Thursday, December 06, 2012

LIC: INVESTMENT

LIC’s market investments are well timed, apart from IRDA norms

The investment may seem to be huge, but considering the Rs.8.06 trillion asset portfolio of LIC, out of which it is entitled by IRDA norms to invest 35% in equity along with mutual funds, corporate loans, FD, et al, the investment amount is reasonable enough.

A simple evaluation shows that out of the 35% allowed in equity et al, even after Rs.170 billion investment in the equity market, LIC would still have a surplus of Rs.2.6 odd trillion, which it can utilise for corporate loans and fixed deposits. In addition, LIC is all set to raise its fresh premium income by around 40% in FY ‘10 from the current Rs.110 billion (thanks to PSUs, which are expected to raise gratuity liability cover from Rs.0.35 million to Rs.1 million). Of the promised investment amount, Rs.40 billion would be infused by the end of March 2009. LIC has equity investment of about Rs.2 trillion in listed entities.

The only hurdle which LIC could face is from the IRDA (Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority), which caps the firm’s exposure in individual firms at 10% (LIC’s stake in several companies exceed the limit) earlier the limit was 20% (down from 30%). LIC has exceeded the limit and it will have to lobby with the IRDA to relax investment norms (as it has done for infrastructure companies). Apart from this bolt from the regulator, LIC’s aggressive investment in the bourses seems logical and well timed. That should be a boon for policy holders who have gone for equity linked plans.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

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