Bajaj Finserv Share Price

Bajaj Finserv Limited

Bajaj Finserv Limited (BFS) is the financial powerhouse of the Bajaj Group, one of India’s most respected and oldest conglomerates. As the holding company for a range of financial services businesses under the Bajaj Group umbrella, BFS has grown to serve millions of customers across India, offering a comprehensive suite of financial products and services. From asset acquisition through financing to asset protection through insurance, Bajaj Finserv has cemented its place as a leader in the financial services sector.

Formation and Early Years

Bajaj Finserv was formed on April 30, 2007, as a result of its demerger from Bajaj Auto Limited. The demerger allowed the company to focus exclusively on financial services while allowing Bajaj Auto to continue its focus on manufacturing. This strategic move enabled clear differentiation between the two businesses, ensuring that each entity could grow independently in its respective sector.

Following the demerger in 2008, Bajaj Finserv inherited two major assets: a portfolio of windmills for renewable energy generation and a significant investment in financial services. The company’s renewable energy assets, consisting of 138 windmills with an aggregate installed capacity of 65.2 MW, are located in Maharashtra. These assets underscore Bajaj Finserv’s commitment to sustainability and diversification beyond financial services.

Additionally, Bajaj Finserv was transferred cash reserves amounting to Rs. 800 crores at the time of the demerger. This strong financial foundation allowed the company to invest in and expand its financial services business, which has since grown to include a wide range of offerings in lending, insurance, and wealth management.

A Diverse Financial Services Portfolio

Bajaj Finserv holds a 52.49% stake in Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL), the company’s lending arm, which is one of the most prominent non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India. BFL offers a wide range of financial products, including personal loans, home loans, business loans, and more. Its strong customer base and wide product offerings have made it a leader in the Indian NBFC space.

In addition, Bajaj Finserv has a 74% stake in both Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited (BAGIC) and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC), with the remaining stake held by Allianz SE, one of the world’s largest insurance companies. Through BAGIC and BALIC, Bajaj Finserv provides general insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and retirement solutions to millions of customers, ensuring comprehensive financial protection for individuals and families.

Asset Acquisition and Protection

Bajaj Finserv's offerings are designed to cater to various financial needs of its customers. The company provides asset acquisition solutions through its financing arm, Bajaj Finance Limited. This includes loans for buying homes, vehicles, and consumer durables, as well as business loans and SME loans. On the other hand, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance offer asset protection in the form of general insurance (health, motor, travel, etc.) and life insurance policies (term, endowment, ULIPs, etc.), respectively.

These products ensure that customers are well-protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances, thereby providing them with peace of mind. Moreover, Bajaj Finserv’s diverse portfolio of financial products positions it as a one-stop solution for all financial needs, ranging from borrowing to protecting and growing wealth.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Bajaj Finserv has continuously sought strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings and expand its reach. A key milestone was in April 2009 when Bajaj Finserv signed an agreement with Allianz Global Investors (AllianzGI), the asset management subsidiary of Allianz SE, to set up an asset management joint venture in India. In this partnership, AllianzGI held a 51% stake, while Bajaj Finserv held a 49% stake. This collaboration allowed Bajaj Finserv to enter the asset management space and enhance its portfolio of financial services.

Furthermore, in March 2011, Bajaj Finserv entered into a partnership with Berkshire Hathaway, one of the world’s most renowned investment firms. Berkshire Hathaway entered the Indian insurance market as a corporate agent for Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, expanding BAGIC's customer base and boosting its presence in India’s competitive insurance market.

Expansion into New Businesses

Continuing its trend of innovation and expansion, Bajaj Finserv diversified into new business areas over the years. In May 2010, Bajaj Finance launched its Construction Equipment (CE) financing business and Retail Loan Against Securities (LAS) offerings. These moves allowed the company to broaden its lending portfolio and reach new customer segments.

Additionally, in November 2014, Bajaj Finserv sold its 100% stake in Bajaj Financial Solutions Ltd. to Bajaj Finance Ltd. This move facilitated Bajaj Finance’s entry into the housing finance business, allowing it to offer home loans and further expand its retail lending portfolio.

In FY2020, Bajaj Finserv launched its digital platform, Finserv Markets, through its subsidiary Bajaj Finserv Direct Ltd. This platform allows customers to access a wide range of financial products, including loans, insurance, and investment options, all in one place. The platform represents a significant move towards digital transformation for the company, enabling it to reach a larger audience through online channels.

Regulatory Milestones

Bajaj Finserv has navigated several key regulatory milestones over the years. In November 2009, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued Bajaj Finserv a Certificate of Registration under the RBI Act, 1934, allowing it to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFC). However, in November 2015, the company successfully transitioned into a Core Investment Company (CIC), which did not require registration with the RBI. This transition allowed Bajaj Finserv to focus on managing its investments in its various subsidiaries, while Bajaj Finance took on the responsibility of expanding the lending business.

In June 2013, Bajaj Finserv applied to the RBI for a banking license, with the goal of converting its subsidiary, Bajaj Finance Ltd., into a bank. Although the company has yet to receive a banking license, this move underscores its ambition to expand its presence in the banking sector and offer a full range of financial services to its customers.

Rights Issue and Capital Raising Initiatives

Bajaj Finserv has consistently taken steps to strengthen its capital base and raise funds for expansion. One such initiative was the rights issue in October 2012, where the company successfully raised Rs 939 crore by offering 1.44 crore equity shares to its existing shareholders at a price of Rs 650 per share. The rights issue was well-received, and the funds raised were used to fuel the company’s growth initiatives.

In November 2016, Bajaj Finserv exercised its right to convert 92.5 lakh warrants of Bajaj Finance Limited into equity shares, further increasing its shareholding in Bajaj Finance from 57.28% to 58%. This move demonstrated the company’s confidence in the growth potential of its lending arm and its commitment to maintaining a controlling stake in Bajaj Finance.

Outlook Overview

Bajaj Finserv has come a long way since its formation in 2007 as a demerged entity from Bajaj Auto. Over the years, it has built a comprehensive portfolio of financial services, ranging from lending and insurance to investments and asset management. The company’s strategic partnerships, digital transformation initiatives, and focus on innovation have played a major role in its success.