Shares of IFCI rebounded 6% on Friday after plunging 9% in the previous session, a decline likely triggered by profit booking following a stellar rally. The stock has surged about 58% in less than a month to hit a record high, fueled by optimism surrounding the much-awaited NSE IPO.
IFCI shares jumped around 6% to trade at Rs 87.50 apiece on Friday morning. The stock has gained nearly 65% in 2026 so far. In the longer term, shares of the company delivered a whopping 616% return over three years and 556% over five years.
NSE files IPO papers with SEBI
NSE filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with capital markets regulator SEBI on Wednesday, setting the ball rolling for an IPO that has been delayed for nearly a decade. The maiden public issue of the stock exchange will entirely comprise an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 14.89 crore shares, expected to be worth around $3 billion.
Also read: NSE files DRHP for mega $3 billion IPO, SBI among 10 investors to sell stake
NSE’s much-awaited IPO will provide liquidity for several long-term institutional investors while marking a major milestone for the country's leading stock exchange. Earlier this year, SEBI granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) for NSE's much-awaited IPO, removing a key regulatory hurdle that had delayed the process for years.
NSE currently trades in the unlisted market at around Rs 1,950-2,055 per share, implying a valuation of nearly Rs 5 lakh crore. This would make it one of the most valuable listed financial institutions in India once the public issue is completed. Unlike most IPOs, where companies raise capital to fund expansion plans, NSE's IPO is largely intended to provide liquidity and an exit route for long-standing investors.
Also read: 10 key things investors need to know about NSE IPO
Why are IFCI shares rallying on NSE IPO?
According to the DRHP, Stock Holding Corporation is planning to sell the stock exchange’s 1.089 crore shares via the OFS. IFCI owns a 52.86% stake in Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL), which in turn, holds 4.4% of NSE as of the December quarter.
Through its controlling interest in SHCIL, IFCI enjoys indirect exposure to NSE, making its stock particularly sensitive to developments related to the exchange’s IPO. At the current grey market price of Rs 2,055 apiece, NSE shares that Stock Holding Corporation plans to sell will be worth around Rs 2,238 crore.
Should investors buy BSE shares now or wait for NSE IPO?
