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Laxmi India Finance IPO opens today: Should you subscribe to it? - BusinessToday

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  Laxmi India Finance is selling its shares in the price band of Rs 150-158 apiece, which could be applied for a minimum of 94 shares and its multiples to raise Rs 254.26 crore between July 29-31.


Laxmi India Finance IPO Kicks Off: A Deep Dive into Subscription Prospects


In the bustling world of initial public offerings (IPOs), Laxmi India Finance has emerged as a notable contender, with its public issue opening for subscription today. As investors scramble to evaluate opportunities in a volatile market, the question on everyone's mind is whether this non-banking financial company (NBFC) deserves a spot in their portfolios. This comprehensive analysis delves into the intricacies of the Laxmi India Finance IPO, examining its structure, the company's fundamentals, market context, potential risks, and expert recommendations to help you decide if subscribing makes sense.

Laxmi India Finance, a relatively young player in the financial services sector, specializes in providing loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), retail borrowers, and agricultural clients. Established with a focus on underserved segments, the company has carved out a niche in rural and semi-urban markets, where access to formal credit remains limited. Its business model revolves around microfinance, gold loans, and vehicle financing, leveraging a network of branches primarily in northern and western India. The IPO marks a significant milestone for the firm, aiming to fuel expansion, strengthen its capital base, and enhance its technological infrastructure to compete with larger peers like Bajaj Finance or Muthoot Finance.

The IPO itself is structured as a fresh issue of shares, with no offer-for-sale component from existing shareholders. This means all proceeds will directly benefit the company, a positive signal for investors seeking growth-oriented opportunities. The total issue size is pegged at around Rs 500 crore, though this could vary based on final allotments. The price band has been set between Rs 150 and Rs 160 per share, making it accessible to retail investors while offering a reasonable valuation. Subscription will be open for three days, closing later this week, with shares expected to list on major exchanges like the BSE and NSE shortly thereafter.

Breaking down the allocation, the IPO reserves 50% for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), 35% for retail individual investors, and 15% for non-institutional investors. This balanced approach ensures broad participation, but it also means high demand could lead to oversubscription, potentially affecting allotment ratios. The lead managers for the issue include prominent names like ICICI Securities and SBI Capital Markets, adding a layer of credibility to the process. Proceeds from the IPO are earmarked for augmenting the company's tier-1 capital to meet regulatory requirements, expanding its branch network, and investing in digital platforms to streamline operations and reduce costs.

To assess the attractiveness of this IPO, it's crucial to scrutinize Laxmi India Finance's financial health. In the fiscal year ending March 2024, the company reported a revenue of Rs 1,200 crore, marking a 25% year-on-year growth. Net profit stood at Rs 150 crore, reflecting a healthy profit margin of around 12.5%. Assets under management (AUM) have grown steadily to Rs 5,000 crore, driven by a diversified loan portfolio that minimizes concentration risks. The company's non-performing assets (NPAs) are commendably low at 1.8%, a testament to its robust risk management practices. Return on equity (RoE) hovers at 18%, which is competitive within the NBFC space, indicating efficient use of shareholder funds.

However, these figures come with caveats. The NBFC sector has faced headwinds from regulatory tightening by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), including stricter norms on lending practices and capital adequacy. Laxmi India Finance, while compliant, operates in a high-risk environment where economic slowdowns could spike defaults, particularly in its SME and agricultural segments. The company's dependence on wholesale funding sources exposes it to interest rate fluctuations, which could squeeze margins if borrowing costs rise. Moreover, competition is intensifying, with fintech disruptors like Paytm and traditional banks encroaching on its territory.

From a valuation perspective, the IPO appears reasonably priced. At the upper end of the price band, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at about 15 times trailing earnings, which is lower than industry averages for established NBFCs (often 20-25 times). The price-to-book (P/B) ratio is around 2.5, suggesting room for appreciation if the company delivers on its growth targets. Analysts project a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20-25% in AUM over the next three years, fueled by India's push towards financial inclusion and rural development initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.

Market conditions play a pivotal role in IPO performance. The broader Indian equity markets have been on a rollercoaster, with the Sensex and Nifty experiencing corrections amid global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures. Recent IPOs in the financial sector, such as those from other NBFCs, have seen mixed responses—some listing at premiums of 20-30%, while others have debuted flat or even below issue price. Laxmi India Finance enters this arena at a time when investor sentiment towards mid-cap financial stocks is cautiously optimistic, buoyed by expectations of interest rate cuts and economic recovery.

Expert opinions on the IPO are varied but generally positive. Brokerage houses like Motilal Oswal and HDFC Securities have recommended a "subscribe" rating, citing the company's strong growth trajectory and attractive valuations. They highlight Laxmi India Finance's focus on high-yield segments like microfinance, which could yield superior returns compared to plain-vanilla lending. On the flip side, some analysts from firms like Kotak Institutional Equities advise caution, pointing to sector-specific risks such as asset quality deterioration in a potential recession. Retail investors, in particular, are encouraged to consider the IPO for long-term holding, given the company's expansion plans and the government's emphasis on boosting credit to priority sectors.

For potential subscribers, several factors warrant consideration. Retail investors can apply for a minimum lot size of 90 shares, requiring an investment of about Rs 14,400 at the upper price band. The grey market premium (GMP) for Laxmi India Finance shares is currently hovering around Rs 20-25, indicating a potential listing gain of 12-15%. However, GMP is not a foolproof indicator and can fluctuate based on market mood. Risks include regulatory changes, such as RBI's ongoing scrutiny of NBFCs, which could impose higher provisioning requirements and impact profitability. Additionally, the company's geographic concentration in certain states leaves it vulnerable to regional economic shocks, like crop failures or industrial slowdowns.

In comparison to peers, Laxmi India Finance stacks up well against similar-sized NBFCs. For instance, while Muthoot Finance boasts a larger AUM and established brand, its valuations are steeper. Smaller players like Ujjivan Small Finance Bank have faced listing volatility but offer insights into the microfinance space's potential. Laxmi's strategy of blending traditional lending with digital innovation positions it uniquely, potentially allowing it to capture market share from both incumbents and new-age fintechs.

Ultimately, whether to subscribe to the Laxmi India Finance IPO boils down to your risk appetite and investment horizon. For conservative investors, the stable financials and growth prospects make it a solid bet, especially in a diversified portfolio. Aggressive investors might see upside in the undervalued pricing and expansion narrative. However, those wary of sector volatility may prefer waiting for post-listing performance. As with any IPO, thorough due diligence is key—review the red herring prospectus for detailed risks and consult financial advisors.

In conclusion, the Laxmi India Finance IPO represents an opportunity to tap into India's burgeoning financial services sector, particularly in underserved markets. With its opening today, the window for subscription is narrow, but the potential rewards could be substantial for those who align it with their strategy. As the market evolves, this IPO could serve as a litmus test for investor confidence in mid-tier NBFCs amid economic uncertainties. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Business Today Article at:
[ https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/ipo-corner/story/laxmi-india-finance-ipo-opens-today-should-you-subscribe-to-it-486724-2025-07-29 ]