Foreign institutional investors (FIIs)’ stake in Infosys is nearing historic highs. During the quarter ended September, they bought 6.38 million Infosys shares for Rs 2,236 crore, raising their stake 1.1 per cent, data show. The number of FIIs holding stake in the company has risen from 912 at the end of June to 926 at the end of September. As of September-end 2013, 808 FIIs held stake in the company; the number stood at 778 a year earlier.
Recently, the stock hit a lifetime high. Also, the company announced 1:1 bonus shares to shareholders, including those holding American depository receipts, after a gap of eight years. Life Insurance Corporation of India has increased its stake in Infosys from 3.82 per cent at the end of June to 4.45 per cent in September, acquiring 3.62 million shares (0.63 per cent stake) for Rs 1,270 crore. Retail investors, however, booked profits on every rise, with their holding in the company nearing a decadal low. Individual investors’ stake declined from 9.32 per cent in June to 9.06 per cent in September.