infosys, a firm that specializes in information technology, have recently entered into a strategic expansion of their link, which has been in place for the past four years.

This expansion is more likely to take place sooner rather than later, with the likelihood being higher.

For the purpose of making it possible for Old National Bank to make use of the services, solutions, and platforms that are offered by Infosys, the objective of this expansion is to make it possible for the bank to transform its operations and processes through the application of automation and GenAI, as well as to change significant business areas.

This lets the bank leverage Infosys’ services, solutions, and platforms.

Old National Bank Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan said, “At Old National, we are committed to creating exceptional experiences for both our customers and our fellow employees.”

This statement is applicable to Old National Bank. Infosys is carefully managing the business process innovations that it is putting us through, putting a strong emphasis on efficiency and value growth throughout the process to ensure that it is carried out efficiently.

This is a routine occurrence throughout the entire operation. Because of Infosys’ dedication to our development and success, we are incredibly appreciative of the assistance they have provided.

Old National has been receiving assistance from Infosys in the process of updating its digital environment since the year 2020, according to the aforementioned company.

Ever since that time, the company has been providing assistance. The provision of this assistance has been accomplished through the utilization of a model that is not only powerful but also capable of functioning on its own power.

Infosys currently ranks Old National thirty-first out of the top thirty US banks.

This ranking is based on the fact that Old National is the nation’s largest banking corporation.

It is estimated that the total value of the company’s assets is approximately fifty-three billion dollars, while the assets that are currently being managed by the organization are valued at thirty billion dollars.

Dennis Gada, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking and Financial Services, stated that “Old National Bank and Infosys possess a robust cultural and strategic alignment in the development, management, and enhancement of enterprise-scale solutions to transform the bank’s operations and facilitate growth.”

This remark referenced the exceptional cultural and strategic synergy between the two organizations. Dennis Gada is the one who asserted this claim. This was articulated explicitly concerning the exceptional cultural congruence and strategy alignment of the two organizations.

We are pleased to announce that the implementation of Infosys Topaz will substantially expedite the transformation of Old National Bank’s business processes and customer service protocols. We are exceedingly enthusiastic about this matter. We are quite thrilled about this specific component of the scenario.

Medium-sized banks operating regionally will continue to benefit from our substantial expertise in the sector, technology, and operations. This specific market segment of Infosys will persist in benefiting from our extensive experience. This phenomenon will enable this market sector to sustain substantial growth and efficiency benefits.

SOURCE: THBL

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American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack

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water

The largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States stated Monday that it had been the target of a cyberattack, forcing the company to halt invoicing to consumers.

water

American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack

American Water, based in New Jersey and serving over 14 million people in 14 states and 18 military facilities, said it learned of the unauthorized activity on Thursday and quickly took precautions, including shutting down certain systems. The business does not believe the attack had an impact on its facilities or operations and said employees were working “around the clock” to determine the origin and scale of the attack.

water

The corporation stated that it has alerted legal enforcement and is cooperating with them. It also stated that consumers will not be charged late fees while its systems are unavailable.

According to their website, American Water operates over 500 water and wastewater systems in around 1,700 communities across California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

SOURCE | AP

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