Traditional devotees of fixed deposits (FDs) are taking a hard look at company deposits these days. For obvious reasons, though. Consider this: the State bank of India ( SBI )) is offering 9.25% on a three-year fixed deposit, while companies like Unitech , Plethico Pharma, Kolte Patil Developers, among others, are offering 12% per year on their FDs with similar terms.
However, investment experts advise caution. They say investors should first understand the risks involved in investing money in a company deposit before signing the cheque.
"Do not blindly get into a company deposit just because it offers higher interest rates. Be sure that it meets your needs," says K Ramalingam, founder and director, Holistic Investment Planners.
WHY THE RATES ARE HIGH
One can understand the compulsions of FD customers, considered conservative and risk averse but looking to earn a few percentages extra when the inflation is eating into their purchasing power.
However, the question you need to ask is why is the company paying you the extra returns.
Take a look at the fixed income space - the investment avenue for conservative investors. Bank FDs offer 8% to 9% at the moment. Fixed maturity plans (FMPs) from mutual funds, which are almost similar to FDs, offer about 9% to 10%.
Then you have reputed companies like Godrej Industries offering you a mere 8% or so per annum on their FDs. And HDFC , which offer 9.75% for a 33-month deposit. On the other end of the spectrum, you have companies offering as much as 12% for a three-year deposit.
What explains such a large difference between rates? The answer is simple: the company offering you the higher returns is rewarding you for the extra risk you are taking.
Risk? Yes, these deposits are a little more risky than a bank FD or mutual fund schemes investing in a debt portfolio because you have nothing but the financial strength and goodwill of the company to assure you timely payment of interest as well as the repayment of capital.
In short, the company with strong financials will pay less and the weaker ones would be forced to offer a little more to compensate you for the extra risk you are taking. Don't ignore this crucial aspect in your hot pursuit for higher returns.
LOOK FOR THE RED FLAG
"Many a time, even reputed companies face temporary cash flow problems and, hence, raise fixed deposits," says K Ramalingam. A case in point is of Tata Motors , which offered fixed deposits in early 2009, at rates of 11% per annum, which was considered high at that point of time.
However, as an investor, you need to be a bit wary if a company is offering interest rates much higher than the rates prevailing in the market.
"A good thumb rule is the 3% rule. If the company offers 3% more than the standard bank rate, then one should be wary of it," says Srikanth Meenakshi, founder, fundsindia.com.
There have been instances in the past where companies have entered the market, promised high returns to investors and then just disappeared. While several investors lost their investments in CRB Capital Markets , companies like Morepen Laboratories ended up giving equity shares to investors holding fixed deposits.
Remember that while bank deposits are covered by a guarantee from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India, which assures repayment of .`1 lakh in case of default, company deposits offer no such guarantee.
The safety of the fixed deposit depends on the financial position of the company. That is why you should be careful while selecting company fixed deposits.
CHECK THE CREDENTIALS
Before investing in a company fixed deposit, do your due diligence. Find out from your financial advisor or distributor about the past credentials of the company, its promoters and their past record. Check whether the company has been prompt in dispatching interest warrants and repayment proceeds.
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