Tata Sons to Sell 2.34 Crore Shares of TCS in Block Deal

Mumbai, March 21, 2024: Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, has confirmed the sale of2.34 crore sharesin its subsidiary,Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), through a block deal. The transaction, which took place last Tuesday, is estimated to be worth aroundRs 9,000 crore. However, the companies involved have not disclosed the average share sale price.

Following this stake sale, Tata Sons’ ownership in TCS has decreased from72.38%to71.74%. The impact of this large block deal has been negative on TCS stock, which fell4%on Tuesday and is now down about7%from Monday’s high.

Rationale Behind the Stake Sale

The Tata Group has not officially commented on the reasons behind the stake sale. However, several factors could be driving this decision:

1. Funding Growth Plans: Tata Sons may use the cash generated from the sale to fund ambitious growth plans in new businesses, such as semiconductors. Recently, Tata Electronics committed to investingRs 91,000 croreto build a semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat’s Dholera.
2. Debt Reduction: The proceeds could also help Tata Sons pare some of its debt. The group’s FY23 balance sheet shows borrowings of aboutRs 20,270 crore. Reducing debt could also help the holding company avoid an IPO.
3. Investments and Cross-Holdings: The market value of Tata Sons’ listed investments is estimated atRs 16 lakh crore, and the book value of unlisted investments isRs 60,000 crore. However, the market value of unlisted investments could be much higher, given the group’s foray into semiconductors and EV batteries.
4. Conglomerate Strategy: Tata Sons is majorly held by theDorabji Tata Trust (28%)and theRatan Tata Trust (24%). The group is also known to have several cross-holdings across its companies.

The Tata Group remains India’s most valued conglomerate, with a market value of all listed entities exceeding theRs 30-lakh croremark.

Impact on TCS

TCS shares had hit a lifetime high ofRs 4,254.45on BSE before the block deal. Investment banker JPMorgan issued a term sheet for the deal, indicating Tata Sons’ intention to sell2.43 crore sharesof the software services exporter at a floor price ofRs 4,001 per share, which was at a discount of3.6%to Monday’s closing price.

While the immediate impact has been negative, the long-term implications will depend on Tata Sons’ strategic moves and the market’s response.

The TCS stock has been closely watched, and investors are keen to see how the company navigates these changes. As the Tata Group continues to evolve, its decisions will shape the future trajectory of both TCS and the conglomerate as a whole.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with financial professionals before making any investment decisions.

Note: The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and does not reflect any proprietary or confidential information.