Tag: Prittle Prattle News finance coverage

  • A Quiet Reordering of Shareholding Is Underway at Shriram Finance With MUFG Bank

    The proposed INR 39,618 crore preferential equity issuance would give MUFG Bank a 20 percent holding in Shriram Finance, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

    A significant change in the ownership structure of one of India’s largest retail lenders is taking shape as Shriram Finance Limited moves to bring a global banking institution onto its share register. The board of Shriram Finance has approved definitive agreements with MUFG Bank Ltd. for a preferential issuance of equity shares that would result in MUFG acquiring a 20 percent stake on a fully diluted basis, subject to approvals.
    The proposed transaction involves an investment of INR 39,618 crore and represents a rare instance of foreign capital entering the Indian non banking financial company sector at this scale. While the stake does not alter management control, it meaningfully reshapes the company’s ownership mix and long term capital profile. The investment is pending shareholder consent, regulatory clearances, and customary closing conditions.

    Shriram Finance operates as India’s second largest retail NBFC by assets under management, serving a broad customer base that includes small road transport operators, MSMEs, and individual borrowers across urban and semi urban markets. The company’s distribution reach and diversified loan portfolio have positioned it as a core participant in India’s credit ecosystem, particularly in segments underserved by traditional banking.
    From a balance sheet perspective, the proposed capital infusion is expected to strengthen Shriram Finance’s capital adequacy and provide long duration growth capital. The presence of a global banking shareholder may also influence future access to lower cost liabilities and support alignment with international governance and operational benchmarks, although the company will continue to operate as an independent listed entity.

    For MUFG Bank, the transaction marks its largest single investment in India to date. The bank is part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which has maintained a presence in India for over a century through banking, corporate finance, and capital market activities. The group has previously invested approximately USD 1.7 billion in the country and employs several thousand people across its Indian operations.
    Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance, described the transaction as a defining moment in the company’s growth journey, noting that the entry of a long term global financial partner reinforces confidence in both the company and the broader Indian financial services sector. He emphasised that the partnership is expected to support sustainable growth while strengthening governance standards.

    Hironori Kamezawa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, stated that the group views Shriram Finance as a strategic partner aligned with its long term vision for India. He indicated that MUFG intends to support the company’s growth while contributing to economic development and financial inclusion.
    The transaction has been advised by a mix of domestic and international financial and legal advisors, reflecting the complexity and scale of the deal. Once completed, the investment is expected to set a reference point for future foreign participation in India’s NBFC sector, particularly in retail focused lending institutions.

    Rather than signalling a shift in control, the proposed investment points to a gradual recalibration of ownership and influence, one that strengthens Shriram Finance’s capital foundation while embedding a global financial institution within its shareholder base. In an industry where capital resilience and governance are increasingly scrutinised, the transaction underscores how strategic minority ownership can quietly reshape financial institutions over time.
    A significant change in the ownership structure of one of India’s largest retail lenders is taking shape as Shriram Finance Limited moves to bring a global banking institution onto its share register. The board of Shriram Finance has approved definitive agreements with MUFG Bank Ltd. for a preferential issuance of equity shares that would result in MUFG acquiring a 20 percent stake on a fully diluted basis, subject to approvals.

    The proposed transaction involves an investment of INR 39,618 crore and represents a rare instance of foreign capital entering the Indian non banking financial company sector at this scale. While the stake does not alter management control, it meaningfully reshapes the company’s ownership mix and long term capital profile. The investment is pending shareholder consent, regulatory clearances, and customary closing conditions.
    Shriram Finance operates as India’s second largest retail NBFC by assets under management, serving a broad customer base that includes small road transport operators, MSMEs, and individual borrowers across urban and semi urban markets. The company’s distribution reach and diversified loan portfolio have positioned it as a core participant in India’s credit ecosystem, particularly in segments underserved by traditional banking.

    From a balance sheet perspective, the proposed capital infusion is expected to strengthen Shriram Finance’s capital adequacy and provide long duration growth capital. The presence of a global banking shareholder may also influence future access to lower cost liabilities and support alignment with international governance and operational benchmarks, although the company will continue to operate as an independent listed entity.
    For MUFG Bank, the transaction marks its largest single investment in India to date. The bank is part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which has maintained a presence in India for over a century through banking, corporate finance, and capital market activities. The group has previously invested approximately USD 1.7 billion in the country and employs several thousand people across its Indian operations.
    Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance, described the transaction as a defining moment in the company’s growth journey, noting that the entry of a long term global financial partner reinforces confidence in both the company and the broader Indian financial services sector. He emphasised that the partnership is expected to support sustainable growth while strengthening governance standards.
    Hironori Kamezawa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, stated that the group views Shriram Finance as a strategic partner aligned with its long term vision for India. He indicated that MUFG intends to support the company’s growth while contributing to economic development and financial inclusion.
    The transaction has been advised by a mix of domestic and international financial and legal advisors, reflecting the complexity and scale of the deal. Once completed, the investment is expected to set a reference point for future foreign participation in India’s NBFC sector, particularly in retail focused lending institutions.
    Rather than signalling a shift in control, the proposed investment points to a gradual recalibration of ownership and influence, one that strengthens Shriram Finance’s capital foundation while embedding a global financial institution within its shareholder base. In an industry where capital resilience and governance are increasingly scrutinised, the transaction underscores how strategic minority ownership can quietly reshape financial institutions over time.
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  • Power Finance Corporation Reports Record ₹30,514 Cr PAT in FY25, Renewable Loan Book Crosses ₹81,000 Cr

    Highest-ever earnings, dividend of ₹15.80 per share, and asset quality improvement strengthen PFC’s leadership among Indian NBFCs

    Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC), the Maharatna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Power, reported its highest-ever consolidated Profit After Tax of ₹30,514 crore in FY25, marking a 15 percent year-on-year increase over ₹26,461 crore in FY24. PFC continues to retain its position as India’s most profitable non-banking financial company both on consolidated and standalone bases.
    The consolidated loan book grew 12 percent year-on-year to ₹11,09,996 crore as of 31 March 2025, and net worth rose 16 percent to ₹1,55,155 crore. Gross NPA at the consolidated level improved to 1.64 percent from 3.02 percent, while Net NPA fell to 0.38 percent, reflecting ongoing asset quality strengthening.

    Standalone PAT Surges 21 Percent to ₹17,352 Cr, Renewable Book Expands Sharply
    PFC reported a standalone PAT of ₹17,352 crore in FY25, up from ₹14,367 crore in the previous year. Q4 FY25 standalone PAT came in at ₹5,109 crore, compared to ₹4,135 crore in Q4 FY24, reflecting a 24 percent increase.
    The renewable energy loan book rose to ₹81,031 crore as of 31 March 2025, up 35 percent year-on-year. The company has more than doubled its renewable portfolio in the last five years, reaffirming its leadership in clean energy financing in India.
    According to CMD Parminder Chopra, “PFC continues to set new benchmarks for financial performance and sustainability. With a 13 percent growth in our loan portfolio, we are driving India’s power and infrastructure future with realism, resilience, and robust execution.”

    Dividend and Capital Return Strategy
    The Board of Directors recommended a final dividend of ₹2.05 per equity share. This adds to the interim dividend of ₹13.75 per share paid in four tranches, taking the total FY25 dividend to ₹15.80 per share. The record date for the final dividend is 13 June 2025.
    Loan Growth, Resolution Successes, and Asset Quality Metrics
    Loan assets at the standalone level rose by 12.81 percent from ₹4,81,462 crore to ₹5,43,120 crore. The company disbursed ₹1,68,265 crore during the year, up from ₹1,27,656 crore in FY24.
    The gross NPA ratio declined to 1.94 percent, while the Net NPA ratio halved to 0.39 percent. This was aided by successful resolution of key accounts including the 3,600 MW KSK Mahanadi project, TRN Energy, and Shiga Energy.
    Director (Finance) Sandeep Kumar noted, “Our record PAT of ₹17,352 crore and net NPA of 0.39 percent underscore our execution strength and risk discipline. We remain committed to sustainable growth and stakeholder value creation.”

    Balance Sheet Strength and Borrowing Mix
    As of 31 March 2025, PFC’s net worth exceeded ₹90,937 crore, growing 15 percent from ₹79,203 crore last year. The company’s capital adequacy ratio (CRAR) stood at 22.08 percent, well above regulatory norms.
    Outstanding borrowings stood at ₹4,65,763 crore. Domestic bonds accounted for 56 percent, foreign currency loans 19 percent, and RTLs from banks 19 percent. Notably, 95 percent of foreign currency exposure is hedged.
    ESG and Sectoral Commitment
    PFC’s environmental, social, and governance framework continues to drive its long-term vision. The company was appointed as nodal agency for key sectoral initiatives and has launched a new IFSC subsidiary focused on green lending from GIFT City.
    More than 77 percent of the loan book is government-linked, ensuring lower credit volatility. PFC maintains 80 percent provisioning against stage three assets and is actively pursuing resolution for projects within and outside the NCLT framework.

    Outlook and Strategy
    The management expressed confidence in FY26, with ₹90,937 crore in net worth and an opening order book of ₹549 crore at the standalone level. The company aims to continue supporting India’s energy transition while maximizing shareholder value and pursuing operational excellence.
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