Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

download Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

of 32

Transcript of Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    1/32

    1

    PREFACEAn effort has been made to understand in detail about SKS MICROFINANCE. Its products,

    services, functions, financial statements have given a clear view of how a microfinance

    company operates.

    Micro financing and poverty reduction goes hand in hand. SKS MICROFINANCE is one of

    the most important reasons why Micro financing has gained momentum in India where poverty

    has been the biggest threat since decades.

    The following project also reveals how the services of SKS MICROFINANCE helped

    changing the life of many, especially women, in the country.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Serial No. Contents Page No.

    1. Non Banking Financial Companies 2

    2. Micro Finance Institutions 3

    3. SKS Microfinance Limited 54. Financial Statements of SKS

    Microfinance Limited

    20

    5. Introduction to Case Studies 23

    6. Recent News Articles 27

    7. Conclusion 32

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    2/32

    2

    NON BANKING FINACIAL COMPANIESMeaningNBFC means Non-banking financial company. A non-banking financial company (NBFC) is a

    company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 of India and is engaged in the business of

    loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stock/bonds/debentures/securities issued by

    government or local authority or other securities of like marketable nature, leasing, hire-

    purchase, insurance business, chit business, but does not include any institution whose

    principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, sale/purchase/construction

    of immovable property.

    NBFCs are financial institutions that provide banking services without meeting the legal

    definition of a bank, i.e. one that does not hold a banking license. These institutions are not

    allowed to take deposits from the public. Nonetheless, all operations of these institutions are

    still exercised under bank regulation.

    Difference Between Bank and NBFCs

    NBFCs are doing functions akin to that of banks; however there are a few differences:

    a. An NBFC cannot accept demand deposits;

    b. An NBFC is not a part of the payment and settlement system and as such an NBFC cannot

    issue cheque drawn on itself; andc. Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not

    available for NBFC depositors unlike in case of banks.

    Services Provided By NBFCsNBFCs offer most sorts of banking services, such as loans and credit facilities, private

    education funding, retirement planning, trading in money markets, underwriting stocks and

    shares, TFCs (Term Finance Certificate) and other obligations. These institutions also provide

    wealth management such as managing portfolios of stocks and shares, discounting services e.g.

    discounting of instruments and advice on merger and acquisition activities. The number of non-

    banking financial companies has expanded greatly in the last several years as venture capitalcompanies, retail and industrial companies have entered the lending business. Non-bank

    institutions also frequently support investments in property and prepare feasibility, market or

    industry studies for companies.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_institutionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banking_licensehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_regulationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwritinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merger_and_acquisitionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merger_and_acquisitionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwritinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_markethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_regulationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banking_licensehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_institution
  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    3/32

    3

    MICRO-FINANCE INSTITUTIONS

    MeaningMFIs are Microfinance institutions offer financial services to underprivileged and

    impoverished communities.

    To most, microfinance means providing poor families with very small loans (microcredit) to

    help them engage in productive activities to grow their tiny businesses.

    Over a period of time, microfinance has come to include a broader range of services (credit,

    savings, insurance and others) as it has been realised that the poor, who lack access to

    traditional formal financial institutions require a variety of financial products.

    Microfinance started with the recognition that poor people had the capability to lift themselves

    out of poverty if they had access to affordable loans. High repayment rates in the industry have

    changed the perception that the poor are not credit worthy. With the right opportunities, the

    poor have proved themselves to be productive and capable of borrowing, saving and repaying,

    even without collateral.

    Microcredit or Microfinance is the process of granting small loans to poor people, primarily to

    women, who have no collateral and are marginalised. These women tend to use their income to

    benefit their households and children. The process is accomplished through a microfinance

    institution that:

    recruits and trains responsible, appropriate borrowers, each of whom establishes her smallbusiness

    helps them form groups that are accountable for each other's loans distributes funds for loans meets with groups of borrowers to collect loan repayments and to guide their endeavoursExamples of enterprises established include, buying a buffalo to sell its milk; starting a kirana

    store; manufacturing sweets; selling soft drinks; grinding spices; sewing; candle making;collecting fallen hair for wigs and extensions; repairing watches; tea or petty shops; vegetable

    stands; bicycle repair; carpentry and welding shop or an auto rickshaw.

    In groups of five to ten, the women support each other emotionally and financially by

    guaranteeing the repayment of each of their loans. With as little as INR 4,000 (USD 85), a

    borrower can start a kirana store. With INR 10,000 (USD 212), a borrower can purchase a

    milking cow / buffalo, sewing machine, or set up an embroidery unit. Many of the women

    become leaders in their communities and undertake projects that benefit all the residents.

    The repayment of loans plus interest generates funds that can be reinvested as a second and

    third loan or used to start other women on their journey toward sustainable prosperity. The

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    4/32

    4

    entire community benefits from improvement projects taken on by these newly confident and

    capable leaders.

    Microfinance institutions broadly operate under a wide range of legal structures. They could be

    registered as NGO, Trusts, Sec 25 Companies, Cooperative Societies, Cooperative Banks,

    Regional Rural Banks, Local Area Banks, Public and Private Sector banks, Business

    Correspondents and Non-Banking Finance Companies.

    Bibi Hanifa is a successful micro entrepreneur from Hubli who has set up an incense-stick unit

    along with a group of women in her neighbourhood. Earlier they worked as daily wage labor at

    a nearby factory and earned a meagre income. Today, thanks to the simple system of takingloans and repaying them, these women manage a successful enterprise and dream of a better

    and more prosperous tomorrow.

    NBFC Status

    An Increasing number of microfinance institutions (MFIs) are seeking non-banking finance

    company (NBFC) status from RBI to get wide access to funding, including bank finance.

    Micro-Finance Institutions of India

    Forbes magazine named seven microfinance institutes in India in the list of the world's top 50microfinance institutions.

    Bandhan, as well as two other Indian MFIsMicrocredit Foundation of India (ranked 13th)

    and Saadhana Micro Fin Society (15th)have been placed above Bangladesh-based Grameen

    Bank (which along with its founder Mohammed Yunus, was awarded the Nobel Prize). Besides

    Bandhan, the Microcredit Foundation of India and Saadhana Microfin Society, other Indian

    entries include Grameen Koota (19th), Sharada's Women's Association for Weaker Section

    (23rd), SKS Microfinance Private Ltd (44th) and Asmitha Microfin Ltd (29th).

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes
  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    5/32

    5

    SKS (SWAYAM KRISHI SANGAM)MICROFINANCE

    INTRODUCTION

    SKS Microfinance Limited (SKS) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), regulated by

    the Reserve Bank of India. SKS' mission is to eradicate poverty by providing financial services

    to the poor. The company operates across 19 Indian states: Andhra

    Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar

    Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, West

    Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Delhi.

    According to a CRISIL Report on Top 50 Indian Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), SKSMicrofinance is the largest MFI in India with more borrowers, more branches and more loans

    as of 30 September 2008. SKS was founded in 1997 byVikram Akula, who also served as its

    executive chair until November 2011. As of December 31, 2010, SKS had 7.7 million clientsin

    2,403 branches across the country.

    SKS charges an annual effective interest rate between 26.7% and 31.4% for core loan

    products. At the end of financial year 2010 on 31 March 2011, the company listed a gross loan

    portfolio of US$925,844,433 with 6,242,266 female active borrowers.

    SKS plans "to serve 50 million households across India and other parts of the world and also to

    create a commercial microfinance model that delivers high value to our customers". The theoryis that providing financial services to low-income households helps alleviate poverty.

    SKS practices a standardised process of managing loans. They reach distant villages by

    charging interest rates that clients are willing to pay to avoid starvation, poor money

    management or government loan sharks. It claims that its mission is to empower the poor by

    providing them collateral-free loans for income generation.

    SKS Microfinance is registered with the RBI as a non-deposit taking NBFC and is regulated by

    the RBI.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserve_Bank_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnatakahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orissahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhya_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biharhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttaranchalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himachal_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haryanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jharkhandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhattisgarhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keralahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Naduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punjab,_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikram_Akulahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikram_Akulahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loan_sharkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loan_sharkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikram_Akulahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punjab,_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Naduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keralahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhattisgarhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jharkhandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haryanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himachal_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttaranchalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biharhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhya_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orissahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnatakahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserve_Bank_of_India
  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    6/32

    6

    PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OF SKS MICROFINANCE

    SKS Microfinance offers 8 financial products and services to its clients - Income Generation

    Loans, Mid-Term Loans, Mobile Loans, Sangam Store Loans, Housing Loans, Funeral

    Assistance, Gold Loan, and Life Insurance. The company lists some of the social benefits of its

    financial product and service offerings as "providing self-employed women financial assistance

    to support their business enterprises, such as raising livestock, running local retail shops

    called kirana stores, providing tailoring and other assorted trade and services."

    Microfinance is not suitable for those who need not just access to finance but livelihood

    training, social and health inputs. SKS has a unique "Ultra Poor" programme for this group.

    Under the programme, the beneficiaries receive training to run an income-generating

    enterprise, financial education and an asset. Over an 18-month period these beneficiaries are

    trained to become self-sufficient and graduate into regular microfinance. The first phase of the

    Ultra Poor programme was conducted in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh where nearly 500

    women were covered. In all, 426 women have successfully graduated from this programme. In

    the next phase, the Ultra Poor Programme is being planned in some of the poorest districts

    ofOrissa and Jharkhand.

    SKS serves millions of poor women across tens of thousands of villages and urban slums in

    India. It has achieved this scale through an innovative combination of using a for profit model,

    drawing on best practices from the business world and deploying technology. They are using

    the channel that we have created to provide a full range of financial services to the poor. By

    providing the poor this range of economic tools, they are looking forward to the eradication of

    poverty.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medak_districthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orissahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jharkhandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jharkhandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orissahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medak_district
  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    7/32

    7

    SKS Microfinance Ltd offers a range of products and services, which have been developed

    based on the financial needs of working of poor women. Offerings are classified into

    Proprietary and Distributor products.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    8/32

    8

    A. Proprietary products

    a.Income Generation Loans (IGL) - Aarambh

    Features:

    Loans range from Rs.4, 000 to Rs. 10,000 for the first loan; subsequent loan amounts determinedby past credit history and increased each in set increments unto a maximum of Rs. 26,000.

    Term of the loan is 50 weeks with principal and interest payments due on a weekly basis. 12.5% flat interest rate / 24.55% annual effective interest rate.Benefit:

    Provides self-employed women financial assistance to support their business enterprises, suchas raising livestock, running local retail shops called kirana stores, providing tailoring and

    other assorted trades and services.

    b. Mid-Term Loan (MTL) - Vriddhi

    Features:

    Loan amounts range from Rs.2,000 to Rs. 14,000 in each annual cycle. Available any time after the completion of 20 weeks & before 40 weeks of an IGL cycle. Term of the loan is 50 weeks with principal and interest payments due on a weekly basis. 12.5% flat interest rate 24.55% annual effective interest rate.Benefit:

    Provides self-employed women financial assistance to support their business enterprises, such

    as raising livestock, running local retail shops called kirana stores, providing tailoring and

    other assorted trades and services.

    c. Emergency Loans and Advances - Raksha

    Features:

    Interest free emergency loans range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000.

    Term of the loan is 20 weeks with a bullet repayment.3.Interest free funeral advances ofRs.1,000 adjusted out of the claim settlement of loan cover insurance.

    Benefit:

    Designed to meet the unforeseen emergency requirements of members. Disbursed within 24 hours of request. Funeral advance paid to a members family upon the death of the member or herspouse.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    9/32

    9

    d. Life Insurance Loans

    Features:

    Interest free loans of Rs. 500. Term of 25 weeks with principal repaid weekly.

    Benefit:

    Issued to members to pay their life insurance premiums during the initial 25 week period. Helps to promote habit of savings and reduction of vulnerability among members.

    e. Mobile Loans

    Features:

    Financing of mobile phones and telephone services. Loan amounts range from Rs.1,500 to Rs. 3,000. 26.14% annual effective interest rate and loan processing fee of 1%. Term of 25 weeks.

    Benefit:

    Provides financing for mobile phones and telephone services to our members.

    f. Sangam Store Loans

    Features:

    Working capital loans ranging from Rs.1,000 to Rs. 12,500. Interest free. Term of the loan is14 days.

    Benefit:

    Provides working capital loan to fund the needs of members who own and operate the kirana

    stores. The program allows these members to purchase their inventory of consumer goods and

    groceries from a national wholesaler at wholesale prices.

    g.Housing Loan

    Features:

    Loans range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs.150,000. Members must have completed at least 3 IGL cycles to qualify or one ILP to be completed. Term of loan is 3 to 5 years with principal and interest payments due on a monthly basis. 11.9% flat interest rate , 21% annual effective interest rate. In addition, loan processing fee of 2% collected upfront.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    10/32

    10

    Benefits:

    Provides financial access to women for construction of new houses or improvement & extension of existing

    houses.

    B. Distributor Loan

    Life Insurance

    Feature:

    Weekly payment of Rs. 20 for the term of five years.

    Benefits:Upon death, we disburse to the beneficiary the full sum assured of Rs. 5,000plus the account value, which

    is equal to the aggregate of the premiums paid plus interest accrued, if any, less any charges for

    the administration of the policy. In the event the death is deemed an accidental death, the

    beneficiary receives Rs. 10,000 plus the account value. Upon maturity in five years where no

    death has occurred, we disburse to the policyholder the account value.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    11/32

    11

    NEW INITIATIVES

    SKS is currently reaching over one lakh (1,00,000) villages in India with a presence in 19

    states and 2,379 branches. SKS has begun leveraging this extensive branch network and its

    financing ability to provide more financial services to the bottom of the pyramid. In this

    direction, SKS undertook initiatives like mobile handset financing, financing loans against gold

    collateral and lending to kirana stores (Sangam stores).

    Mobile Financing Programme

    India has a high potential in the mobile telephony market, but the high cost of mobile handsets

    is a key deterrent for rural borrowers of SKS. Considering this, SKS has launched a mobile

    finance program that offers its borrowers mobile phones at a relatively lower price with theoption of paying in small, easy installments. SKS has partnered with Nokia India Pvt. Ltd. to

    supply quality handsets to its borrowers. A loan product has been designed to facilitate finance

    for handset purchases. Under this program, SKS has disbursed 3.5 lakh mobile loans to its

    borrowers in six states of India. This initiative has instilled confidence in its borrowers and

    improved their business through better access to communication.

    Sangam stores

    A Sangam store is a kirana store run by an SKS borrower. The objective of SKSs Sangam

    store lending initiative is to enable Sangam store owners to buy from a wholesale vendor

    fast-moving consumer goods and groceries which they would then resell in their retail kirana

    stores. This will give them access to quality products at competitive prices. It also saves the

    borrower time and transport costs. About 8% of the total borrower base of SKS is running

    kirana stores (i.e 5 lakh kirana stores). With SKS providing finance and the wholesaler

    facilitating delivery to kirana stores, SKS and their partner wholesaler can both enhance the

    volume of business done by Sangam stores and meet working capital needs of Sangam store

    owners.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    12/32

    12

    A suitable credit product has been designed to meet this specific need. SKS partnered with one

    of the worlds most reputed wholesalers, Metro Cash and Carry (Ind ia) Pvt. Ltd., in

    Hyderabad. SKS enrolled 3,500 stores and is now planning to expand this program

    geographically (to Bengaluru and Kolkata) as well as to different customer segments (non-

    borrowers). SKS is building new relationships to extend the non-borrower program across the

    country. SKS has also developed a mobile based MIS system to collect and consolidate orders

    and track the loan portfolio. The enhanced software system will help SKS in scaling the

    program in multiple locations working with multiple partners. This program can act as the first

    step in creating distribution channels for a wide range of other non-financial products. SKS

    believes that it can offer profitable products that benefit its approximately 5 lakh Sangam store

    owners and which have trickle-down benefits to its broader borrower base.

    Gold loan

    Currently, the gold loan market is predominantly operated by usurious pawn-brokers with

    players in the organized sector having limited reach in the rural markets. To bridge this gap,

    SKS has initiated the Gold Loan pilot project. The objective is to enable borrowers to get loans

    at competitive rates to increase their business, to fulfill personal needs and to address other

    emergencies. SKS plans to target its current borrowers as well as new ones with the product.

    A pilot project has been launched in three locations in Karnataka and in two centres in Gujarat

    to test the product and processes.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    13/32

    13

    BEYOND MICROFINANCE

    While credit for Micro-enterprise has been the anchor of microfinance, SKS knows that it is

    not just enough. Therefore, SKS provides quality English medium primary education to

    children of rural India at very low costs through the Bodhi Academy, it ensures better health

    for children across rural India through mass scale immunisation and deworming programmes.

    For the destitute sections of society who do not have even the social collateral to access

    microfinance, SKS manages the Ultra Poor Programme through its NGO.

    Helping the ultra poor

    While microfinance works well for the upper poor and poor sections of society, the ultra poor

    sections of society need much more than finances. Swayam Krishi Sangam, the NGO arm ofSKS Microfinance works alongside the ultra poor to restore hope, dignity and broaden their

    opportunities.

    The Ultra Poor Graduation Pilot is the flagship programme of SKS NGO. Facilitated by CGAP

    - Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (housed at the World Bank), and modelled after the

    highly-successful BRAC Ultra Poor Programme of Bangladesh. SKS has adapted the

    programme to Indias socio-economic development environment and policies. SKS endeavours

    to create a standard, scalable and replicable Ultra Poor Graduation Model that blends research,

    innovation and technology.The SKS Ultra Poor Programme addresses the challenge of extreme poverty in its three

    manifestations, economic, social and health, and aims to graduate ultra poor clients to a point

    where their growth is self-sustainable. An intensive 18-month programme helps enhance the

    awareness levels about government resources, social issues and health care, and creates stable

    livelihoods. Upon graduation, many members may choose to join microfinance organisations

    or government sponsored SHG (Self Help Group) Bank linkage programme to sustain

    livelihoods and diversify into new opportunities.

    SKS scientifically targets the extreme poor at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid

    through participatory poverty identification tools. The logic is to re-connect the extreme poorto quality living and lost opportunities in livelihoods. The core value of our work is that no

    eligible ultra poor person is left out of the process.

    Our 18-month graduation pilot in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh has created a positive

    impact among 426 ultra poor women have graduated into mainstream economic activities. In

    the next phase, the Ultra Poor Programme is being planned in some of the poorest districts of

    Orissa and Jharkhand.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    14/32

    14

    Deworming the world

    Deworm The World has tied up with SKS NGO and SKS Microfinance to provide deworming

    tablets to 1 million children of 5 to 15 years age in Andhra Pradesh state in Southern India.

    While DTW helps fund the programme, SKS Microfinance uses its village-level network to

    distribute the tablets with support and assistance from Government PHCs. The SKS NGO is

    supporting the programme.

    In Phase 1, three districts in Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool, Adilabad and Warangal - will be

    covered under the programme. Feed the Children, a US-based voluntary organisation, has

    donated the tablets to SKS in Phase 1.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    15/32

    15

    Service Quality

    Sangam Leader Meetings

    Sangam Leader Meetings provide an interactive platform for SKS members. Thousands of our

    centre (sangam) leaders help in gathering member feedback on SKS services and help us better

    understand their needs. In FY09, through the 150 Sangam leaders meeting conducted, we

    managed to reach out to approximately 60,000 Sangam leaders representing 2.8 million

    members in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, West Bengal,

    Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Special desks

    and suggestion boxes are set up at the SLMs where member feedback and issues are registered

    and addressed. Surveys on existing products happen at every SLM. These sessions also helpmembers understand and know SKS better. The SLMs are a great way to connect with our

    members and build brand loyalty. Many of our new initiatives like retail insurance, education

    and housing projects are an outcome of feedback and inputs received at SLMs. SKS expects to

    conduct SLMs every year across all operating states.

    Toll Free Number

    We are piloting a dedicated toll-free phone number for our members. This service will help

    members register their complaints and issues, as well as obtain information on existing

    products and services. The toll-free number service is monitored by a dedicated team which

    ensures that issues and complaints registered are resolved in a timely manner. Software and

    other tools have been developed to ensure smooth operations. The service will be rolled out in

    phases in the coming months.

    Group Leader feedback

    We obtain feedback from group leaders through pre-paid postal letters. The letters are pre-

    printed in vernacular languages with well-defined fields where group leaders provide feedback.

    In the first phase of this initiative, more than 65,000 letters have been dispatched to group

    leaders of selected branches in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West

    Bengal. Nearly, 4,000 of these letters have been received and data is being collated.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    16/32

    16

    WORKING METHODOLOGY OF SKS

    SKS has identified the barriers to scaling microfinancewhat it calls the 3 Cs of Capital,

    Capacity and Costsand has taken an innovative approach to overcome these barriers. These

    three principles, using a profit-oriented model, drawing on best practices from the business

    world for scaling and using technology have helped us create a new generation of microfinance

    institution and enabled us to reach numbers that otherwise the microfinance sector has not seen

    before.

    Capital

    Many believe that microfinance should be a social business, meaning investors should get

    their investment back but no profits. SKS has a different view. If the microfinance industry isgoing to provide the estimated INR 2,399.35 billion (USD 51.4 billion) of credit needed by the

    poor, it must tap commercial capital markets and that means structuring microfinance so that

    investors can expect a return on their investment. That is why SKS converted from a non-profit

    NGO to aprofit Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) regulated by the Reserve Bank

    of Indiain 2005.

    Capacity

    With rapid scaling comes the challenge of building organisational capacity. Rather than look at

    conventional microfinance models, SKS based its business strategy on principles borrowed

    from fast-scaling consumer businesses. SKS standardised its products and front-line processes

    and adopted factory-style training models that have helped corporate giants scale up rapidly

    thereby boosting our own workforce capabilities and growth.

    Costs

    SKS Microfinance firmly believes that technology is one of the key enablers for scaling

    microfinance. For SKS, technology is an investment that is adding value to what and how we

    offer financial solutions to our members. SKS Microfinance is among the first to develop and

    deploy an industry standard MF technology platform in-house, delivering superior value to our

    end customers. The systems designed and deployed at SKS have enabled the business to grow

    rapidly since its simple to use, saves time, is accurate and allows for data highlights to be

    transferred to the Head office when needed. SKS is now investing in putting up a robust IT

    backbone with a world class data backup centre delivering mission critical services and

    connectivity across our branch offices to manage the next phase of growth. The new agile and

    scalable technology architecture is capable of handling the challenges specific to the

    microfinance sector. A web-based Business Intelligence portal using state-of-art technology

    and a highly flexible and scalable platform has also been deployed to support the business

    growth and operations.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    17/32

    17

    SKS Microfinance follows the Joint Liability group Model. The methodology involves lending

    to individual women, utilising five member groups where groups serve as the ultimate guarantor for each

    member.

    Our approach is to provide financial services at the doorstep of members in villages and urban

    colonies. This allows the poor convenience and savings in terms of cost and time associated

    with travelling to mainstream banks and enables SKS staff to promptly and fully collect

    repayments.

    Our loans are designed for convenience with small weekly repayments corresponding to cash

    flows. Small first loans inculcate credit discipline and collective responsibility. Interest and

    loan repayments are simplified for easy comprehension.

    The step by step procedure of SKS Microfinance:

    1. Village selection:

    Before starting operations, our staffs conduct village surveys to evaluate local conditions like

    population, poverty level, road accessibility, political stability and means of livelihood.

    2. Projection meeting:

    After a village is selected, SKS staff introduces the community to its mission, methodology and

    services.

    3. Mini projection meeting:

    Follow-up with interested women, and direct appeal to those who may not have attended

    earlier because of religious, class, caste or gender barriers.

    4. Group formation:

    Women form self-selected five-member groups to serve as guarantors for each other.

    Experience has shown that a five-member group is small enough to effectively enforce group

    peer pressure and, if necessary, large enough to cover repayments in case a member needs

    assistance.

    5. Compulsory group training:

    CGT is a four-day process consisting of hour-long sessions designed to educate clients on SKS

    processes and procedures and to also build a culture of credit discipline. Using innovative

    visual and participatory teaching methods, SKS staff introduces clients to our financial

    products and delivery methods. CGT also teaches clients the importance of Collective

    responsibility, how to elect group leaders, how to affix signatures, and a pledge that serves as a

    verbal contract between SKS and its members. During this training period, SKS staff collects

    quantitative data on each client to ensure qualification requirements are met, as well as to

    record base-line information for future analysis. On the fourth day, clients take a Group

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    18/32

    18

    6. Centre meeting:

    As additional groups are formed within a single village, a Centre(Sangam) emerges. During

    Centre Formation, groups are combined to form a centre of 3to 10 groups or 15 to 50 members.

    Weekly Centre meetings serve as a time to conduct financial transactions. Meetings are held

    early in the morning, so as to not interfere with clients daily activities. A leader and deputy

    leader are selected to facilitate meetings and ensure compliance with SKS procedures. In

    addition to financial transactions, members use the weekly meetings to discuss new loan

    applications and community issues. Centre meetings are conducted with rigid discipline in

    order to sustain the environment of credit discipline created during CGT.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    19/32

    19

    IMPACT

    The poor have no access to financial services that they need. This financial exclusion leads to

    the creation of a society where the poor lack opportunity. They pay a premium of products and

    services due to this. SKS aims to bridge this gap and bring the complete range of financial

    services to the doorsteps of its members. It also aims at adding value by using its network to

    distribute quality products and services that its members need.

    We believe that the most important way to improve the lives of the poor is through economic

    development. It is the foundation on which other human development - such as education and

    health - can be built. At SKS we are proud of improving the lives of more than 6 Million

    members through microfinance, which in turn fosters economic development. Each member isable to use microfinance to make a better life for herself and her family. Microfinance enables

    people to earn income and build assets, which mean families eat better, they can afford health

    care, and children are more likely to attend school.

    Within the microfinance sector, SKS has been able to distinguish itself through its

    performance. We have successfully applied methods from the business world, such as the use

    of standardisation and automation, to build an organisation that leads the microfinance industry

    in a number of areas, including rapid growth, high quality service to our members, streamlined

    delivery, transparency and innovative products.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    20/32

    20

    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SKS MICROFINANCEBALANCESHEET OF SKS MICROFINANCE LIMITED

    In crores

    Sources Of Funds March 2012 March 2011 March 2010 March 2009

    Total Share Capital 72.36 72.32 64.53 57.06

    Equity Share Capital 72.36 72.32 64.53 47.90

    Share ApplicationMoney

    4.51 9.41 4.18 1.93

    Preference Share

    Capital

    0.00 0.00 0.00 9.16

    Reserves 357.81 1,699.09 889.33 605.86

    RevaluationReserves

    0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

    Net worth 434.68 1,780.82 958.04 664.85

    Secured Loans 415.46 2,167.41 2,579.57 2,097.13

    Unsecured Loans 0.00 68.64 115.10 39.44

    Total Debt 415.46 2,236.05 2,694.67 2,136.57

    Total Liabilities 850.14 4,016.87 3,652.71 2,801.42

    Application Of

    Funds March 2012 March 2011 March 2010 March 2009

    Gross Block 76.16 62.49 44.13 30.67

    Less: Accum.Depreciation

    55.55 34.19 21.54 12.69

    Net Block 20.61 28.30 22.59 17.98

    Capital WIP 0.00 2.82 1.77 0.99

    Investments 0.20 3.76 0.20 0.00

    Inventories 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

    Sundry Debtors 0.21 1.92 2.95 2.14

    Bank Balance 169.57 334.15 225.50 157.93

    Total Current Assets 169.78 336.07 228.45 160.07Loans and Advances 969.52 3,704.96 3,046.47 1,470.77

    Fixed Deposits 520.41 223.76 748.02 1,389.09

    Total CA, Loans &Advances

    1,659.71 4,264.79 4,022.94 3,019.93

    Deffered Credit 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

    Current Liabilities 762.34 194.02 368.43 222.38

    Provisions 68.05 88.78 34.08 15.11

    Total CL &Provisions

    830.39 282.80 402.51 237.49

    Net Current Assets 829.32 3,981.99 3,620.43 2,782.44

    Total Assets 850.13 4,016.87 3,652.70 2,801.41

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    21/32

    21

    INCOME STATEMENT

    March 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

    Income 438.08 1,164.06 896.05 518.03 162.47

    Sales Turnover 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

    Excise Duty 438.08 1,164.06 896.05 518.03 162.47

    Net Sales 34.22 99.79 62.80 35.97 7.54

    Other Income 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

    Stock Adjustments 472.30 1,263.85 958.85 554.00 170.01

    Total Income

    Expenditure 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

    Raw Materials 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

    Power & Fuel Cost 251.89 326.35 213.59 135.47 47.50

    Employee Cost 0.72 1.92 1.21 0.69 0.00

    Other Manufacturing Expenses 1,297.59 372.47 149.55 72.57 4.21

    Selling and Admin Expenses 35.68 26.65 25.04 13.00 27.78

    Miscellaneous Expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00Preoperative Exp Capitalised 1,585.88 727.39 389.39 221.73 79.49

    Total Expenses-

    1,147.80436.67 506.66 296.30 82.98

    Operating Profit-

    1,113.58536.46 569.46 332.27 90.52

    PBDIT 200.14 347.89 288.41 194.43 56.47

    Interest-

    1,313.72188.57 281.05 137.84 34.05

    PBDT 10.02 16.15 12.60 10.85 5.11Depreciation 0.00 0.00 0.75 2.94 0.00

    Other Written Off-

    1,323.74172.42 267.70 124.05 28.94

    Profit Before Tax -1.14 -1.75 -0.89 -0.27 -0.33

    Extra-ordinary items-

    1,324.88170.67 266.81 123.78 28.61

    PBT (Post Extra-ord Items) 35.71 59.05 92.86 43.56 12.01

    Tax-

    1,360.60

    111.63 173.95 80.22 16.58

    Reported Net Profit 1,585.88 727.39 389.39 221.73 79.49

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    22/32

    22

    Total Value Addition 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00Preference Dividend

    Per share data

    (annualised)723.57 723.24 645.27 515.71 443.32

    Shares in issue (lakhs)-

    188.0415.43 26.96 15.56 3.74

    Earning Per Share (Rs) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

    Equity Dividend (%) 59.45 244.93 147.82 126.77 47.86

    Book Value (Rs)

    CASH FLOW STATEMENTS

    2012 2011

    Net Profit Before Tax -1323.75 172.43

    Net Cash From Operating Activities 1340.72 -634.50

    Net Cash (used in)/fromInvesting Activities

    -67.91 0.74

    Net Cash (used in)/from FinancingActivities -1209.83 245.43

    Net (decrease)/increase In Cash

    and Cash Equivalents62.99 -388.33

    Opening Cash & Cash Equivalents 389.15 777.48

    Closing Cash & Cash Equivalents 452.14 389.15

    RATIO ANALYSIS

    Investment Valuation Ratios 2012 2011Face Value 10.00 10.00

    Dividend Per Share -- --

    Operating Profit Per Share (Rs) -158.63 60.38

    Net Operating Profit Per Share (Rs) 60.54 160.95

    Free Reserves Per Share (Rs) 36.20 224.24

    Bonus in Equity Capital -- --

    Profitability Ratios

    Operating Profit Margin(%) -262.00 37.51

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    23/32

    23

    Profit Before Interest And Tax Margin(%) -245.19 33.27

    Gross Profit Margin(%) -264.29 36.12

    Cash Profit Margin(%) -285.79 10.25

    Adjusted Cash Margin(%) -285.79 10.25

    Net Profit Margin(%) -288.14 8.83

    Adjusted Net Profit Margin(%) -288.14 8.83

    Return On Capital Employed(%) -132.17 12.95

    Return On Net Worth(%) -316.29 6.30

    Adjusted Return on Net Worth(%) -316.05 6.40

    Return on Assets Excluding Revaluations 59.45 244.93

    Return on Assets Including Revaluations 59.45 244.93

    Return on Long Term Funds(%) -157.22 13.73

    Liquidity And Solvency Ratios

    Current Ratio 1.52 6.56

    Quick Ratio 2.00 14.95

    Debt Equity Ratio 0.97 1.26

    Long Term Debt Equity Ratio 0.66 1.14

    Debt Coverage Ratios

    Interest Cover -6.10 1.58

    Total Debt to Owners Fund 0.97 1.26

    Financial Charges Coverage Ratio -5.56 1.54

    Financial Charges Coverage Ratio Post Tax -5.75 1.37

    Management Efficiency RatiosInventory Turnover Ratio -- --

    Debtors Turnover Ratio 410.91 477.49

    Investments Turnover Ratio -- --

    Fixed Assets Turnover Ratio -- --

    Total Assets Turnover Ratio -- --

    Asset Turnover Ratio 0.18 20.77

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    24/32

    24

    CASE STUDY OF SKS MICROFINANCE

    Name: Bandaru Lakshmi

    Children: Two Daughters, One Son

    Place: Atukula Bazaar, Suryapet, Nalgonda District

    Business: Sells Readymade Garments

    Lakshmi starts her day very early. She completes all the household chores and sets out to make a living. She

    sells readymade garments in the nearby villages and earns INR 500 (USD 10) everyday. This

    is todays Lakshmi.

    When Lakshmi with her family came to Atukula Bazaar, in Suryapet, they were penniless. The

    family had no hope of surviving. Her husband was not doing too well at his business and no one was

    ready to lend them money. Lakshmi was worried about how they would bring up their two daughters

    and son. Lakshmi came to know about SKS operations in her village and she took an income

    generating loan of INR 10,000 (USD 212). With that amount she started to buy and sell

    readymade garments in the nearby villages. With a heavy load on her head, she went door to

    door and worked hard to pool up money. Confident about the sales and her hard work, she took a second

    income generating loan of INR 12,000 (USD 255). Later, she took a loan of INR 14,000 (USD 297)

    to purchase the readymade cloth for more sales. Her daily earnings were growing steadily. Today, sheclocks a monthly income of INR 30,000 (USD 638) per month.

    Lakshmi is an inspiration to many today. A role model of sorts to other members at Suryapet, Lakshmi

    recently felt most rewarded when her eldest daughter secured a job in Infosys. Thanks to the

    loans SKS extended to me time and again, I was able to give my children a decent

    education. Today people respect our family and I am grateful, says Lakshmi, her eyes brimming

    with tears of gratitude and joy

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    25/32

    25

    CASE STUDY OF SKS MICROFINANCE

    Name: Ameena Bi

    Children: Two Daughters, One Son

    Place: Chowdadena Halli, Narsapur Mandal, Kolar, Karnataka

    Business: Florist

    When Ameena Bi and her husband Abdul Latif from Kolar worked as daily wagers they could

    barely make INR.120 (USD 2) per day as wages. While Ameena was a construction labour, Abdul worked at a

    shop making mattresses. With three school-going children to fend for, they had a tough time making ends

    meet.

    Three years ago, they sensed hope round the corner when Ameena learnt about SKS. She

    joined an SKS centre near home and availed her first Income Generation Loan of INR

    10,000 (USD 212). The couple dreamt of having a small shop selling mattresses, pillows and cushions.

    Cotton and cloth are sourced from wholesale dealers in Bangalore and an assistant was hired to

    help with the work.

    It takes approximately three hours to make a single mattress and we charge INR 600(USD

    12) for the same. The Assistant is paid Rs.40 per mattress, explains Abdul.

    Twenty-five weeks later Ameena took a Mid-Term loan of INR 2, 000 (USD 42) and with herfathers help set up a small enterprise selling flowers. She sources flowers from her own little

    garden and the wholesale flower bazaar in Kolar. She has also hired two assistants who help

    her make garlands and she pays them Rs.40 per day (less than a dollar). Soon she created a

    sales channel using local trucks that would help transport her flowers to nearby local markets.

    Ameena and Abdul were gaining confidence in themselves with every passing day. Atthe end

    of 50 weeks, Ameena took her second Income Generation loan of INR 12,000(USD 255) which

    the couple used judiciously to expand their business.

    Today, Ameena earns INR 300 (USD 6) per day and during festive and wedding seasons thisamount goes up significantly. Abdul too earns INR 300 (USD 6) - INR 400(USD 8.5) on an

    average per day. They have come a long way in the three years of using microfinance and look forward to

    when they can access an Individual loan which would help them further build their business. I am

    happy with the services rendered by the Company. Our lifestyle has improved and we are respected

    and loved by all. Today we dream of a larger business and a better life for our children, says a

    grateful Ameena.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    26/32

    26

    SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF SKS MICROFINANCE

    While credit for Micro-enterprise has been the anchor of microfinance, SKS knows that it is

    not just enough. Therefore, SKS provides quality English medium primary education to

    children of rural India at very low costs through the Bodhi Academy; it ensures better health

    for children across rural India through mass scale immunisation and deworming programmes.

    For the destitute sections of society who do not have even the social collateral to access

    microfinance, SKS manages the Ultra Poor Programme through its NGO

    The SKS Ultra Poor Programme addresses the challenge of extreme poverty in its threemanifestations, economic, social and health, and aims to graduate ultra poor clients to a point

    where their growth is self-sustainable.

    An intensive 18-month programme helps enhance the awareness levels about government

    resources, social issues and health care, and creates stable livelihoods.

    Upon graduation, many members may choose to join microfinance organisations

    or government sponsored SHG (Self Help Group) Bank linkage programme to sustain

    livelihoods and diversify into new opportunities.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    27/32

    27

    RECENT NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT SKS MICROFINANCE LIMITED

    SKS MICROFINANCE: FUTURE STILL CLOUDY

    Investors of SKS Microfinance cheered a report by a committee appointed by Indias central

    bank released Wednesday that recommended creating a non-banking finance company, or

    NBFC, for microlenders.

    But while the report allays fears about the survival of for-profit microlenders in India, its

    recommendations on capping margins also threaten to erode the industrys profits.

    Microlenders have been anxiously awaiting the report put together by a panel set up by the

    Reserve Bank of India late last year to suggest long-term and structural changes in the

    functioning of microfinance institutions, or MFIs. This came after allegations of

    microlenders charging high interest rates and, in some cases, being overly aggressive in the

    collection of loan repayments caused a backlash against the industry.

    The report recommends that the RBI should be the sole regulator of the newly created

    category of MFI-NBFCs. This comes as good news for microlenders, analysts say.

    Making the RBI the sole regulator protects the sector from the whims and fancies of

    politicians while also proposing that MFIs be given the flexibility to fix the frequency of

    repayment with their borrowers as deemed appropriate, said Ambit Capital in a research

    note.

    The recommendation is crucial, especially for SKS Microfinance, the largest microlender in

    the country by assets and the only one to be listed on the stock exchanges. On Thursday,

    SKS Microfinance shares rose to an one-month high of 756 rupees ($16.6) and were up

    6.6% at 712.60 rupees in afternoon trade.

    SKS shares have lost 34.3% over the past three months in the face of regulatory heat from

    the state of Andhra Pradesh, where the bulk of the banks lending activity is concentrated. In

    December, the state passed a bill seeking to cap interest rates in the microfinance sector,

    prevent strong-arm recovery tactics and also to make the collection cycle monthly rather

    than weekly. As a result, loan collections for SKS and other microlenders have plummeted

    in recent months, sparking concerns about a jump in bad loans.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    28/32

    28

    The report also recommends that loans to MFIs by banks should be included in the so-calledpriority sector category, a move which would benefit microlenders. Banks in India are

    required to have a fixed percentage of their advances as loans to the priority sector category

    and are eager to lend to these segments in order to meet the stipulation.

    But the committee has also recommended capping interest rates charged on individual loans

    by microlenders at 24% and defined a fixed operating margin, or the difference between

    what MFIs charge end-borrowers and what the institutions themselves pay for funds. For

    MFIs with a loan book above 1 billion rupees, the panel has recommended a cap of 10% on

    average margins, but allowed margins of 12% for those with a smaller book.

    JP Morgan estimates SKS margins have been in the range of 12%-17% over the past two-

    three years years. It says MFIs will now have to cut costs significantly if they are to

    maintain profitability levels.

    With high profits no longer a given, SKS investors will now have to rely on the companys

    management skills to cut operating expensesnot an easy task when youre in the business

    of servicing small-sized loans for customers usually located in far-flung areas.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    29/32

    29

    MICROFINANCE CHALLENGES

    Inherent in the market for microfinance is a deep debate about its goalsshould it be a profit

    making industry or a market that purely helps serve the poor?

    According to Dr. Vikram Akula, one of the founders ofSKS Microfinance, SKS will reach its

    maximum amount of clients by remaining profitable; the more profitable SKS is, the more

    capital we can raise, the more poor people we can serve.

    However, the Indian Federal Reserve Bank has recently created a special panel to examine

    concerns over high interest rates, so called coercive recovery processes, and multiple lending

    practices by various microfinance institutions. The perception from some sources is that bigMFIs, like SKS, do not provide low enough interest rates to benefit borrowers. There are also

    concerns that corporate governance in the microfinance sector promotes overly aggressive

    lending strategies.

    Are these accusations accurate? Are any of these concerns being exaggerated?

    According to Akula, these concerns are part of a witch hunt. He says. . .

    The reason there is such hostility to the SKS model is that we are upsetting a lot of vested

    interests. We are breaking the hold of village loan sharks and we are introducing a private

    sector model for development that many traditional NGOs hate. We are making it difficultfor the media because our model cannot be explained in a nice tidy sound bite. It is neither

    development as usual nor is it business as usual. SKS blends the best aspects of both.

    There is certainly merit to both sides. On one hand, the microfinance community is in a high

    growth stage, bordering on potentially aggressive policies to maintain profitability for

    shareholders. On the other hand, the SKS Microfinance business model testifies to the

    convergence between financial and social performance objectives.

    Although the dissent against SKS Microfinance might be exaggerated, SKS is pro-actively

    searching for ways to expand its financial services to the poor, with the intention of making itsservices more cost-effective and accessible. Specifically, SKS is planning to provide a

    diversified range of financial products, ranging from housing to micro insurance to lending

    against gold and then scaling the new products. These plans will result in a heightened supply

    of financial services, as well as a heightened demand for career bankers around the world.

    In addition to internal risk management policies, there is an emergence of microfinance

    transparency organizations, like MF Transparency which is a US-based nongovernmental

    organization that was created in July 2008. It is not surprising that private industry is resolving

    many of these concerns, absent public intervention.

    http://www.greenchipstocks.com/articles/SKS-Microfinance-IPO/795http://www.greenchipstocks.com/articles/SKS-Microfinance-IPO/795
  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    30/32

    30

    SKS FINANCE PLANS TO ADD SOME FINANCIAL SERVICESSKS Microfinance Ltd., an Indian lender to the poor backed by Sequoia Capital, plans to

    branch out into financial services including life insurance targeting the countrys rural regions

    after its founder quit.

    Going forward, we will look at elements other than microfinance that are relevant for financial

    services in the rural areas, said P.H. Ravikumar, who took over as interim chairman after

    founder Vikram Akula stepped down yesterday.

    Akula has struggled to revive earnings at the company, modeled on Nobel laureate Muhammad

    Yunuss Grameen Bank, after the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh unveiled tougher

    collection rules for microlenders. He presided over an 88 percent drop in the companys shares

    since it began trading in August 13, 2010, and three straight quarters of losses.

    SKS needs to find a new business model if it is to maximize shareholder value, said Sanjay

    Sinha, managing director Of Micro-Credit Ratings International Ltd. in Gurgaon. Thats

    because the revival of microfinance in India could be a long-term rather than a short-term

    prospect until federal regulations are in place for the sector, he said.

    Shares of the company fell 2.4 percent to 112.65 rupees at 11:20 a.m. in Mumbai, after surging

    as much as 5.5 percent. The benchmark Sensex fell 1.1 percent.

    Akulas exit may also have been dictated by the fact that he was not in favor of the conversion

    of the microfinance company he founded, said Sinha. Akula, 43, will be a consultant to SKS

    till March 2012, according to a statement from the company yesterday.

    Beyond Microfinance

    The company, based in Hyderabad, plans to raise 9 billion rupees ($172 million) selling shares

    by March and use the proceeds to fund its microlending business, Ravikumar said. The

    company posted a second-quarter loss of 3.85 billion rupees.

    I have witnessed first-hand the amazing impact SKS has had in India, Vinod Khosla, founder

    of Khosla Ventures and a SKS shareholder said in the statement. But a lot more needs to be

    done.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    31/32

    31

    SKS wants to target marginally higher income families in rural areas and generate revenuefrom other services, including housing finance and becoming business correspondents for

    banks, said Ravikumar, a director on the board for the past five years. It will take about six

    months to put plans in place, he said.

    Akulas exit follows the ouster of Chief Executive Officer Suresh Gurumani in October last

    year. Its the companys second high-level departure since its listing last year.

    SKS began operating in 1998 as a nongovernmental organization led by Akula, a doctorate in

    political science from the University of Chicago. Akula, a former McKinsey & Co. consultant,

    studied the training of unskilled workers at McDonalds Corp. and Burger King Holdings Inc.

    in 2005 and used the learnings for loan officers at SKS.

    Farmer Suicides

    Microlenders, including SKS, which offer loans to the poor starting from $100, saw their

    collections plunge after Andhra Pradesh in October 2010 capped the interest microfinance

    companies can charge and barred them from coercing borrowers to repay debt following

    suicides by farmers unable to pay debt.

    Indias government is considering a bill that will have the Reserve Bank of India regulate the

    industry. The Micro Finance Institutions (Development and Regulation) Bill will make it

    necessary for all micro lenders to register with the central bank, create a reserve fund from

    profits, and audit their results each year.

  • 7/29/2019 Final Hard Coy Sks Finance

    32/32

    CONCLUSIONThe prosperities and banes of Microfinance have often been a debatable issue. Studies of

    Microfinance have depicted that the borrowers experienced an average of 20% increase in

    income.

    SKS Microfinance has done an extremely great job by banking the unbanked till date.

    Expanding employment opportunities and increasing hours of employment per week have also

    been noted amongst successful borrower households. Women reported a direct correlation

    between having money and increased status and recognition - resourceful women using the

    loans to empower themselves. Significant change in household and community status could

    be derived by women who maintained control of their loans.

    While it is acknowledged that within most loan schemes borrowers do experience improved

    incomes, there are many variables which influence the extent of success at an individual,

    organisational and environmental levelfor example who is initially targeted, their skill level,

    gender, marital status, and what external support is available. Ongoing access to loans has had

    a positive impact on borrowers household security.

    Not only does SKS finance lend money, it lends hope, status and a bright future to many

    people. However it is necessary for SKS to make profits beneath these activities or else it has

    to jeopardise its existence.