**IRFC Shares in Focus as Government Plans 4% Divestment via Offer for Sale**
The Indian government is set to offload a significant stake in the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), launching an Offer for Sale (OFS) that aims to raise approximately **5,430 crore**.
The divestment involves a base offer of **2%** of the company’s equity, with an additional **2%** "green shoe" option to accommodate oversubscription. In total, the government may sell up to **52.27 crore** shares, reducing its current holding from **86.36%** to **82.36%**.
The floor price for the offer has been fixed at **104** per equity share. This represents a discount compared to the stock's recent market performance; IRFC shares ended the most recent trading session at **109.40**, reflecting a **2.19%** daily decline as the market adjusted to the news.
The bidding window opens today, February 25, exclusively for institutional and non-retail investors. Retail investors and eligible employees will be able to participate starting Thursday, February 26.
IRFC serves as the primary funding arm for Indian Railways, raising capital for rolling stock and infrastructure projects. The company’s financial health remains robust, having recently reported a record quarterly profit after tax (PAT) of **1,802 crore**, a year-on-year increase of **10.5%**.
Total assets under management (AUM) are currently nearing the **4.62 lakh crore** mark. Looking ahead, the corporation has outlined a strategic roadmap to grow its AUM beyond **5 lakh crore** within the next three to five years.
To achieve this, IRFC is diversifying its portfolio by funding other government-linked infrastructure projects and exploring lower-cost foreign debt, including Japanese yen-denominated loans.
The company maintains a notable credit profile with a **zero-NPA** (Non-Performing Asset) track record. It also continues to reward shareholders, recently declaring its highest-ever interim dividend of **1.05** per share.
This stake sale is part of the government's broader strategy to meet minimum public shareholding norms while generating non-tax revenue for fiscal targets. Analysts are monitoring the retail response closely, given the stock's role as a cornerstone of India’s railway modernization program.