HUDCO plans to raise Rs 2,439 crore via tax-free bonds

NEW DELHI: State-owned Housing and Urban Development Corporation ( HUDCO) plans to raise Rs 2,439 crore from an issue of tax-free bonds starting on December 2, its second tranche of such securities in this financial year.

The company had raised Rs 2,370 crore in the first tranche of tax-free bonds launched in September.

The Finance Ministry has allowed HUDCO to raise Rs 5,000 crore through bonds in 2013-14. The company raised Rs 190.8 crore in August through a private placement with institutional investors.

The size of the tax-free bond issue is Rs 500 crore, with an option to retain over-subscription of up to Rs 2,439.2 crore, HUDCO said in a statement.

"The issue will open for subscription on December 2, 2013, and is scheduled to close on January 10, 2014. The bonds under the issue are proposed to be listed on the BSE," it said.

The funds will be used to finance the government's housing and urban infrastructure projects, working capital requirements, augmenting the company's resource base and other operational requirements.

For retail investors applying for bonds up to Rs 10 lakh, the coupon rate is 8.76 per cent per annum for 10 years, 8.83 per cent for 15 years and 9.01 per cent for 20 years.

The bonds bear a coupon rate of 8.51 per cent per annum for 10 years, 8.58 per cent for 15 years and 8.76 per cent for 20 years for qualified institutional buyers, corporates and high net worth individuals.

The coupon rates are higher than the first tranche, a company official said. HUDCO is engaged in the financing and promotion of housing and urban infrastructure projects throughout India.

The company posted a net profit of Rs 700 crore on revenue of Rs 2,923 crore during the previous financial year. It sanctioned projects worth Rs 23,000 crore and disbursed Rs 6,000 crore in 2012-13.

During this fiscal so far, HUDCO has disbursed Rs 3,878 crore and sanctioned projects worth Rs 10,370.52 crore, the official added.