We want to diversify our sources and funds, IL&FS director says on 2000 cr NCD issue

The Rs 2000 crore India Infoline Finance (IIFL) secured and non-secured non-convertible debentures (NCD) issue at a high coupon rate carried to diversify the sources of fund after commercial paper market squeezed post IL&FS crisis, a top company official said. "There will be rise in cost. But, we want to diversify the sources of fund even there will be rise in average cost of fund," IIFL group managing director R Venkataraman told PTI on Tuesday.

The NBFC was trying to reduce its dependence on commercial paper which has a share of 24 percent out of its total fund pool. The average cost of fund is presently at 8.64 percent as on H1FY19'. Company estimates the additional rise in cost will be 10-15 basis points post NCD issue.

The issue offering coupon rate of between 9.5 and 10.5 percent per annum depending on tenure opened on Tuesday will stay open till February 20. The base issue size is Rs 250 crore with greenshoe option of Rs 1750 crore.

Owing to rise in cost of funds, net interest margin of the company has also eased to 7 percent but, Venkataraman said the financier was planning to pass on the impact, indicating rise in lending rates. Venkataraman said the company will focus on mortgages which was growing at 35 percent while, SME loan grew that saw expansion over 100 per cent.

The AUM of IIFL stands at Rs 36,373 crore up from Rs 31,000 crore in FY18'. The impact of IL&FS may snap the high growth trajectory of CAGR of 35 per cent this fiscal..