New Delhi, Oct 21: Svam Software's decision to go in for a major equity expansion including a preferential allotment to its promoters, ESOP and NRI investment has infused a fresh lease of life into the counter. While anything remotely related with software has touched dizzy highs on the bourses, ailing Swam Software was among the very few software stocks that failed to rally.However, in anticipation of a stake hike by the promoters and investments by NRI, the stock started moving up since August 11 and the scrip zoomed by 203 per cent from Rs 5.65 to the current level of Rs 17.15. Volumes, too, have seen a sharp rise, especially in October. From a daily average volume of around 4500 shares, volumes have shot up to around 56,000 in October. The counter is attracting buying interest as the market is expecting a turnaround in this company, especially when the promoters are increasing their stake and also paving the way for NRIs to increase their stake. The company board has approved a proposal to offer and issue of 60 lakh equity shares of Rs 10 each through preferential allotment/private placement to the promoters/promoter group and other select group of persons, an employee stock option (ESOP) and a fresh equity infusion by NRIs/OCBs. For the equity capital expansion, the board has given its nod for increasing the authorised share capital from Rs 15 crore to Rs 20 crore. Thecompany is also holding an extra-ordinary general meeting (EGM) on November 8.
The preferential offer price will be determined based on the Sebi guidelines on preferential allotment. After the preferential offer, the paid up capital will increase from Rs 10.88 crore to Rs 16.88 crore. The company is planning to issue up to a maximum of 5 per cent of the share capital to employees in one year. On the expanded capital, the ESOP will be for around Rs 84 lakh.
The company is also increasing NRI investment limit upto 24 per cent of the paid capital. At present, NRIs hold 11.36 per cent of the total paid up capital. Promoters/promoter group have a low stake of 26.27 per cent in the company. A sizeable portion of 60.31 per cent of the paid up capital is held by the public.
Svam Software has been slipping on its performance. The company, which is into the development of software packages, is operating on a low margin. For fiscal 1999, sales fell from Rs 13.56 crore in fiscal 1998 to Rs 11.85 crore. In 1998-99, the company slipped into the red and recorded an operating loss of Rs 1.97 crore.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.