REC to raise additional Rs 50 billion via zero-coupon bonds

State-owned REC Ltd is planning to secure another Rs 50 billion in FY25 by issuing deep-discount zero-coupon bonds, according to sources. This follows its recent Rs 50 billion fundraising on September 30 through CBDT-notified zero-coupon bonds, which offered an effective yield of 6.25% per annum. The issue was oversubscribed by nearly seven times, with bids totaling Rs 336.7 billion against a Rs 50 billion offering, which included a base size of Rs 10 billion and a Rs 40 billion greenshoe option.

Zero-coupon bonds, issued at a deep discount and redeemed at face value, offer tax advantages with redemption classified as long-term capital gains, taxed at 12.5% due to the CBDT notification. Unlike regular bonds, they do not provide periodic interest, reducing reinvestment risk for investors.

REC also recently raised Rs 30 billion through 15-year bonds at 7.09%, marking the first long-tenure issuance by a ‘AAA’-rated entity in years, which attracted strong demand from insurers and pension funds. Additionally, it issued Rs 29.01 billion in 5-year bonds at 7.34%.

REC, a 'Maharatna' NBFC under India’s Ministry of Power, finances infrastructure projects nationwide. Separately, Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) is seeking Rs 30 billion in domestic bonds with a 15-year maturity, rated ‘AAA’ by Icra, Crisil, and Care.

(Business Standard)

Related Stories

Indofen Uses Siemens Xcelerator to Power Smart Foundries
Navi Mumbai Plots Can Now Be Converted to Freehold
NHAI Reused 63 Million Tonnes of Waste for Roads
Naidu Seeks Rs 563 Crore For AP Sports Infrastructure
Tough Bidding Norms Slow NHAI Road Project Awards