Chief Economic Advisor K.V. Subramanian recently hinted that the government could mobilise ₹90,000 crore by selling 6-7 per cent stake in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). This was the first statement by a senior government functionary on the issue after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans for LIC’s initial public offering (IPO) in her FY21 Budget speech. “I have done some back-of-the-envelope calculations,” he said. This ₹90,000 crore for a 6-7 per cent stake puts LIC’s valuation at ₹12.85-15 lakh crore, making it India’s second most valued company after Reliance Industries (RIL), ahead of marquee names such as HDFC Bank, TCS, Infosys and HUL.
But it’s too early to celebrate. Valuing the 64-year-old company is perhaps the toughest of tasks because of its opaque style of operations. One reason is that it is governed by the LIC Act of 1956 with Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) having very little say in regulating its operations. Then there is the complex product portfolio skewed towards savings than protection (in contrast to other listed life insurers) and a sovereign guarantee backing every policy. There are also concerns about a unique profitsharing arrangement under which policyholders pocket 95 per cent surplus and shareholders (right now, government of India) get 5 per cent. “The entire structure of LIC has to be revisited to make it more investor friendly. If a major part of surpluses goes to policyholders, investors, especially institutional, will be wary of investing,” says Ajay Sharma, Managing Director, Valuation Services (India) at Colliers International. Last, but not the least, a large chunk of LIC’s equity investments comprise PSU shares it was forced to buy over the years to help the Centre meet its disinvestment targets.
This story is from the December 13, 2020 edition of Business Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 13, 2020 edition of Business Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Haute Couture in the Kitchen
FASHION BRANDS ARE ENTERING THE RESTAURANT SPACE, AS FOOD SEEMS TO HAVE BECOME THE ULTIMATE FASHION STATEMENT
It's Personal
Mixing work and personal tasks on work machines may be a done thing for many, but it makes sense to have a dedicated device for your personal needs. Here are two such devices
INTO THE BLUE
For WTiCabs Founder and CEO Ashok Vashist, scuba diving is not just an adventure sport. It is a pathway to connect with the ocean
"Challenges are opportunities"
AMIT JAIN CO-FOUNDER & CEO CARDEKHO GROUP CarDekho Group is a digital automotive solutions provider
THE WAIT FOR HIGHER PENSION
ALMOST 18 MONTHS AFTER THE SUPREME COURT RULING, SUBSCRIBERS WHO OPTED FOR A HIGHER PENSION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES' PENSION SCHEME CONTINUE TO WAIT AS THE EPFO, FACING A STAFF CRUNCH, TRIES TO FIGURE OUT THE MATH
"It's possible to have a 25% growth out of India from now on"
Rail Europe Executive Chairman & CEO Björn Bender talks about the India market, the shift to digital, and the way ahead
Evolving Strategies
Companies need to adapt to changing times for a strong workforce
PERKS PRESSURE
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE MONEY ANYMORE FOR EMPLOYEES. FROM FOUR-DAY WORK WEEKS, TO SKILLING ON THE JOB AND MENTAL WELL-BEING EXERCISES, COMPANIES ARE OFFERING A HOST OF BENEFITS TO RETAIN TOP TALENT. IS THIS ENOUGH?
FOSTERING PLURALISM
Axis Bank, with its initiatives and policies, is striving to make a holistic difference to people's careers and hone their skills too
In Keeping With The Times
With a slew of initiatives for its employees, Abbott India is working hard to build a diverse and inclusive workforce